Water sprayed and gushed over all 73 U.M. Army missionaries, ending their week of serving the Edna community by beginning and ending different types of work projects. It happened in front of the First United Methodist Church, the church who hosted the group and their adult directors for the week.
When they first drove into Edna and FUMC two Sundays ago, they were happy to see welcome signs from not only the parish, but around town, gracing the Texana Arts Council theater marquee, their logo on the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce LED sign, in tandem with yard signs on Highway 111.
Scott Atnip, U.M. Army’s Executive Director, said it was an amazing week for them, and they were able to identify homeowners who needed help, and who the U.M. Army was able to serve.
They built numerous wheelchair ramps, replaced some floors, did sheetrock work, painting, and executed yard work projects in the community.
“This community has graciously welcomed us,” Atnip said, “they’ve opened their arms to us in many ways, and have been really great to get to know over the course of the week.”
In various ways, Edna gave back to say thank you, and provided lots of love to the U.M. Army. They donated meals, brought snacks to FUMC, hosted their bathrooms for showers, donated ice, plus the FUMC welcomed the 73 to sleep on their floor, enjoy their fellowship hall, and worship in their sanctuary morning and night.
“We felt welcome all week and grateful for the hospitality the community showed, and for allowing us to do this mission work,” Atnip said. “Not every church would say yes to that.”
Atnip also spoke of the diverse group of students who chose to do this type of mission: paying $275 to work a week in hot and humid temperatures helping homeowners, plus willing to sleep on the floor of FUMC.
Atnip shared the boost the missionaries gave him.
“One of the things I love about this generation is they’re looking for opportunities to serve,” he said. “It’s inspiring as a camp director to be around them. They show up Sunday as strangers, and now they’re laughing and serving together. We can all take something away from that.”
The missionaries worked from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and went on various adventures as a group in the evening. They played games, ate out at local restaurants, and enjoyed the fire trucks’ water on late Friday afternoon.
The missionaries came from FUMC in Huntsville, FUMC Brownsville, FUMC Killeen, St. Philips UMC Houston, Mosaic UMC Houston, FUMC Boerne, and Pflugerville UMC and Immanuel Lutheran in Pflugerville.
The U.M. Army stands for United in Mission, Action Reach-Out Ministry by Youth, and is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, with offices in Texas and the Northeastern United States. Visit their website, umarmy.org, to learn more.
