World Changers Little Rock, Ark. - July 11-18, 2009

Volunteers fan out to fix up LR homes

2009-07-17T20:05:00.004-04:00

By Michelle Day

LITTLE ROCK — The sound of hammers filled the street Wednesday in front of a house on Esser Drive in Little Rock as a group of volunteers replaced a roof and did other repairs.

Eighteen-year-old Kristen Howard of Dawson Springs, Ky., said she signed up for the week-long World Changers Inc. project after a friend told her about it.

“To be here, it could be answering prayers [that the owner of the house] has had for a long time,” she said. “God’s done so much for me, it’s the least I can do to help someone else.”

World Changers is a Georgia-based Christian nonprofit organization that sends high school and junior high students to cities across the U.S. and to Canada and Puerto Rico.

On Monday, about 275 out-of-state students and adult volunteers started construction and painting projects as part of a week-long effort to repair 20 houses in Little Rock.

Howard and about 15 others worked on the roof at 5020 Esser Drive. An adult working with the students described the roof as one of the worst he has ever seen. The crew endured rain and summer heat over the past few days, and repairs are nearly complete.

Howard said this is the first service trip she’s participated in but that she’s done similar work for Habitat for Humanity.

On Wednesday, as temperatures climbed into the mid-90s, several students commented about the heat but said they were glad it wasn’t raining like it did Tuesday.

“We need one day of beautiful weather. I wish we could work through the day since it’s not raining right now,” one female student said Wednesday, but they worked only half the day to give them a chance to go sightseeing.

This year, World Changers has sent more than 23,000 students to about 100 cities, said Daphne Davies, communications specialist for the group. All of the projects include basic home repairs, and volunteers pay $260 on average to participate.

This year’s volunteers in Little Rock came from nine states, from Texas to Illinois, she said. The volunteers were split into teams of about 15 people each and then were sent to 20 houses throughout the city.

The students worked from about 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. repairing roofs, painting and doing other repairs under the supervision of adults who have construction knowledge, Davies said.

“Basically the goal is to provide students to meet the physical needs of the communities around them ... and minister to people,” she said.

Area churches have volunteered to take lunches to the teams each day, and the volunteers are staying at Life Line Baptist Church, Davies said.

The houses for the project were selected from the Little Rock Housing and Neighborhood Programs’ housing rehabilitation program, which assists low-income residents with home repairs.

This article was published July 16, 2009 at 5:24 a.m.

Arkansas, Pages 11, 18 on 07/16/2009

Copyright - Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Below is how the article appeared on the front page of the Arkansas section (click on image for larger view):

Work Continues on Homes

2009-07-16T21:02:00.001-04:00

After an afternoon off on Wednesday, crews continued worked on Thursday to finish up projects before week's end. Temperatures in the Little Rock area were in the low 80s on Thursday.

Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting

2009-07-15T09:35:00.007-04:00

PC's Notebook
By Pamm Yarbrough

It was my privilege to represent our group at the Little Rock Board of Directors meeting yesterday. Below are my remarks. Thanks for your prayers! Our students are awesome!

Remarks to the City of Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
Pamm Yarbrough – July 14, 2009

I’ve have done World Changers for nearly 20 years with my husband who helped start the program in Memphis, Tennessee. North Little Rock is my hometown, so I am always exited to come to Central Arkansas!

I bring greetings on behalf of World Changers, the North American Mission Board, which administers the program, and Southern Baptist churches that participate in projects like in Little Rock, throughout the United States and around the world.

The lives of students are impacted significantly as they serve others…they are our future leaders! You may not know that these students actually pay to work during the week! What a testimony to their Lord!

World Changers is grateful for its 4-year partnership with the great City of Little Rock!

Since 2006, World Changers and the City of Little Rock have been instrumental in renovating 75 homes of low income, elderly and other needy Little Rock citizens.

This year, there are 275 youth and adults volunteers from 14 churches and 9 states (Kansas, Louisiana, Illinois, Missouri, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Kentucky) are participating in the project.”

In real-world terms, efforts of these 1,000-plus participants since 2006 have accounted for 36,000+ volunteer hours, which at the estimated $20.25 per hour in volunteer labor, has saved the City of Little Rock and estimated $729,000.” (NOTE: the Independent Sector website estimates volunteer labor to be worth $20.25 per hour). What’s more, when this year’s project is completed, the number of volunteer hours will rise to an estimated 45,720 and nearly a million dollars in volunteer labor at $925,830!

What’s perhaps most important, however, is the “life renovation” this work has provided to these citizens of Little Rock by providing them hope for a brighter future.

Thanks again for this opportunity to serve your city!

Monday News Conference Brings Out Media!

2009-07-14T23:00:00.001-04:00

As has been the tradition, the news media was out in force Monday for a news conference held at one of the work sites. Above right, Project Coordinator Pamm Yarbrough looks on as Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola (bio), at podium, welcomes World Changers to the city.

Below, some of the students at the news conference talk about their experiences being interviewed. Below that, the work on the house continues by this masked World Changers student!

More WCLR photos are here. Direct Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/captkodak/sets/72157621220353677/

We're Here and Working!

2009-07-13T23:30:00.002-04:00

All of the 270+ students and leaders arrived safely on Saturday, received training and worshiped in churches on Sunday. Monday was a great day as we started work on area homes, earning the privilege to witness to residents!

We have 14 churches from the 9 states (Kansas, Louisiana, Illinois, Missouri, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Kentucky) participating in this year's project! It will be a great week!

Be sure to check out photos of our week so far here and stay tuned for more updates!

And, of course, pray for us!

Pamm Yarbrough
Project Coordinator

Our Project Approacheth!

2009-06-17T21:19:00.001-04:00

Note: This email was sent to group leaders on June 17, 2009:

Hello!

The project is getting near...I am so excited! I can't wait to see what God is going to do and how he is going to use each individual person to touch lives in Little Rock!

2009 marks the fourth year for the Little Rock project. Which has been instrumental in renovating 75 houses, resulting in dozens of professions of faith!

More than 1,000 students and adults have served in Little Rock since the beginning of the project. Little Rock is an awesome mission experience!

I look forward to getting to know you, your students and leaders! Please let me know of individual or specific prayer requests you may have as I am praying for you, your students and leaders daily!

If you have not had an opportunity to visit the blog for Little Rock World Changers, please take a minute and check it out. the address is http://wclr.blogspot.com Many posts made to the blog have been retained since 2006. The project has its own email address which is wclittlerock@gmail.com.

Please make sure your Group Information Forms and your final balances are in to NAMB. If you have adults who would like to serve as a crew encourager or crew chief please ask them to complete the forms and return them as soon as possible. Please send me an email with the cell number you will be using as you travel and t-shirt sizes for your group. We need the number of each size that you will need. Also, please keep me posted on the final number of participants you will be bringing I understand this may change but we need individual changes as they are made. Including substitutions of one participant for another or participants that may not be attending. Please don't hesitate to call or email me with questions or concerns.

--
Serving Together,
Pamm Yarbrough
Project Coordinator
WCLR July 11-18, 2009
678-559-6645
wclittlerock@gmail.com

Check out a "Virtual Tour" of Little Rock

2009-05-08T05:24:00.001-04:00

Group leaders and friend of the WCLR project, check out this virtual tour of Little Rock! We are excited you are coming to serve! - Pamm

Your Home Away from Home!

2009-04-28T06:35:00.004-04:00

Life Line Baptist Church is the facility where we will be staying during our project. Jeff Dial serves as senior pastor at Life Line and is our association coordinator for the World Changers project in Little Rock.

Take a minute to visit the website for Life Line at www.lifelinebaptist.org and their World Changers page: www.lifelinebaptist.org/world_changers.htm

The physical address of the church is:

Life Line Baptist Church
7601 Baseline Road
Little Rock, AR 72209

View Larger Map

WCLR Project Contacts

2009-03-15T14:12:00.004-04:00

Group Leaders,

Below is a complete list your local coordination team for the upcoming WCLR Project. Please feel free to contact any of us should you have a question:

Pamm Yarbrough, Project Coordinator
2340 Rose Walk Drive
Alpharetta, GA 30005
678-559-6645 (Cell)
wclittlerock@gmail.com

Don Scott, Construction Coordinator
1638 Northwood Dr. NW
Cullman, AL 35058
256-507-0750
scodon@gmail.com

Jeff Dial, Association Coordinator
7601 Baseline Rd.
Little Rock, AR. 72209
501-529-2324 (Cell)
pastorjeff@lifelinebaptist.org

George Brown, City of Little Rock
500 W. Markham Rm. 120 W
Little Rock, Ar. 72201
501-605-2800 (Cell)
gbrown@littlerock.org

WCLR Group Leader Reminders

2009-01-11T11:50:00.003-05:00

This is the email that was sent to all group leaders on January 17:

Dear Group Leaders:

Greetings from Georgia! I am excited you are registered for the World Changers in Little Rock, Arkansas, July 11-18, 2009. I look forward to meeting you and your group. I am a native of the Little Rock area and have been a part of the World Changers Little Rock team since the start of the project in 2006 .

In the weeks and months to come, I will be communicating with you concerning all aspects of the project. If you haven't already, schedule your pre-project study and local pre-project work project (you should be receiving information about these in your group leader packet). These aspects are very important in preparing your students for the World Changers experience. Dates for a Little Rock Pre-Project Planning Meeting will be announced soon.

IMPORTANT! The $50 per participant deposit is due Feb. 1. If you haven't sent that in to World Changers, please do today! All deposits are nonrefundable and nontransferable to the balance after Feb. 1.

If you have any questions, please email me at wclittlerock@gmail.com (best way) or call (678) 559-6645 (cell). Please let me know if I can be of assistance to you in any way. You are in our prayers, and we look forward to working with you in the days ahead!

Serving Together!
Pamm Yarbrough
678-559-6645

P.S. Check out Little Rock project updates often at http://wclr.blogspot.com. Be sure to add your comments to posts!

Welcome to WC Little Rock 2009!

2009-01-11T11:33:00.006-05:00

I would like to welcome all of the churches that already have registered for the World Changers Little Rock Project, July 11-18!

2009 marks the fourth year for the Little Rock project, which since 2006 has been instrumental in renovating the 75 houses, resulting in dozens of professions of faith.

More than 1,000 students and adults have served in Little Rock since the beginning of the project. Little Rock is an awesome destination and a significant mission experience for you this summer!

I look forward to getting to know you, your students and leaders in the weeks and months to come. You will be receiving occasional mailings from me, but mainly I will be using email and this web blog for communication. Everything that is distributed to you will be posted on this web blog. Many posts made to web blog have been retained since 2006, so please take a minute to browse around and check out what has been done through this significant project the past three years!

The project has its own email address. I will be using it for all communication. The address is: wclittlerock@gmail.com.

Please contact me should you have questions about anything!

Serving Together,
Pamm Yarbrough
Project Coordinator
WCLR July 11-18, 2009
678-559-6645
wclittlerock@gmail.com

WCLR 2008 Action Cam!

2008-06-29T20:44:00.000-04:00

Check out the Action Cam from our 2008 project!

"Soul Renovation" in Little Rock!

2008-06-28T15:10:00.000-04:00

PC's Notebook

What a awesome week!

Students and leaders worked to renovate 25 houses during the week of World Changers. While that's important, the most important statistic from the week is that 18 people made professions of faith in Jesus Christ! By the way, that is more salvations than the two previous years of the project combined (14)!

You could say we have been a part of God's "soul renovation" in Little Rock!

I am grateful for the group leaders, students and the churches that sent them! Thanks also goes to the wonderful job that Rushing Mayes of the Pulaski Baptist Association to facility the feeding of our group during the week. Areas churches did a great job!

World Changers appreciates its continuing partnership with the City of Little Rock. Since 2006, more than 1,000 volunteers have renovated 75 houses in the city. City officials estimate the volunteer labor at more than $750,000!

Please continue to pray for the work in Little Rock and for students and leaders who have been impacted by this week. May God continue to bless all they strive to do to share Jesus Christ in a lost and dying world!

-Tim Yarbrough
Project Coordinator

God's Word is Powerful!

2008-06-27T16:32:00.000-04:00

PC's Notebook
Day 6 - World Changers Little Rock

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV)

Students and leaders are seeing the fruit of their labor this week, as 15 precious souls have come into the Kingdom of God!

They are using the platform of serving others through World Changers to open doors to be witnesses for Jesus Christ...and people are responding.

Continue to pray for our efforts as our week continues in Little Rock.

-Tim Yarbrough
Project Coordinator

Work and Fun in Little Rock

2008-06-26T16:29:00.000-04:00

PC's Notebook
Day 5 - World Changers Little Rock

Wednesday was a short day for everyone as students were allowed to take the afternoon off and enjoy the sights and attractions of Greater Little Rock.

Some groups took advantage of Wild River Country, which is only a few miles from JA Fair High School. Others enjoyed the Little Rock River Market, which is downtown next to the Arkansas River. Still others took in dinner at a number of local eateries and a movie.

Things were back to normal on Thursday as crews worked all day at project sites, trying to get in a position to finish everything up on Friday.

-Tim Yarbrough
Project Coordinator

PS: The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette ran an article on World Changers today. Below is the text of the article:

300 youths aid LR elderly, disabled
Volunteers with Southern Baptist group repairing roofs in city

BY ALLISON NICHOLS
ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
Nearly 300 youth volunteers descended on Little Rock’s rooftops this week shingling homes in need of repair and doing other work.

Megan Wilson, 14, of Duluth, Ga., is spending part of her summer vacation for the second year with World Changers, a Southern Baptist missionary organization that works with communities to fix up houses for elderly or disabled homeowners who might not otherwise be able to afford repairs.

“It brings us as a group closer to God,” Megan said, explaining why she “really, really enjoy[s] this trip.”

World Changers volunteers are repairing homes in Little Rock for the third straight summer. This year the organization is sending 23,000 junior high, high school and college students to 95 communities in the world, said John Bailey, the team leader for World Changers at the North American Mission Board, a missionary organization with the Southern Baptist Convention.

“We would like to see these teenagers return to their communities and see their lives as an opportunity to serve others,” Bailey said.

Casey Rawls, 22, a World Changers spokesman who has worked with the mission for four summers, said one of the best things about the program is that the volunteers form a partnership with community leaders.

The city’s Housing and Neighborhood Programs Department identifies the houses through an application process and spends $50,000 for the supplies and materials using federal Community Development Block Grants. Homeowners who are 62 or older or drawing disability are eligible to apply for the program as long as they meet certain income- level requirements, said George Brown, housing programs assistant with the department.

By the end of the week, World Changers aims to have repaired 25 homes, which would bring its total in Little Rock during the three years to 75 homes. Brown said all told, World Changes has saved the city $750,000 in labor costs.

And Rawls said the work benefits the student volunteers, too.

“To see the joy and excitement in the homeowners’ faces just blows them away,” she said. “It changes their world at the same time that they’re changing the people in Little Rock’s world.”

Altha Richard, 78, has lived 53 years in her Chester Street house, which is getting a new roof and a fresh coat of paint this week.

“I’m so grateful and thankful,” she said, expressing regret that she couldn’t bake for the volunteers as she used to do for area schoolchildren. “They’ll never know how much I thank them.

Copyright - Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Media Comes Out for World Changers!

2008-06-24T17:29:00.000-04:00

PC's Notebook
Day 4 - World Changers Little Rock

It was a hot and steamy day for the second work day at World Changers. After a rousing start on Monday, many crews began to settle into the work week.

One of the highlights of the day was a news conference conducted by the City of Little Rock for World Changers. All of the local TV affiliates were present along with local newspapers. Numerous city officials welcomed World Changers and provide the media information about the week's project. Here a link to coverage by Channel 7.

World Changers representatives Tom Ford, coordinator; Tim Yarbrough, project coordinator; and Rushing Mayes of the Pulaski Baptist Association spoke to the media. Ford presented City Director Joan Adcock with World Changers T-shirts and caps; one set was for Mrs. Adcock and one was for the mayor of the city.

Crews will work a half day tomorrow. Following lunch youth groups will get the afternoon and evening off to enjoy the sights around the Little Rock area.

Below is another link to another news story about World Changers Little Rock:

http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=67878

God Provides "Sonshine" After Rain Scare

2008-06-23T17:34:00.000-04:00

PC's Notebook
Day 3 - World Changers Little Rock

Dark skies greeted students and adults as they gathered for The Great Send-off this morning at JA Fair High School. However, after a few sprinkles and some scattered showers dissipated and everyone hit the work sites and got started in record time!

Crews worked diligently and by noon significant work had been done on many of the sites.

A news conference sponsored by the City of Little Rock will be held tomorrow. We hope to get copies of a TV news story that ran on Sunday, as well as other stories about World Changers in Little Rock. Be sure to check out this news story done by Little Rock TV station Fox Channel 16.

What was the most awesome aspect of our day is that five, yes five, people were saved at project sites today! So literally God provided "Sonshine" after the rain scare this morning!

God is at work! Continue to pray for our efforts.

-Tim Yarbrough
Project Coordinator

PS...be sure to check out photos from the project being posted on Flickr! Enjoy!

It's Been an Awesome Day!

2008-06-22T23:04:00.000-04:00

PC's Notebook
Day 2 - World Changers Little Rock

Everyone awoke today to discover what crew they had been placed in for the week.

Our 25 crews are the Brush Bunch, Cool Caulkers, Crow Bars, Dandy Sanders, Drips & Runs, Dumpsters, Googus Roofers, Hammer Heads, Hands Saws, Hard Hats, Knot Heads, Level Heads, Nail Heads, Night Awls, Paint Chips, Plumb Bobs, Roller Kings, Saw Horsemen, Scrapes, Splatter & Roll, Shingle Bells, Short Cuts, Sore Thumbs, Square Feet, Stone Rollers and Tool Timers.

Today was also the day crews worshipped in their host church which will providing their meals at work sites during the week.

Following worship in area churches crews took a tour of their work sites during "Meet the Neighbors." Many students and leaders got the opportunity to meet the resident whose house they will be working on this week.

Training for various crews was held this afternoon, along with training for crew chiefs. Tom Ford, construction coordinator, is returning for a third year to Little Rock. Also held this afternoon was evangelism training led by Chad Meeks, our speaker. Crews met together for dinner for the first time tonight, a meal which featured fried chicken.

- Tim Yarbrough
Project Coordinator

We're Underway!

2008-06-22T06:10:00.000-04:00

PC's Notebook:
Day 1 - World Changers Little Rock

Everyone arrived safely on Saturday excited and ready for the week ahead! We are grateful for the lodging facilities at JA Fair High School. It is a great facility to house a bunch of folks just itchin' the change the world!

After check-in, groups brought in their bedding and lodging and set-up their sleeping quarters for the week. The school facility is laid out so that we can house females on one wing and males on another wing.

A Welcome Celebration for students and leaders was held in the auditorium where introductions were made and the band, CollectivElement, kicked everything off with a spirited rendition of the World Changers song. A bit later, group leaders and adult chaperones were dismissed for their first meeting and orientation to the week in Little Rock while students enjoyed more music and games.

During evening worship, speaker and camp pastor Chad Meeks set the tone for the week by speaking on the week's theme, LEAP from 1 John 1:5-7.

Please be in prayer for our students, leaders, residents on the projects and the witness for Jesus Christ we seek to be this week! Pray for God to open doors for the gospel and to bring worshippers into His Kingdom through our efforts!

- Tim Yarbrough
Project Coordinator

Check Out Our Latest Video Entry!

2008-06-21T16:21:00.000-04:00

Check out our latest (and last) entry into our WCLR Youth Group Video Contest from the "Breakfree" youth group of First Baptist, Duluth, Ga!

Saturday Arrival

2008-06-20T12:46:00.000-04:00

Group Leaders,

Remember, please do not plan to arrive at JA Fair High School until 2 pm Saturday, June 21, for check-in, but no later than 4 pm.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone and to an awesome week of ministry in Little Rock!

Travel Safe!
Tim
678-559-6646

New Video Entry: FBC, Cross City!

2008-06-19T00:48:00.000-04:00

Check out another entry for our WCLR Youth Video Contest from Ignite Student Ministries, First Baptist Church, Cross City, Florida!

Already! A WOW! Moment!

2008-06-17T08:44:00.000-04:00

George Brown of the City of Little Rock shares this Wow! moment as WCLR 2008 is set to begin:

"Bruce Kelly, salesman for Kaufman Lumber Company, canceled his vacation including flight reservations to Virginia so he could be here for WCLR '08."

Isn't that GREAT! Let's all pray that we'll celebrate lots of Wow! moments during WCLR, including celebrating many people coming to know Jesus Christ!

The stage is set for an AWESOME week in Little Rock!

Meet Your WC Summer Staff!

2008-06-16T19:03:00.000-04:00

Susan Griffin - Program Specialist
My name is Susan and I'm 24 years old. I've been working as a nurse at the UNC Burn Center for the last year and a half, but in August I head to Richmond, Va., for orientation for an overseas position in Northern Africa. I'm so excited about this big, crazy step the Lord has lead me too. I'm also really excited about the week in Little Rock. It will be my 20th WC project!!

Sara Linkous - Office Manager
I’m Sara, I am 23. I go to school full time at Athens state university in Alabama. I will graduate this may, with a degree in behavioral science :-) yay! I also nanny full time. I think this is my 15th World Changers; I am so excited to see God move.

Casey Philips - Missions Communications Specialist
Hey everybody! I am from Clanton, Ala., and graduated with my BA in journalism and a minor in Spanish from the University of Mississippi on May 10 (Go Rebels!). An interesting fact about me is that I have been a member of the Ole Miss Women's Rifle Team for the four years of my college experience. On May 31 I married Stephen Rawls, the wonderful man of my dreams! We will then be moving to Hattiesburg, Miss. I have been on the World Changers Summer Staff for the past three years, and I have loved every minute of it! World Changers is truly something that I feel God has called me to be a part of.

Lee Weaver - Audio/Visual Technician
Hey y'all! My name is Lee Weaver. I am a 2007 graduate from the University of Memphis. My degree is in Business Management, but I have spent the past year as an intern with the Baptist Collegiate Ministry at the University of Memphis. This will be my 19th World Changers project as either a participant or staff. I love sports and anything outdoors. I grew up in Memphis, so I'm a city boy with a country accent. I also do a mean rendition of the World Changers dance.

Important WCLR Reminders!

2008-06-14T14:53:00.000-04:00

Group Leaders,

Are you getting excited? We are! I am looking forward to an AWESOME week serving our Lord Jesus Christ in Little Rock!

Here's some important reminders as you prepare for our week...

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS WORKING ON ROOFS - World Changers REQUIRES that any Middle School student who wants to work on a roof during the week bring a letter signed by a parent or guardian stating he/she is allowed to do so. Otherwise, no Middle School students will be allowed to work on a roof. Let me know if you have a question about this.
INSURANCE MATTERS - All participants at World Changers must have Primary Health Coverage (World Changers only provides a secondary policy for participants). Insurance information must be provided on each participant's World Changers Participant Form that is brought to the project. For more information about what World Changers covers see your Group Leader Information or see this web page: http://www.world-changers.net/site/c.jjJVJ6MNIwE/b.4113807/
WHAT TO BRING CHECKLISTS - Please make a list and bring items suggested in your Group Leader Information. Also, our Construction Coordinator Tom Ford has requested additional items be brought by each group. If you have not received that list, please contact Tom at
573-216-9225 (cell) or email at tom@tphoc.com. If you have difficulty contacting Tom, you also may contact Katie Nugent, Tom's daughter who is assisting him at the project, at katie@tphoc.com. Here's a link to the World Changers "What to Bring Checklist" http://www.world-changers.net/site/c.jjJVJ6MNIwE/b.4113845/
GUIDELINES FOR JA FAIR HIGH SCHOOL - According to Jon Hodge, our World Changers national missionary who sets up logistics for our region's World Changers projects, we have some special guidelines that have been given to us by the administration at JA Fair High School. Included in these guidelines are not having food or drink in classrooms where you and your groups will be sleeping. I understand there are other guidelines as well. I will pass these on to you immediately when I receive them.
MAKE-UP OF WORK CREWS - We are now in the process of putting together work crews for the week. We will do everything we can to honor the requests you have made concerning work crews. However, once you arrive for the week of World Changers, we plan to only make minor adjustments to crews...as major changes typically require hours of additional work. Remember! World Changers is designed so students and leaders from various churches can work together and make new friends! Thanks to everyone who helped us get this process started by getting their Group Information Forms in on time! :-)

Serving Together!
Tim

Meet Your Staff: Tom Ford

2008-06-10T15:58:00.000-04:00

Rev. Tom Ford, pastor of The Potter's House in Camdenton, Mo., has served as construction coordinator for the World Changers Little Rock project the past two years.

Yes, you heard right! Tom is both a PASTOR and a CONSTRUCTION COORDINATOR! You may say, "Hey, he's a FREAK of nature!" Well, that's that may be true, but Tom combines his love of Jesus Christ and an earnest love for people and the things of God! While making certain roofs get replaced properly and paint and other repairs to homes are done right, Tom understands the REAL reason we all are coming to Little Rock...to share the good news of Jesus with people of the community who so desperately need a savior.

Now, as for Tom's background, that's a bit more sketchy. Rumor has it that Tom served in the Vietnam War in special forces or even as a Navy Seal! While this has yet to be confirmed, for those of you who haven't met Tom, you will realize once you meet him that you best follow his instructions for a smooth construction project! :-) Seriously, while Tom's appearance may look a bit intimidating, he is as gentle as a kitten with a bowl of warm milk!

Tom will be accompanied on the project with his daughter, Katie Nugent. Katie serves as Youth and Children's Director at The Potter's House.

First Video Entry! New Hope Youth Group!

2008-06-05T23:51:00.000-04:00

Check out the first entry in the 2008 Church Youth Group Video Contest. It's from the New Hope Baptist Church, Geraldine, Ala., youth group. Get that camera rollin' and send your entry in now!

World Changers: 23,000 Strong!

2008-05-28T18:56:00.000-04:00

ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP)--More than 23,000 Southern Baptist students -– from teenage to college-age -– will tackle roofing, drywall repairs, painting and landscaping in 96 World Changers projects this summer in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Read Article

CollectivElement to Rock WCLR!

2008-05-28T17:28:00.000-04:00

Group Leaders!

Check out the website of our band for the week at www.collectivelement.com! James Alan Hall, or simply "JAH" as he is known, is ready to bring some radical worship to Little Rock! Below is JA's and the band's bio:

CollectivElement is Radical Pursuit Ministry's (RPM) signature worship band. With 18 years of worship leading experience James Alan Hall (JAH) and Whitney Hall (Whit) bring the passion and hunger for God's presence to the forefront of a professional musical band. Their powerful original worship tunes like "I Am Your's", "I Choose You", and "Thirsty" combined with the incredible worship tunes from artist like Chris Tomlin, Charlie Hall, David Crowder, HillSong United, Matt Redman, Steve Fee, and many others make for life-changing moments for a life-starved culture. CollectivElement's focus is not on music, but on ministering to as many as possible, not on glorifying self, but on giving all glory to their Almighty King.

CollectivElement would love to hear from you and pray for your group! JAH can be reached at jah@collectivelement.com.

Photos of Your Home Away from Home

2008-05-27T13:21:00.000-04:00

Group Leaders,

As promised, here are some photos of JA Fair High School, which will be your "home away from home" during the week of World Changers in Little Rock. It will be the third year JA Fair has served as lodging for World Changers.

Thanks to Steve Harwood, our project assistant for media, for pulling these together!

As always, let me know if you have questions! --Tim

Meet Your Staff: Tim & Pamm Yarbrough

2008-05-22T21:31:00.000-04:00

Tim Yarbrough is serving as project coordinator of the Little Rock project and is being assisted by his wife, Pamm.

Tim and Pamm have many ties to Little Rock. Pamm is originally from North Little Rock and graduated from Arkansas Tech University. Tim is a graduate of Murray (Ky.) State University and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Both are rabid Razorback fans and can be found "calling the Hogs" often from their metro-Atlanta home when Arkansas plays other Southwestern Conference teams like Georgia.

Pamm is a teacher and has served in student ministry in two churches. Tim is the Acts 1:8 Challenge coordinator at the North American Mission Board. Tim led for more than four years the missions ministry for a 200+ student ministry at their church in Cumming, Ga.

Since moving to Georgia in 2002, Tim and Pamm have led senior high and all-youth projects in Savannah, Ga. (two years); Charlotte, N.C.; Pikeville, Tenn.; and since 2006 in Little Rock.

Tim and Pamm have led and/or participated in more than 40 World Changers and other missions trips since 1991. Tim was named to the original World Changers staff which organized the first nationwide projects in 1991 following a successful World Changers pilot project in Briceville, Tenn..

In 2007, Tim and Pamm led students from their church to participate in the first-ever international mission project to Jamaica. Check out photos and our mission trip video here.

Directions to Little Rock and JA Fair HS

2008-05-15T15:51:00.000-04:00

Lodging during our project will be at JA Fair High School, 13420 David O Dodd Rd, Little Rock, AR 72210.

School Web Sites: http://www.lrsd.org/schoolindex.cfm?sccode=8
http://www.fairwareagles.com/

Following are directions to JA Fair High School:

From the North: I-40 to I-430 South take Exit 4 Col. Glenn Rd. right on Col. Glenn Rd turn left on W David O. Dodd Rd. School is on the left.

From the South: I-30 to I-430 North take Exit 4 Col. Glenn Rd. left on Col Glenn Rd. turn left on W David O. Dodd Rd. School is on the left.

From the East: I-630 to I-430 South take Exit 4 Col Glenn. School is on the left.

If you want a map from where you are to JA Fair use the map below and enter your address:

View Larger Map

Your Church is Making a Difference!

2008-05-07T13:05:00.000-04:00

When World Changers comes to Little Rock June 21-28, it will be making a difference by assisting residents who reside in some of the city's worst areas...all in the name of Jesus Christ! You are making a difference! Read more below...

Abandoned LR Houses
A Haven For Criminals
(Today's THV) -- Most people living in any community agree abandoned and boarded up homes are not welcome. Little Rock Police say these properties are not only an eyesore, but a haven for criminals. Little Rock has thousands of abandoned properties. Now the city says it's taking a new proactive approach to this problem. Read the complete article and view the video here.

Awesome Pre-Project Visit!

2008-05-03T20:59:00.000-04:00

Groups were able to dodge tornadoes that swept across Arkansas on Friday, May 2, to participate in an awesome pre-project visit to Little Rock!

Seven of the 12 registered churches sent representatives to check out project sites and to experience an extensive tour of the Little Rock and surrounding area.

Greeting group leaders for the pre-project were representatives of the City of Little Rock and Pulaski Baptist Association.

Churches attending were First Baptist Church, Duluth, Ga.; New Hope Baptist Church, Geraldine, Ala.; Faith Community Church, Tyler, Texas; Dublin Baptist Church, Dublin, Ohio; First Baptist Church of Cross City, Fla.; Bois D'arc Baptist Church, Athens, Texas; and Faith Community Church, Tyler, Texas.

Check out photos of the pre-project visit here. Photos of all work site houses will be posted soon.

Meet Your Staff: Rushing Mayes

2008-04-30T18:49:00.000-04:00

Pulaski Baptist Association liaison Rushing Mayes is a 25 year old youth pastor who currently resides in the south side of Little Rock.

The son of missionaries, Rushing lived in Brazil for most of his teenage years. While living there God called him into the ministry and, while teens have always been his passion, over time God has allowed that ministry to expand.

He currently serves as the Minister to Students at Bingham Road Baptist Church and he also serves as a Mission/Ministry Coordinator for the Pulaski Baptist Association.

Rushing graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in 2005 with a degree in Theatre Arts and a minor in Business Administration. He is currently engaged to Ashley Jones, a fellow OBU student, and on May 17th of 2008 they will begin their life together.

Rushing would love to hear from you! Email him at rushing82@yahoo.com.

Meet Your Staff: George Brown

2008-04-26T08:30:00.000-04:00

George Brown, our agency representative for the Little Rock project, is originally from northern Iowa. He moved to central Arkansas following a 22-year career in the United States Air Force. He has worked for the City of Little Rock since 1989. George currently is the Housing Programs Administrative Assistant in the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Programs. In his position, George is responsible for the development of policies and procedures for housing programs, tracks all open housing rehabilitation cases, and reviews bid proposals for cost reasonableness.

An active deacon at Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Cabot, George co-teaches a 4-year-old Sunday School class with his wife. He drives a church van to pick up elderly and disabled church members for Sunday School and church.

George is the owner/operator of Woodcrafts by George, specializing in wholesale millwork trim pieces.

George would love to hear from your group! His email is gbrown@littlerock.org

Before & After: Prayer Changes Things!

2008-04-20T20:21:00.000-04:00

Check out this video made by our project assistant for media, Steve Harwood, showing before and after shots of the 2007 projects in Little Rock:

Pre-Project Schedule for May 2-3

2008-04-07T14:48:00.000-04:00

Below is our tentative schedule (subject to change) for the pre-project visit May 2-3. For those not attending, I will plan to post links to photos and video to assist you in promoting the project.

Friday, May 2
2pm Meet in lobby of Wingate Hotel
2:30 Tour city - work sites
4:00 Tour of JA Fair HS
6pm Dinner
8:30 Back to Hotel (free time)

Saturday, May 3
8am Breakfast on your own at hotel
9 Meet in hotel lobby, continue city-work site tour
11 Back to hotel - depart for home

Tornado Sweeps Through Little Rock

2008-04-04T08:13:00.000-04:00

Please pray for our World Changers friends and those who were effected by last night's tornado in Little Rock. I'll pass along more information as I get it. Below is a link to an AP news article.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A tornado hit parts of Little Rock and its suburbs Thursday, injuring an unknown number of people while damaging businesses and downing trees and power lines. Read

Check out the Pulaski Baptist Association!

2008-04-01T09:37:00.000-04:00

Group Leaders!

You'll want to check out our local Baptist host for the Little Rock World Changers Project: the Pulaski Baptist Association (PBA)!

Danny Johnson, associational missionary, leads the Pulaski association which is affiliated with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention.

The Pulaski Baptist Association is made up of about 70 churches and missions located in southern Pulaski County and surrounding areas, including Saline, Grant and Jefferson counties. PBA churches and missions include African/American, Hispanic, Chinese, as well as predominately Anglo congregations.

Click here to get to meet the staff of the association and to see a map. A list of churches which are a part of the association is located here.

Danny leads churches in the association to embrace God's heart through a comprehensive Acts 1:8 strategy. More details on association ministries are available via this link.

Finally, you can catch up on all the activities of the associations by reading Pulaski association's newsletters.

You may contact Danny directly by calling 501-455-8506 or by email.

Meet Your Staff: Steve Harwood

2008-03-25T22:10:00.000-04:00

Note: Over the next several months you'll be introduced to the leadership team for the Little Rock World Changers project. Today, meet Steve Harwood, project media assistant:

Steve Harwood was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tenn., is married to Connie (they met in their church youth group!) and has an 12 year old daughter Rebecca. They now call Alpharetta, Ga., home.

Steve is the veteran of 11 World Changers projects--including Little Rock the past two years. He has worked retail, been a freelance photographer, event multimedia producer (think video and multi-screen presentations) and a "shooter" for a pyrotechnics company (think fireworks!).

When not enjoying his free time, he now holds down the job of server/application tech support and engineering for a major corporation's web hosting business (think "Shut-up and reboot!"). Steve loves roller coasters. And unlike Tim, he cannot spell, write or even carry on a coherent conversation. He prefers to be called "Steve"; you see--"Mr. Harwood" is a retired nuclear engineer he calls "Dad" (kinda explains a lot, don't you think?). And his greatest thrill would be for us to have a Spirit-filled week of ministry and for everyone to consider him a good friend by Friday...

2nd Youth Group Video Contest Announced!

2008-03-23T17:07:00.000-04:00

Hey group leaders...

I'd like for us to do something really crazy again this year...last year at World Changers Little Rock we crowned the winner of the first ever World Changers Church Group Video Contest!

Here's how it works....if you have a video of or about your group - or for that matter would like to create one - upload it to Google Video or YouTube, then send me the link for World Changers Little Rock website ( http://wclittlerock.blogspot.com). It can be something you've already done, focused around this year's theme, something funny from last year...well, you get the picture!

I'll post the link and ask everyone judge the videos for their favorites, then choose winner. At the project we'll show the winning video to everyone! Oh! And the winning youth group gets a prize as well!

It's also a great way to introduce your group to everyone!

Let the contest begin!Above are members of the Elmhurst Korean Presbyterian Church youth group, who were winners in 2007. Below is their winning entry!

Look Who's Coming to Little Rock!

2008-03-16T15:24:00.000-04:00

Check out the latest list of churches coming to Little Rock for our awesome project! Click here for the list or click on the image below:

WCLR Pre-Project Visit May 2-3

2008-02-05T21:24:00.000-05:00

We are excited you are joining us for World Changers June 21-28, 2008!

You won't want to miss the Little Rock Pre-Project Planning Visit set for Friday-Saturday, May 2-3! Please hold this date and make plans to attend. You are responsible for all expenses related to the visit.

We have made arrangements at the Wingate Inn, 1212 Shackleford Road, Little Rock 72211, for those attending the pre-project visit. The rate is $89. You'll need to call 501-227-6800 to make your reservation. Ask for Jackie and tell them you are with World Changers. Click here for directions to the Wingate. For more information about the Little Rock Wingate, check out this link.

We'll plan to meet at the hotel at 2 p.m. Friday, May 2, for a tour of the city and school where we'll be staying. On Saturday, May 3, we'll tour work sites until about 11 a.m.

Contact me should you have questions.

It's Evangelism Training Time!

2008-02-05T18:34:00.000-05:00

This email was sent to group leaders on Feb. 5:

Group Leaders,

Please read the attached Evangelism Training document from World Changers and the North American Mission Board.

Be sure to check out the World Changers Little Rock website and blog! Mark your calendar for our May 2-3 pre-project planning visit.

Hope everything is well with you!

Serving Together,
Tim

WCLR Pre-Project Visit May 2-3

2008-01-26T11:58:00.000-05:00

This email was sent to group leaders on Jan. 26:

Group Leaders,

Please hold May 2-3 for the date of our World Changers Little Rock Pre-Project Planning Meeting. I will send more details about schedule and hotel in a later email. Generally, our schedule is to gather at the hotel after lunch on Friday and finish up by noon on Saturday.

I hope you are having an awesome Sunday and looking forward to an even better Sunday of worship!

--Tim

BTW...I see where we have had some new groups added since my last email update...welcome! All previous communication with group leaders is posted after it is sent to http://wclittlerock.blogspot.com

Acts 1:8 Challenge Student Weekend

2008-01-05T10:43:00.000-05:00

There's a great new resource for student pastors and leaders designed to lead students to a greater awareness of the needs of the world around them and their part in fulfilling the mission of God, it's called the Acts 1:8 Challenge Student Weekend: Impacting MY SPACE with MY GOD.

By conducting an Acts 1:8 Challenge Student Weekend, churches will begin a process of cultivating a love for missions and ministry in the lives of students resulting in students engaging in intentional mission and ministry actions in “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth.”

The Acts 1:8 Challenge Student Weekend is modeled after a Disciple Now Weekend, which is a retreat-like event that takes place in the homes of church members. Guest leaders are recruited to lead small groups of students (6 to 12 per group) in a weekend of Bible study, fun, and in the case of an Acts 1:8 Challenge Student Weekend, direct mission action.

Student pastors or leaders may want to consider using the material in place of a Disciple Now Weekend or to supplement the World Changers Pre-Project Study.

Read more or download via this link.

Leap: 2008 WC Theme Interpretation

2008-01-03T05:37:00.000-05:00

Biblical Theme Passages:

Now this is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in Him. If we say, “We have fellowship with Him,” and walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. But we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. - I John 1:5-7 (HCSV)

Key Verse:

But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin - I John 5:7 (HCSV)

Background Discussions:

As youth ministers we have used the illustration from Raiders of the Lost Ark about stepping out in faith into the unknown. However, this really is not the complete picture of our faith walk. It presents a concept of having to make it a leap into the darkness. This I John passage gives us the picture of leaping or living our lives into the light not darkness. We see it as a life style of faith for the believer. Not just one step but a direction. What would a life of a student look like if they were living 100% for Christ? A leap into the light calls for students to surrender their whole life – eliminating the compartments and layers to their living. A leap into the light calls for the believer to be a Biblical leader and a servant leader of the gospel. This concept of leaping speaks also to the student’s desire to leave a legacy. The journey of our faith is a not for a short time. A believer’s life means we develop a long term relationship with Christ in complete view of the world. We are a people of light.

Welcome to World Changers Little Rock!

2008-01-02T17:44:00.000-05:00

This is the email that was sent to all group leaders on January 2:

Dear Group Leader:

Greetings from Georgia! I am excited you are registered for the World Changers in Little Rock, Arkansas, June 21-28. I look forward to meeting you and your group. Assisting me at the project will be my wife, Pamm, who is a native of the Little Rock area. Together, we will be communicating with you concerning all aspects of the project in the weeks and months to come. If you haven't already, schedule your pre-project study and local pre-project work project. These are very important in preparing your students for the World Changers experience. A Little Rock Pre-Project Planning Meeting will be scheduled soon.

IMPORTANT! The $50 per participant deposit is due Feb. 1. If you haven't sent that in to World Changers, please do today! All deposits are nonrefundable and nontransferable to the balance after Feb. 1.

If you have any questions, please email me at tyarbrough@gmail.com (best way) or call (770) 410-6379 (office) or 678-559-6646 (cell). Please let me know if I can be of assistance to you in any way. You are in our prayers, and we look forward to working with you in the days ahead!

On Mission for Him,

Tim Yarbrough

P.S. Check out Little Rock project updates often at http://wclittlerock.blogspot.com. Be sure to add your comments to posts!

Registration for WCLR 2008 Underway!

2007-09-26T17:11:00.000-04:00

Registration for the World Changers Little Rock project began August 1!

From August 1-January 31 you may register your group with no deposit at the time of registration. A $50 per person deposit for the number of participants (students and adults) you register must be postmarked no later than February 1, 2008. All deposits are nonrefundable and nontransferable to the balance after that date. You may register online here.

The theme for World Changers 2008 is LEAP. More information about the World Changers ministry is available here.

Send your registration now to reserve your spots!

WCLR '07 Makes Arkansas Baptist News!

2007-08-14T23:04:00.000-04:00

World Changers repair homes, share Christ in Little Rock

Stella Prather
Arkansas Baptist News

As the father of 15 children and grandfather of 47 grandchildren, Henry Baker thought he had seen all kinds of “kids.” But the Little Rock man says a group of teens he recently encountered is one of a kind.

“I think they are great,” says Baker, speaking of a group of teens that re-roofed and painted his home July 21-27. “I’ve never seen kids like this.”

Pointing to the young adults nailing shingles on his home July 27, Baker said, “You don’t find many who will get up and do something like that … in the hot heat. The job they are doing … is just amazing. You just don’t see kids like that anymore.”

Baker and his wife, Barbara, were among several senior adult families in Little Rock that received home improvements through a partnership between the City of Little Rock and World Changers, Inc., a ministry project of the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. Now in its 17th year, World Changers, Inc. allows teenagers to share God’s love by providing free labor to communities in need.

During the week-long ministry project, nearly 400 students and adults, representing 19 churches from nine states, helped paint and roof 26 homes in and around the mid-town Little Rock area. The City of Little Rock supplied needed project materials.

This is the second year World Changers have come to Little Rock. Another 130 World Changers ministered in Pine Bluff July 14-21.

Joining in the Little Rock World Changer’s project were several Arkansas Baptists churches who provided meals for the student workers. These churches hailed from the North Pulaski and Pulaski Baptist Associations.

Among the Little Rock student volunteers was Andy Blauser, a high school senior from Round Rock, Texas. Noting that he has, in the past, taken part in several mission trips, Blauser said, participating in World Changers was another opportunity to be obedient to God’s call on his life to be a missionary.

“This (World Changers) is a chance to actually put feet to my faith and faith without works is dead,” said Blauser.

Greg Shamblin of Cumming, Ga., was among 57 volunteers from First Redeemer Church of Cumming who helped work on the Baker family home. This is the second year church members from the Atlanta-area church have ministered in Little Rock.

“My daughter came last year and she came back and said, ‘Dad why don’t you go next year.’ … So here I am,” shared Shamblin, adding that his participation has motivated him to recommit his life to God.

“It has touched my heart working with these kids,” says a tearful Shamblin. “You can see God working through them.”

At the completion of each home project, every Little Rock family was presented with a Bible and a photo of their work crew.

Baker said he won’t soon forget his World Changer team.

“I think they did a real great, a real great job,” said Baker. “You know they could be out getting in trouble, but instead they are here.”

“I think this is one of the best things that has ever happened to us,” adds Baker. I’ve really enjoyed watching what they are doing for us. I’ve never seen children work like that.”

WCLR News Coverage!

2007-08-09T05:53:00.000-04:00

Check out this clip from one of the local Little Rock TV stations, THV Channel 11. In all, three TV stations, the local metro newspaper and other media outlets covered World Changers while you were there!

WCLR Photos Posted

2007-08-03T21:42:00.000-04:00

Hundreds of photos from the World Changers Little Rock project have been posted by "Capt Kodak" himself, otherwise known as Steve Harwood. Steve served as project assistant for media.

Other photos from the week are available via the "My World Changers" link at the right. Look for the Little Rock project

Check out Steve's photos here.

Wow! What a Week!

2007-07-30T15:59:00.000-04:00

World Changers Little Rock 2007 is in the books, and what a week it was!

We had 3 salvations during the week, including 2 students and 1 resident at the project sites. The gospel was presented more than 150 times and 27 houses were renovated!

385 Students and leaders from 9 states and 19 churches participated in the project!

I can't wait until next year! My thanks go to Tom Ford, our construction coordinator; George Brown of the City of Little Rock; Chad Meeks, our association coordinator; Pamm Yarbrough; Steve Harwood; our WC summer staff; and our group leaders and students for doing such a GREAT job! You were tremendous witnesses for Jesus Christ this past week!

Be sure to watch the WCLR Action Cam below!

WCLR - 385 Strong!

2007-07-26T10:13:00.000-04:00

World Changers is impacting Little Rock in a BIG way! More than 380 students and leaders from nine states are in the city renovating homes and sharing Christ!

Already, there have been numerous professions of faith! Crews are working at 26 different work sites doing roofing, painting and other construction-related projects. The entire group is staying at JA Fair High School in Southwest Little Rock.

Nineteen churches are participating during the week from Texas, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia, Oklahoma and Arkansas!

Continue to pray as they lift Jesus high!

Fellowship Bible Church Video!

2007-06-30T16:42:00.000-04:00

Check out the latest entry in our student video contest from Fellowship Bible Church in Austin, Texas! Remember, the winning group will receive a scholarship to any World Changers project in 2008...among other goodies!

Latest Video Entry: Elmhurst KPC

2007-06-22T20:58:00.000-04:00

Check out the latest entry into our youth group video contest! It is from Elmhurst Korean Presbyterian Church students, who made for a talent show to raise funds for World Changers. Enjoy! Send your video now! You can't win if you don't enter!

Directions to JA Fair High School

2007-06-22T15:11:00.000-04:00

Following are directions to JA Fair High School:

From the North: I-40 to I-430 South take Exit 4 Col. Glenn Rd. right on Col. Glenn Rd turn left on W David O. Dodd Rd. School is on the left.

From the South: I-30 to I-430 North take Exit 4 Col. Glenn Rd. left on Col Glenn Rd. turn left on W David O. Dodd Rd. School is on the left.

From the East: I-630 to I-430 South take Exit 4 Col Glenn. School is on the left.

J. A. Fair Address:
13420 W. David O. Dodd Rd
Little Rock, AR 72210

School Web Sites:
http://www.lrsd.org/schoolindex.cfm?sccode=8
http://www.fairwareagles.com/

Have a "Wild" Time While in Little Rock!

2007-06-13T08:41:00.000-04:00

Groups that would like to plan to go to Wild River Country on their afternoon off, Wednesday, July 25, will receive a special discount rate of $11 per person. The park will be open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The regular group rate is $15.99 per person.

If your group would like to take advantage of this special rate contact Chad Meeks to reserve your tickets at pintobeanhead@gmail.com or call 501-851-2563 (day), 501-804-6693 (cell).

Leadership Profile: Chad Meeks

2007-06-10T22:57:00.000-04:00

Note: Chad Meeks is serving as association coordinator for the World Changers Little Rock project.

I was born and raised in the Little Rock area. I am married to a wonderful woman named Holly. I have two beautiful children, Micah and Alexis. I am a student minister at Cedar Heights Baptist Church in North Little Rock, Arkansas. I enjoy reading, Starbucks, my new MacBook, and traveling. That's me.

We Want to Pray for Your Group!

2007-05-20T07:53:00.000-04:00

Hey, we want to continue to pray for your group specifically about requests you have! Jameson Barker, our speaker for the week, is requesting these to be sent to him at
jameson.barker@gmail.com.

The countdown has started for Little Rock! In a few short months we will all converge on the city to share the love of Christ! If you haven't completed your pre-project study, please start planning it now! Also, take a minute to look over all the group leader materials you were mailed and make certain you have all your forms - such as the transportation form and group leader questionnaire - completed. Mail those to me at 4200 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30022.

Contact me at tyarbrough@gmail.com if you have questions.

First Video Entry - FRC 1040 Missions!

2007-05-10T22:58:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone...I have yet to see any videos from you guys, so I'll post one of my own! This is our tag for the 10/40 missions ministry at our church. Enjoy! Come on, start sending them my way! Much thanks to Steve Harwood, our "video guy" who you'll get to meet at the project. --Tim

LR Resident Praises WCLR Effort!

2007-04-26T22:13:00.000-04:00

Note: This is a letter received by George Brown and the City of Little Rock from one of the residents served by World Changers in 2006:

To Whom it May Concern,

This thank you note is a late one, but I do believe thank you is always in order.

How thankful we were for having a job well done this past summer on our roof.

The Christian young people who did the job, and the adults who guided them, did a fantastic job. They were always in order.

Our neighbors and friends were delighted to have such a group in the area.

My twelve year old grandson received a great positive lesson from the affair. He loved the youth.

We are anticipating the next phase, a complete house makeover (badly needed!).

May God’s blessings be given to all who are responsible for the complete affair.

Thank you again.

Sincerely Yours,
Vouncile Harris and grandson

"Choose to Serve" is 2007 Theme

2007-04-19T21:47:00.000-04:00

The 2007 World Changers Theme is Choose to Serve from 1 Samuel 15:22b.

Teenagers today have lots of questions. They question their purpose in life. They question the validity of the Christian faith. They wonder how they can serve God today.

The messages this summer are all about addressing these questions. We will explore why we should serve God, when we serve Him, and how we serve Him.

Here We Come Again in 2007!

2007-01-14T18:34:00.000-05:00

We're looking forward to another exciting year at World Changers Little Rock! Return to this website periodically for important updates as well as some fun stuff!

Check out these shots from the 2006 project here.

Little Rock Will Never be the Same!

2006-06-27T12:52:00.000-04:00

FRC students had tremendous success serving the Lord this past week at World Changers! A total of 6 people came to know the Lord and more than 60 presentations of the gospel were made by students and leaders the week of June 17-24. In all, 23 homes were repaired by the efforts of students in heat approaching 100 degrees!

It was a week to remember!

Tim

2006 Project: Our Week is Underway!

2006-06-20T22:36:00.000-04:00

World Changers Little Rock has kicked off with a bang, as already several people have come to know the Lord through the efforts of nearly 300 students and leaders!

One of the local TV stations reported it this way:

Teens Give Up Summer to Renovate Homes

KTHV-TV (Channel 7) - By this time next week, some Little Rock homes will look a lot better thanks to a group of teenagers. The students from five different states are spending their summer vacation helping low-income homeowners with much-needed improvements.

The group is called “World Changers” and what they do is quite remarkable. In just a week, they'll repair and renovate 23 Little Rock homes, touching many lives along the way.

Instead of playing video games or hanging out at the mall, we caught up with 11 teenagers spending the summer doing the kind of hard labor few would volunteer for.

John Shook, 15, of The Woodlands, Texas, says, "We’re rebuilding the roof. We’re actually taking it down today and we're working on the siding."

"Oh no, it's not easy work, but it's all worth it," says 14-year-old Rachel Wilkerson.

Wilkerson and Shook are just two of 300 youth in Little Rock this week who've paid money to be here and believe it or not, say they wouldn't want to be spending their summer any other way.

"They say, you know, 'Why in the heck would you do this? Why would you pay money, come here and then spend a week to work on a house?' Well, it's because of God," says Wilkerson. "It's for our ministry."

Monday, the students reached out to 76-year-old Rose Cunningham.

"They seem to be doing a beautiful job," says Cunningham.

A widow with little income, Cunningham says without the help of these kids, "I don't know. I probably have to go in debt and get somebody to fix it for me, which I really wasn't able to do. I might would have to sell the house."

Shook says, "We’re gonna repaint it; we're gonna fix the underneath of her porch and do touch-up where it's needed. It'll look nice."

Cunningham calls the teens a blessing from God.

"The Lord answered my prayers," she says.

Funny, the teens call Cunningham the same.

Wilkerson explains, "And if we can reach out and we can help one person, if we can touch one life, then our goal is complete."

Leaders of the group estimate the teens are donating close to $250,000 worth of labor this week.

The city of Little Rock helped buy the supplies used to repair the homes. Next month, the group will spend a week renovating homes in Benton.

Direct link: http://www.kthv.com/printfullstory.aspx?storyid=30142

Questions about Insurance

2006-05-19T05:58:00.000-04:00

Hey Group Leaders!

Some of you have asked about what to do if you have a student or adult coming who doesn't have primary insurance. I asked John Bailey of the national World Chanagers staff and following is his response:

The choice is up to the participant as to what the options are. Here are some thoughts...

1. Search the Internet and buy temporary primary coverage. It is not that expensive. Your church may want to do that as a ministry to the student's family.

2. Choose not to buy the insurance and simply say on the participant form we do have have primary insurance. The form does say in the event that there is no primary insurance the parent or guardian will be responsible for the costs of any medical care. Note: The insurance provided by World Changers is a supplemental accident policy. In the event of no primary health insurance, it kicks in up to $5,000 for the uninsured on a non existing condition. That goes quickly if a studetn breaks an arm but it is something.

3. The church could offer to cover any medical costs of the student in event of an accident.

Hope this helps as we approach the final weeks up until the project.

Blessings all!
Tim