Young Hearts, Big Impact: Teen Work Groups Are a Blessing at Missionary Acres

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At Missionary Acres, the summer sun brings more than warmth—it brings the vibrant energy of teen volunteer groups whose faith and enthusiasm light up our community.

These young people, alongside their dedicated adult leaders, have poured their hearts into serving our residents, leaving a lasting impact on our grounds and in our hearts. Their contributions remind us of the power of selfless service and the joy of coming together for a greater purpose.

A Summer of Service

A teen group from Goshen, Indiana, helped rebuild this flower bed by the flagpole this summer. Once it was complete, a couple of residents took care of the weeding and planting.

This summer, teen work groups have tackled a variety of projects with incredible zeal. From sprucing up our facilities to lending a hand to residents, their efforts have been truly inspiring. Here’s a glimpse of what they’ve accomplished in 2025:

  • Pressure washing buildings and homes, restoring a fresh, clean look to our community.
  • Taking down a broken shed, opening up a backyard.
  • Knocking down tall grass and weeds with weed eaters, taming overgrown areas with precision.
  • Staining decks, protecting outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy.
  • Building stairs for an enclosed porch, improving accessibility and safety.
  • Repairing decks and installing new rails, ensuring our spaces are secure and welcoming.
  • Removing broken siding and installing new siding, giving a home a renewed appearance.
  • Rebuilding the raised flower bed by the flagpole, helping beautify the property.

Each swing of a hammer, each stroke of a paintbrush, and each smile shared during these tasks reflect the love and dedication these teens bring to Missionary Acres. Their work not only enhances our facilities but also uplifts the spirits of everyone around them.

Building Connections Through Community

A teen group and the Missionary Acres Family are fellowshipping together in the on-site church’s basement.

At Missionary Acres, we believe that service extends beyond physical tasks—it’s about building relationships and fostering a sense of community. To support our teen volunteer groups, we offer comfortable guest housing, making it easy for groups to stay on-site and fully immerse themselves in the experience. This setup not only provides convenience and limits travel, but also creates opportunities for meaningful interactions between teens and our residents.

We encourage these connections through shared activities that bring everyone together. This summer, for example, one teen group joined residents for an ice cream social, where each teen paired with a resident to interview one another and then introduce their partner to the group. The stories and laughter shared during this event created lasting bonds. Other highlights included a taco dinner and a holiday picnic that filled our grounds with joy.

For groups interested in deeper engagement, we can also arrange for a couple of residents to join them for lunch each day, sharing insights about their fields of service and inspiring teens with their stories of faith and dedication.

These interactions are a cornerstone of the Missionary Acres experience, allowing teens to learn from the wisdom and experiences of our residents while offering residents the chance to be uplifted by the enthusiasm and fresh perspectives of the younger generation.

The Ripple Effect of Teen Volunteers

These young volunteers don’t just complete tasks; they embody God’s love in action. Their enthusiasm is contagious, inspiring residents, staff, and other volunteers to see the beauty of serving others. The laughter, teamwork, and faith they share create a ripple effect, strengthening our community and reminding us all of the joy that comes from giving back.

As we look forward to welcoming more teen groups next summer, we’re excited to see how their servant hearts will continue to bless Missionary Acres. Their energy and willingness to serve are a powerful testimony to the next generation’s commitment to faith and community.

Join the Joy: Volunteer or Support

We invite you to be part of this incredible movement at Missionary Acres. Your time, skills, or support can help us continue this meaningful work.

  • Volunteer: Bring your youth group or family to Missionary Acres for a day or week of service. Stay in our guest housing and join us for community activities, such as ice cream socials or shared lunches with residents. Read this post to learn more about volunteering at Missionary Acres.
  • Support: Consider donating to help fund tools, materials, and resources for our volunteer projects. Every contribution helps us sustain the impact of these teen groups and the residents here at the Acres. You can see some items we’re raising funds for on the Missionary Acres website here.

Together, we can continue to grow this ministry and bless even more retired pastors, missionaries, and career Christian workers.