JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH DONATE TO HAVEN HOUSE

On May 29, 2003, 19 junior high youth and 7 sponsors arrived at 10am in Lexington to work at Haven House.  We painted walls, woodwork, and a picnic table with paint which was donated by members of the congregation.  We also donated 20 bicycles to Haven House's bicycle program, and we gave a check for $275 which was raised through a Noisy Offering at church.  That evening, we played at the Big Apple in Kearney and returned home by midnight.  The youth who participated were:  Kayla Clark, James Barta, Josh Tondreau, Matt Buhlmann, Katie Teahon, Chad Spence, Mishayla Richardson, Dan Lowe, Destri Millsap, Allison Rowden, Jacob Hueftle, Megan Neth, Kass Boje, Ellen Ross, Sarah Pracht, Bryan Meyer, Courtney Quackenbush, Mike Russell, and Logan Girardin.  Sponsors were:  Mick and Sheila Clark, Dean and Michelle Millsap, Deborah and Charles Spence, and Kim Rowden.
 

Hard work, fun, and a nice letter from Susan Mendez, Haven House's director. Allison hard at work Courtney and Ellen smile while they work

A group shot before we leave the church. Megan wielding a roller James takes a breather Kim and Charles give Jesse a check for $275

Haven House is a Nebraska Conference United Methodist Advance Special facility which supports immigrants from Mexico and Central America as they seek employment in Lexington at IBP.  Shelter is provided for up to 26 adults for a maximum of 5 days.  Clothing is available to those who need it, and a soup kitchen serves three meals daily to anyone in the community who needs to be fed.  Last year, Haven House served 12,000+ meals to residents and the community.  Food is obtained through the Kearney food bank, donations, and the Wal-Mart distribution center.  50% of Haven House’s funding is received through United Way with the balance coming from local churches in Lexington, the Nebraska Conference of the United Methodist Church, and individual donors.

Haven House is located at 109 W. 8th in Lexington, Nebraska, and has been in existence since 1992.
 

We make the local newspaper, draw a crowd of one at the golf course, and smile a lot!

Bowling, volleyball, go-karts, and miniature golf at the Big Apple

During the bus ride home, our kids reflected on their day.  Here’s a sampling of their observations.

About Haven House:

Haven House can hold up to 26 immigrants from Mexico and other countries up to 5 days so they can find employment.
Haven House helps people in need of housing and jobs.
It isn’t very big.
Haven House has an open soup kitchen and serves 3 meals a day to anyone who needs it.
There is a peach tree in the front yard – don’t hang on it.

About God:

God uses humans to help make the world better and helps everyone through the tough times.
God is giving second chances.
He takes care of people and things in many ways.  He watches over us.
God helps those who help others (the people from Haven House got help from us).
I learned that God works through many people and we are some of them.
God works through the Haven House founders and managers to help the temporarily homeless.
God works tiny miracles.

And the votes are in on the fun:

Volleball was the big winner.  Go Karts came in second.  Mystic Bowling, eating, the mall, Golf USA, and hanging out with friends were also popular. 

A HUGE thanks goes to the congregation for supporting our mission trip with paint, bicycles, fundraising meals, the Noisy Offering, monetary donations, and prayers.  We appreciate all the support you’ve given us over the past year.  We’ve tried to be good stewards of your gifts. 

Be sure to take a moment to look at our collage on display in the narthex.

*****
If you know the e-mail addresses of other Jr. High UMYF members, please let the church office know so we can send them e-mail notices about this page's updates.  Or e-mail the information to custerum@cornhusker.net  Attention:  Deborah

This last page is our page.  On it we will post pictures, news, and special reminders.  Be sure to check it out!  If you'd like to contribute an article or picture for consideration, e-mail the information to custerum@cornhusker.net , attn:  Deborah.
In order to keep the cost of postage low, please let us know if you have an e-mail address.  We can then send you a notice when something new is posted.  One click, and you're in the KNOW!!!