They were two separate churches with no contact before the trip. The minute the second set of vans pulled into Grace Community Fellowship, the two churches unified to work together as one body.
The early arrivers memorized the room assignments so when they introduced themselves they could also help carry bags to the correct cabins. One team only had one girl among a slew of boys, so the other church welcomed her, included her, and treated her as one of their own.
As the project leader, I had to ask who came from which church because they'd intermingled and formed strong relationships so quickly. The other youth discipled, taught, and led by example the younger youth across denominational lines. Regardless of home church, they led worship, washed feet, ATL-ed, and served one another–the way the body of Christ was designed.
"I feel like we're splitting churches!"
On Friday morning when we worshiped together for the final time, everyone cried. In under a week they went from complete strangers to a family not to be divided by even the end of the trip.
Leaders from the two churches are already planning weekend events and future trips together. Conversations are still happening among participants on Facebook and Instagram. The Lord brought together brothers and sisters from different regions on the country to share together in bringing His kingdom on earth both to the Appalachian community and in their own hometowns.
