LOWVILLE — A week-long community service effort by volunteers from 13 local churches was deemed a success by organizers.
“It was awesome,” said Dynall York, president of Loving Lewis County. “I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
Roughly 100 volunteers completed 20 projects — intended to meet the needs of county homeowners that would not be covered through other service agencies — during the group’s second work and witness week, Mrs. York said.
“It went really well,” she said. “The weather held out. God just took care of everything.”
Mrs. York said one homeowner decided not to have work done, but organizers were able to come up with several additional sites at which volunteers slated for that site, and others who finished their respective projects early, could work.
“I’ve learned over the years not to get nervous, as it will work out in the end,” she said. “And it did.”
The culmination of the effort was a combined church service Sunday at the Lewis County Fairgrounds that featured musical worship led by Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Lowville and a sermon by the Rev. Jack Bushey, pastor of New Life Fellowship in Beaver Falls, followed by a meal.
Mrs. York said 500 to 600 people attended the service, and it was amazing to once again see members of so many congregations “come together as one.”
At least five of the assisted homeowners were also in attendance, exceeding the number who went to the initial joint service two years ago, she said.
Mrs. York said she is grateful for the willingness of churches in this community to work together and feels Loving Lewis County is helping to foster that cooperative spirit.
The Bethel Church of the Nazarene congregation in Lowville several years ago began undertaking mission projects, either locally or elsewhere, every couple of years.
Two years ago, church members decided to expand the effort to include any other churches that also wished to participate, and the inaugural Loving Lewis County work week featured volunteers from seven area congregations.
Plans are to continue holding work and witness weeks every two years.
Loving Lewis County also oversees three other ministries: an annual clothing drive held at the Lowville Baptist Church, a benevolence program to help people who are not affiliated with a church with emergency needs and a care program to visit and provide food or other assistance to area residents.