Teens On A Mission In Cherokee County

Hundreds of kids from Missouri are spending part of their summer break in the scorching Oklahoma sun.  It's part of a Methodist mission trip coordinated with the help of the Cherokee Nation.  News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports the teens are working hard in Hulbert.

It is not what you would normally expect to see teenagers doing on their summer break.  But, this week is no ordinary week.  Teens from Methodist Church congregations in the St. Louis area are in Hulbert for a mission trip.

It's hot, sweaty, tiring work, but worth it because they're helping others.

It is Cassie Kibens first mission trip.

"I would rather be out helping someone rather than being inside playing video games or something like that," said Cassie Kibens.

Cassie is among 350 teens and sponsors from Missouri signed up for a week of work in Oklahoma.  The Missouri United Methodist Church Conference and the Cherokee Nation coordinated the trip.

"I think we sell our kids short today.  They can do a lot," said Beverly Boehmer with the United Methodist Church Conference.

And, these kids are doing a lot:  building a concrete walkway between New Hope Baptist Church and its fellowship building.  Inside, they're painting.

Minister Jim Carey is grateful for the makeover from the missionaries.  He loves their enthusiasm.

"When I met them here Monday morning, they were gung ho to go to work," said minister Jim Carey.

The teenagers' mission trip doesn't stop with concrete work or painting inside the church, in fact, there are more than 20 different projects in the Hulbert and Tahlequah areas.  They'll do everything from ice storm debris removal to reroofing houses.

Coordinators say it's also a good way to share their Christian faith by helping people in need.

"Not just to get, but to give to others.  Give their time and give their heart," said youth minister Ben Hunter.

And, they'll take away a joy of serving others, it's hoped will last a lifetime.  The Methodist teenagers from Missouri have also done mission trips this summer to help hurricane victims along the Texas gulf coast, tornado victims in Kansas, and low income families in Missouri.