More than 20 church youth groups combine efforts to help residents who are unable or can't afford to make repairs to their homes. The days following the Fourth of July holiday are an active time for most families, with this time of year often reserved for vacations to travel destinations across the globe.

Local resident Lauren Patterson's family is no different, using the final weeks of July for some rest and relaxation in Georgia. However, instead of making the journey to the Peach State with her parents and siblings, Patterson traded her flip-flops and bathing suit for hammers and nails, hoping to make a difference in someone's life.

Joining 550 people from 24 churches, the Jerusalem Project has set about to make life a little easier for Cherokee County residents unable to tend to household projects like roofing, cutting grass, painting and building wheelchair ramps.

"There's nothing like being here to see the end result of our work and get a reaction from the families; it's priceless," Patterson said. "That is what truly makes this fun."

Each year since 2004, local churches have combined their efforts and resources in an effort to be good witnesses to their neighbors, just as Christ commanded His disciples shortly before leaving earth.

"This is nothing we started, as all of us are just doing what Jesus commanded in Acts 1:8," said Gaffney Fire Chief Nathan Ellis, also an annual participant in the Jerusalem Project. "In the verse He wanted us to be witnesses starting in Jerusalem and to spread the Word to the rest of the world. Cherokee County is our Jerusalem, this is where we live; we're doing our part to follow His command."

Depending solely on contributions from the local community, the mission project began in 2004 with only a few church youth groups and limited resources. Like a flower, however, the Jerusalem Project has blossomed, receiving more in the areas of donations and participation that have enabled organizers to increase the number of projects each year.

This year, the Jerusalem Project received an estimated $40,000 in donations, again setting record highs in participants and projects.

"Our budget has doubled each year since 2004, a testament to our donors," said Jan Lowry of the Jerusalem Project. "They are our lifeline, and we're happy all of them have giving hearts."

Several former youth pastors at local churches have also expanded the ministry in Spartanburg County, helping fulfill a vision made a few years ago by organizers.

In addition to daily treks to work sites scattered around the county, youth groups participate in "Backyard Bible Clubs" and a nightly worship service, letting participants see exactly why they are a part of the effort in addition to doing their part in spreading the Gospel.

"For me, the Jerusalem Project is simply part of what we're supposed to do; be servants," said Jerusalem Project veteran Ben deBorde.