Jerusalem Project youngsters lending a helping hand
By JOE L. HUGHES II Ledger Staff Writer joe@gaffneyledger.com

Jerusalem Project volunteers put the finishing touches on a wheelchair ramp at a home on Washington Avenue Thursday. The outreach refurbished 35 houses this year. (Ledger photo / JOE L. HUGHES II)

Whenever there is a need in the community, the Jerusalem Project usually is not far behind ready to extend a helping hand.

Approximately 500 teenagers from area churches spent much of this week at one of 35 work sites around the county, volunteering time and effort to make life easier for local residents.

"All of these kids gave up part of their summer to be part of the project," said David Toney of the Jerusalem Project. "It is a testament to the love they all have for Christ and the people of this community."

Over the course of the past four years, area youths have lent a helping hand by doing a number of repair jobs to houses around the county.

Organizers for this year's project initially expected nearly 30 youth groups from around the county to participate. However, as the event drew closer, Toney said more teenagers showed a willingness to volunteer.

"We had estimated that 30 youth groups from churches in the county would participate," Toney said. "But it's definitely a blessing that more of these kids wanted to take part in the project."

Starting with only a few homes during its initial campaign, the Jerusalem Project expanded to 24 projects this year. Whether painting, roofing or building wheelchair ramps, those involved believe the small amount of time spent in the sun is worth making another person's life easier.

"Everyone needs help at some point or another," said Jerusalem Project volunteer Thomas Clary. "I'm just glad the Jerusalem Project gives me the opportunity to be a blessing to someone in need."

The roots of the outreach are found in a command made by Jesus to his disciples more than 2,000 years ago to take the gospel to the four corners of the Earth.

While many of the youths may never get a chance to travel out of the country, Toney believes they can make the same impact in the local community.

"Jesus said that 'you would be my disciples in Jerusalem as well as the uttermost parts of the Earth,'" Toney said. "For the disciples, their Jerusalem was right there in Israel. But our Jerusalem, our home, is here in Gaffney."

Next year's event could take crews outside of the county, with the Jerusalem Project potentially expanding into Spartanburg County. According to project volunteer Trip Patterson, it does not matter where the outreach is next year - just as long as he is a part of it.

"This was my first year taking part in the Jerusalem Project and I loved it," Patterson said. "Yes, this was for the kids, but I got something out of it too. So without a doubt, I'll be taking part next year."