RIGHT CLICK on the image above and click “Download Linked File” (Mac) or “Save Target As” (PC) to download the video.

It’s hard to leave. It seems that we only began on Saturday, as the churches pulled in from all over the country, ready to proclaim the Gospel of Christ through the sound of hammers and saws. A week of hard work, even harder fun, and times of very deep worship and conversation have flown by. It is our prayer that the students will take the fire that they started in Knoxville home with them to their churches and towns, and that they will continue the work of World Changers beyond just this one week. 

From “koolies” to the Purple Strike Attack Team, the students had a blast serving the city of Knoxville. 

Thanks goes out to the attending churches, the staff of South-Doyle High School, the CAC agency, and all the coordinators! 

What an exciting week it has been…and it’s not over yet! Despite the on and off rain yesterday and today, the students have gotten off to a fabulous start. Not only have they already made a huge difference on their work sites, they have also made a difference in the lives of those around them. The staff received this WOW moment today that we would like to share with you:

“Our home owner would not meet with us on Sunday during our visit, but our group’s prayer on Sunday was that God would move in her heart. She came by on Monday morning to see if we would really show while it was raining. Today our prayers were answered. Today she requested that we join her for lunch on Wednesday at a restaurant. She is treating the entire “Joint Clamps” crew for lunch. Praise the Lord!” – Robert “Bob” Knecht 

This is just one example of prayers that are being answered here in Knoxville. Please continue to pray for the participants and the relationships they are building with their homeowners this week. Also, pray for safety tomorrow as we have our afternoon off and are traveling around Knoxville and surrounding areas. Thank you for your prayers…

*****

So far this week we have had to news stations cover our World Changers story. To view these news segments visit the sites below.

http://www.volunteertv.com/home/headlines/48806637.html#

http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=91239

The students set out with their crews to “Meet The Neighbors”, and after meeting those they would be serving, and spreading the word that they would be on the block for the week, they came back home for some rest and relaxation before the start of their projects. 

Worship this week has been truly God-led. Led by the worship team and the Holy Spirit, students have approached the throne of God through song, prayer, and message, and the response has been overwhelming. The team is looking forward to working alongside these amazing students and watching the Lord work through them to push back the darkness in Knoxville, TN.

See you on Monday!

This afternoon, 13 churches with 260 students in all, from California to North Carolina, unloaded their luggage in the hot Tennessee sun as their first step to prepare for the week. This group is going to do amazing things in this city…keep stopping by to hear personal stories from your youth about how the Lord is using this group of volunteers! 

Churches include:

Adaton Baptist

Antioch Baptist

Beck’s Baptist

Charity Baptist

FBC Foley

FBC Goose Creek

FBC Kosciusko

Houston Road Baptist

Indian Springs Baptist

Powhatan Community

San Bruno Chinese Church 

Springboro Baptist

Union Baptist

In just one day the city of Knoxville will be overtaken with 260 youth from different areas of the country…the reason? World Changers. The coordinating team and summer staff are anticipating the arrival of the participants. A great deal of time and work has gone into preparing the city of Knoxville for what they are about to experience. Those preparing are none other than the excellent coordinating staff: Project Coordinator- Tim Earl, Construction Coordinator- Carl Lord, Associational Coordinator-Susie Waddell, and Agency Representative- Erik Hoglund. Also, the summer staff is excited to welcome the church groups and get the project started! Your Music Leader is Brad Bartlett from Kansas City, MO. Also from Missouri is Jillian McCoy who will serve as your Office Manager. You can ask Ryen Stevens any questions you have about missions; she will be your Missions Communications Specialist this week. When you see the video camera coming…smile big for Zach Allen who is your Audio Visual Technician.

The participants will be staying at South Doyle High School in Knoxville. The facility is more than equipped to provide the needs for the students and is excited about hosting this year World Changers! Get ready Knoxville… we’re going to change your world!