MISSION TOUR PROGRAM

PREACH THE GOSPEL ALWAYS. WHEN NECESSARY, USE WORDS.

--St. Francis of Assisi

MISSION TOUR 2012

Each year since 1998 the Pastor and up to 14 members and youth of Donegal Presbyterian Church have taken a week-long mission tour to "up-state" New York, outside the Adirondack Park. We work through the organization MINC (Mission In the North Country) to address the needs of those living with challenging conditions... un-insulated floors, deteriorated walls, leaking roofs, etc. We share Christ’s Love through the use of power tools, hammers, paint brushes, levels, tape measures, etc.

The program includes “rugged” living (no TV!), early wake-up calls, hard work, nightly Bible-study, and concludes with a strenuous hike through some of the most beautiful country God has created. It is rewarding beyond description for all adults and youth who attend.

We were pleased to have Jo Ann Matthews, our project coordinator, mentor, tutor, mother and great friend from MINC, at our October 2^nd worship services and Mission Tour pot-luck supper. She took part in the 9 AM and Back Door Church services along with David Labagh, Cole Bourassa and Anna Forry. She said this of our Mission Tour group:

“I know that when the Donegal group comes, they will be RELIABLE! I know that they will work hard, and will get their jobs done. That isn’t always the case with other groups. When I see young people who worked with us 10 years ago coming back as adult supervisors it makes me feel proud! Pastor Tom is amazing—he touches the hearts of the homeowners we serve. I know that when Donegal comes to the North Country, I can keep 2 or 3 more families safe and warm for another winter.”

Plans and preparation have begun for MT'12. We have frequent meetings and events that we hold to raise money and awareness. Due to overwhelming interest, the plan is to take as many as 18 this year, if we can raise enough extra money to cover our costs and pay for materials for the additional jobs we can work at.

Why do we go back to the same location each year?

Why not go to an area of extreme need, such as a recent hurricane or tornado or earthquake disaster zone? The answer is both need and cost. The need continues to exist in one of the poorest sections of rural New York State. It doesn’t go away just because there is no TV coverage of the area. The cost of the NY trip is nearly $6000 each year for equipment, supplies, housing, transportation and food. A longer trip would cost that much more. Additionally, there is much to do in the area that has little cost, and provides an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Adirondacks and then share a unique experience with the rest of the MT crew.

Last updated 10/8/11