Hope in Mayfield

After looking at all the rubble and debris left on the streets and seeing most of the town of Mayfield, Kentucky in a miserable, heart-breaking, and torn apart sight. The town had just had a tornado hit back in December of 2021. The tornado blew away Mayfield citizens’ homes, families, and historical landmarks that most people shared memories with, that are now all gone. 

Then we came in, a group of ordinary teenagers, three adult leaders, and some people from Iowa we’ve never met. We all barely knew each other and we came to work together? I mean ok whatever. We were introduced by our team leaders for the week, under the organization of Adventures in Missions, Their names were, Kaitlin Church, Carol Carter, and Pat Styles. They were all so open and welcoming, Kaitlin is a very humble, stand-out, and lovable person, where as Carol is the sweet grandma who spoils us with too much love and faith, and Pat, at first I thought she was a super scary person, but she turned out to be super kind, humorous, and such an out-going and lovable person. These three had such unique interests, but somehow all were able to be on the same page for this mission. If you ever get the chance to meet them, I suggest you do. 

The Bible states, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” (Hebrews 6:10). 

This shows that out of all the hard work we put in throughout the week to serve others, we were able to do it because The Lord gave us the support and passion to keep fighting the exhaustion, the weariness, and the sweating. We were able to tear down wallpaper, even though there was like three different layers of it, we were able to put up wire around Mr. Teddy’s house, and painted Mrs. Dorthey’s house. One of the hardest things this week was during the service work we did. The Mayfield citizens told some of us, I know that I asked some personally, about their stories and where they were during the terrible tornado. The looks on their faces were filled with scarred, sad, and a little trauma feelings. It was hard to listen to their stories and not be able to believe that this actually happened to these people. One of my friends on the trip stated that the things that these people go through makes my struggles feel like nothing in comparison. I would strongly agree, you don’t wanna have to lose your families and your pets and homes. It’s a hard life and I am so glad I was able to come down here and serve for them and pray with them, and show God’s love and hope to the little town of Mayfield. 

Even though the service to the citizens of Mayfield is why the Lord brought us down here, we still got to connect and start whole new relationships, not only in our own groups, but Minnesota people were mingling with Iowa people, it was super cool to see that relationship build from a friendship at the start, to a strong and faithful family by the last day. People who were also shy ended up breaking out of their comfort zone, and honestly it’s beautiful to see people break out of their shells, then it’s more fun for us people who have already found that and are able to communicate and have better, less awkward conversations with them. I’m pretty sure I was able to have a conversation or two with all 30 of us on the trip. That’s how close we all got. It amazes me that The Lord is able to bring us all together to serve and help others in need, and build a family I won’t be able to let go. 

I’ve been on many mission trips in the past, but nothing compares to this one. It’s heart-breaking, yet heart-warming as well, like a bitter-sweet combination. I got to meet some truly amazing people who I would call family. I also got to serve the people who have lost almost everything. We got to give them hope and faith again. The bible states “Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” (Philippians 2:2). This tells us to be, as one of my other friends likes to say, a “Little Jesus” to these people and show them the light of the Lord. It’s truly been a life-changing experience and I hope more people will keep volunteering to help and keep restoring the hope in Mayfield.