Volunteers from Milford, New Jersey, returned to West Virginia prepared to work with individuals in need as they had in the past. A group that really got what mission was about, they knew that relationship was as important as the work they did, and they looked forward to meeting a family that they would help.

They tried not to show disappointment when they found out they would be working in a small church to replace the floor. They wondered about the real mission here — they wanted to share Christ and show love, not just do some repair work. And to beat all, it was not even a Presbyterian Church! It was a Church of God!

But being up for whatever task to which God called them, they loaded up their tools and smiles and headed over the mountain to find the little country church. Indeed they found that this church needed help.

Like many rural West Virginia churches, the congregation was older, and few members were able to do little more than contribute what they could to try to keep the church going. They understood mission though — they knew it was not about keeping their building open for Sunday morning. This church was the community food pantry and supply distribution center. And the soft floor in the fellowship hall had to be replaced before someone got hurt. They had supplies if WVMAW could supply labor.

The team jumped in and tore out the floor. Like most projects around this area, the more they tore out, the worse it became, and what looked like a fast job turned into a major overhaul. Being well skilled, they were up to the challenge.

And to their delight, they found that their mission was not just about the work. They were blessed over and over with building relationships with folks in this little community. From the pastor of the church to people in the community, they had visitors and advice givers who just stopped by, and the church women kept them well fed every day for lunch.

There were many differences between the team from New Jersey and the community folks in West Virginia — culturally, physically, theologically and, heck, they didn’t even SOUND alike! Yet no matter what differences they may have had, what they shared in common was the love of Christ. What they all held dear was hearing the call to go out into all the world and preach the gospel.

That week the gospel was preached loud and clear in the gifts given by the volunteers, and in the hospitality given by the community.