Kentucky Changers Impact
Youth in Kentucky who serve as Kentucky Changers each summer are used by God to make an awesome impact for the Great Commission. At the same time God makes an awesome impact on their lives for eternity.The experience of repairing homes, building relationships with other Christian youth and the homeowners combined with powerful worship and small group time result in many decisions for Christ.
This past summer, 999 youth participated in a week of repairing homes in Bullitt County, the city of Princeton and in Crittenden Association. During the three weeks of Kentucky Changers this past summer, the youth repaired 90 homes. The home transformations typically include such projects as new roofs, new paint, new windows or a new wheelchair ramp.
It is a credit to these youth that they pay for the cost of their trip and room and board for the privilege of doing hard physical labor to help people in need. They usually sleep on the floor in a school.
Local churches also play a significant role by delivering lunch to the job sites and providing funds for materials if the local government does not have the funds or a grant to do so.
It is an incredible experience to be present for the final night when the teams celebrate the accomplishments of the week by viewing the before and after pictures of the homes on a large screen. This past summer, three homeowners and a boy in one home accepted Jesus Christ.
Crew chiefs and assistant crew chiefs play strategic roles in the youths’ experience. They assist the young people in learning to work together as a team and learning new home repair skills. They also teach safety in using the equipment. It is a strong development experience for youth who learn new skills and grow spiritually at the same time.
Among the Kentucky Changers themselves this summer, decisions for Christ included 40 professions of faith, 69 rededications and 38 commitments to vocational Christian service. Leaders who accompany the youth groups follow up on decisions after the youth return home.
A number of the youth who have been participants over the past 16 years have gone on to become youth leaders themselves and now bring their youth to participate.
It was exciting to be present at Little Flock Baptist Church for the Bullitt County celebration. It is great to see youth leaders who are excited and grateful to God for the growth and development of their youth.
As executive director, it is a privilege to see the cooperation and leadership of the Kentucky Baptist Convention staff blessed by God for a powerful Great Commission impact. Thank you, Kentucky Baptists, for your generous support of the Cooperative Program which provides funding for staff and these ministries!
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posted by: Bill Mackey on August 17th, 2010