Personal Testimonies

Why would nine adults load up cars, planes, and vans to travel to the hot Delta region of Arkansas to spend their vacation? The love of Christ compels us.

At the beginning of this summer my plan was to find a summer job and spend a lot of my time working. While waiting to hear back from a position I applied for, I began helping out with summer events at Oakmont. One afternoon when I was helping at Back Yard Buddies, Carol Brown and I began talking about the upcoming mission trip to Arkansas she was leading. She let me know that there was still room if I was interested. I hadn't expected going on a mission trip this summer, but the opportunity to do so was exciting. It didn't take long for my heart and mind to become set on going.

 I am a late addition to the team, but I am looking forward to getting to know my fellow team members better as well as the children we will be serving. I am especially excited about the literacy projects we will be doing and the opportunity to give out books and Bibles to the children. Reading is something I love, and I'm glad to be able to share the excitement of reading with children in Arkansas. Also, I am looking forward to the trip as almost a special retreat with God because I will be away from home and from many of the things that can distract my heart and mind. ~Stacey McKnight

I chose the Helena mission trip because I love to work with children and especially enjoy helping them with reading skills.  When my two teenagers expressed an interest in going, I was even more excited--excited that they wanted to go on a mission trip with their mom and excited to share this opportunity together.  I used to love to read to and with my children when they were young and am looking forward to all three of us being able to share that love of reading and love for God with others.  I know that this trip will be a blessing to our family and pray that it will also reach some young hearts and minds in Arkansas as an affirmation of God's love for them. ~ Mary Cavanagh

I felt the call to go on a mission trip and knew the Helena mission was where God was leading me.  I want to be a part of helping the children and to share how God has blessed me. ~~Bud Wooten
 

When I was a little girl, books were not a thing that was purchased at our house.  I started school in 1945 just as WW II ended.  Books excited me and reading was a new and exciting adventure.  I remember the first book that I owned--it was a Christmas present from a boy in my first grade class.  It was a thick book of nursery rhymes which I still have.  Yes, the pages are yellow with age but that book is so special.  Over the years I have parted with many books, but this is one that was so special to me because it was my first book.  When I heard about the Literary Project Mission Trip, the same excitement came back to me--I know what it means to finally get to own a book.  I want to share that excitement about books with some child.  As a former teacher, I know how important reading is in one's success in education.  Sharing the love of Jesus with these children will be awesome.  I am so happy that the church is going to share a Bible with each of them.  ~Barbara Wooten

I have wanted to serve God through a mission trip for several years.  I finally decided I needed to just talk to Jimmie.  She told me about this group Carol Brown was forming and I immediately believed God could use me in this way.  I am a middle school teacher and I love working with children.  If I can inspire one child to read about Jesus, it will be worth it all. ~~Jason Barclift

Lynn Smith is so excited about working "with the little ones". She wants to make sure they know and understand the Bible.

Oakmont Baptist Church

Why I signed up for Helena:
I remember my parents gave me a Bible Storybook for my 8th Christmas. I read every word and will always remember the Easter Story best. I know how important reading is to grow in knowledge and grace of God. I am always glad to do whatever I can to help children learn to read and gain a love for reading the Bible.~~Carol Brown

Oakmont Baptist Church