Group Helps Clean Up Neighborhood

Hundreds of people went out in West Tulsa to lend a helping hand to neighbors in need.<br/><br/>"We have four of five hundred people in these red t-shirts sweating for Jesus," said Winnetka Heights Pastor

Saturday, August 11th 2007, 3:52 pm

By: News On 6

Hundreds of people went out in West Tulsa to lend a helping hand to neighbors in need.

"We have four of five hundred people in these red t-shirts sweating for Jesus," said Winnetka Heights Pastor Todd Ragsdale.

Ragsdale is part of Team Relief, an organization formed in 2005 to help people rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. Saturday was the first time the team launched a mission at home in Oklahoma. Guts Church and Winnetka Heights Church teamed up to mow and rake yards and make some repairs to neighborhood homes. And, it's been an overwhelming success.

"We're just here reaching out with the love of God to this neighborhood,â€ Ragsdale said. â€œIt's one thing to come to church, but to actually put on gloves and get to work and show the love of Christ, we believe that's what it's all about."

"I think it's great to go around the world, but it's also important for us, just within arms reach, to make the biggest impact we can make," said Guts Church Pastor Bill Scheer.

"Part of serving the community or whatever is just to provide an opportunity to have a big party,â€ Jeremy Bedell, Guts Church Children's Director said. â€œWe wanted to bless kids and feed families and have a good time."

After the work was done, the party got started. There were burgers and games, even a little face painting.

Team Relief says it's excited to serve people in Green Country and the group hopes this is the first of many missions here at home.

To learn more about Team Relief and how you can get involved visit their website, www.teamrelief.com.

Watch the video: Group Pitches In To Clean Up Westside Neighborhood