By Tim Beck*

On a cloudy Sunday across the Ohio Episcopal Area, more than 300 students and adult leaders from 31 United Methodist churches came ready to shine at the hands-on East Ohio Conference youth service event Project Feed. Hosted at The United Methodist Church of Kent (Northern Waters District), the event invited young people to step into the role of serving like Jesus by packaging meals for communities in need.

In partnership with Midwest Mission, students assembled 27,000 nutrient-rich meals that will be shipped directly to Jamaica in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. For many, it was their first time participating in a large-scale service project with churches from across the Conference – and, for most, it won’t be their last.

“We’re making 4,500 bags today – 27,000 meals – and every single one is headed to Jamaica next week,” shared Chantelle Corrie, executive director of Midwest Mission. “It’s a great way to feed so many people with food designed for those facing nutrient deficits. We’re excited to have these students serve and experience the joy that comes from making a difference.”

Corrie emphasized that the ministry is not only about the people receiving the meals, but the transformation that happens in the hearts of those who serve. “Some people might know Jesus in their head, but by serving, Jesus can travel from our hands or our heart.”

Throughout the event, students rotated through stations measuring ingredients, sealing bags, loading boxes, and ringing a celebratory bell after each box was filled. The energy was loud, joyful, and contagious.

“My job right now is packing boxes, 40 bags each,” said Logan Riley, a student from New London United Methodist Church (West Plains District). “Every time I finish a box, I get to ring the bell. I’ve done almost all the jobs, and it’s just a great feeling knowing you’re helping someone out.”

For some students, the experience surpassed expectations. “This is crazy and a lot of fun,” said Becky Haynes, a volunteer from Wellington First United Methodist Church (West Plains District). “Some of our kids weren’t sure about coming, but they’re having a great time. I love how practical this work is. It really helps people.”

“We do it because it’s fun,” said Deena Wolfe, Emerging Leaders coordinator at Dover First United Methodist Church (South Forest District). She, fellow regional coordinators Jennifer Dyer of Montrose UMC (Northern Waters District) and Anne Horvath of Willoughby Hills UMC (Northern Waters District), and Rick Stout, Youth director at Kent UMC, were the heroes who planned this year’s Project Feed.

Amid the noise and celebration, I and Youth Leaders Network Regional Coordinator Stefanie Williams from Boardman United Methodist Church (Central Valley District) gathered youth leaders and volunteers for conversation to explore: what compelled churches to bring students; the joys and concerns of today’s shifting youth-ministry landscape; and creative ways to stay connected at the local, regional and conference levels of the Church – especially through meaningful acts of service like Project Feed.

Rev. Nathan Howe, senior pastor of The UMC of Kent expressed gratitude for the chance to host. “We’re always grateful for opportunities to bring United Methodists together, to be in fellowship, and to make an impact,” he said.

As students headed home tired, joyful, and dusted with stray grains of rice, many echoed the same sentiment as Noah Helton of Norwalk First United Methodist Church (West Plains District), who said, “Project Feed is amazing. I can’t wait to do it again next year.”

Yes, it was amazing! Three hundred people serving in unison as the hands and feet of Jesus. In just days these meals will be feeding people in Jamaica. Sometimes serving others can be simple, practical, and fun. These students had a blast. To God be the glory.

The Conference Communications team would like to share other stories that highlight ways that each of us is answering the call to reach out to our communities in creative ways. Please e-mail your ministry story to EOC Executive Director of Communications Rick Wolcott at wolcott@eocumc.com.

* Tim Beck is the associate director of Engagement with Youth for the Ohio Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church.