More than 200 youth from Baptist churches across Virginia will converge on the campus of Bluefield College this summer, June 24-30, for the purpose of restoring homes in the community as part of a program called Impact Virginia.
Sponsored by the Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV), Impact Virginia is a one-week mission opportunity for youth that focuses on home repair for low-income families and spiritual growth for teens. As a host site for Impact, Bluefield College will facilitate the restoration projects that are limited to homeowners within a 30-minute drive of the BC campus, but unlimited in the difference they make.
“Loving thy neighbor takes on hands and feet with Impact Virginia,” said Bluefield College campus pastor Dr. Henry Clary, “and as BGAV youth are on mission here to build and to repair, they are at the same time helping low-income families with needed home repairs that they would never be able to afford on their own.”
The work in years past has included repairing and constructing porches, ramps, handrails, flooring, roofs, windows, plumbing, and landscaping. Homeowners must live within a 30-minute drive of Bluefield College and must demonstrate a need for assistance with their home improvement projects. Homes must also be owner occupied to be eligible for service.
“Impact Virginia is a tangible way that Virginia Baptists show the love of Christ to their neighbors,” added Dr. Clary.
Area residents with limited resources whose homes are in need of repair and who live within a 30-minute drive of Bluefield College are invited to submit an application now to be considered for Impact Virginia this summer, June 24-30. Applications can be obtained by visiting the Bluefield College web site at bluefield.edu/impactva or by contacting Dr. Clary by email at [email protected] or by phone at 276-326-4471.