Operation 206- Home Repair Ministry/Missions Camp

By Jason Anding

During the third week of June, 46 students from First United Methodist Church in Houston, Mississippi and First United Methodist Church in Grenada, Mississippi came together in Grenada to be the hands and feet of Christ at Operation 206. Operation 206 came from a vision of seeing a need in the community five years ago. The number 206 is the exit number to Grenada off of Interstate 55.

The youth stay at the church the entire week. They are asked to fast from there cell phones and iPods for the week to bring help bring community and unity to those attending the camp. During the day, the young people worked at seven sites. One group built new steps for an elderly lady’s front door. Another group painted the kitchen and hallway at the Grenada Soup Kitchen and served meals. Some did yard work at the Boys and Girls Club and cleaned inside. Others painted an elderly widow’s home and surprised her with new flowers. One group served at the Grenada Food Pantry and another group painted and did yard work of a student’s home who is involved with the First UMC Grenada youth.

Each evening the students came together for worship. Matt Howington the youth and families coordinator for the conference did an amazing job of engaging the students with the truth of the Gospel. Matt King of EastPoint Church in Hernando led the music and helped focus hearts and minds on the Throne.