World Changers

By Published by The Editorial Board

Published: June 13, 2008

World Changers are coming to Rockingham County – in less than three weeks. On July 5, hundreds of young people from across the country will descend upon Rockingham County. Over 300 young people and chaperones will call Rockingham County “home” for a week – working in sometimes oppressive temperatures and conditions to renovate and refurnish homes and lives throughout the county.
A faith-based project of the North American Mission Board, World Changers will complete work on over 25 homes (and families) in every township in the county. Homes have been identified, families are being notified, and last-minute arrangements are being finalized to ensure Rockingham County puts its best foot forward – to ensure a memorable week for all involved.
This has been endorsed and supported by our Rockingham County Commissioners, and each of our six municipalities. The county’s school board has approved housing and meals at Rockingham County Senior High School. The N.C. Housing Authority has approved a $40,000 grant to underwrite the cost of materials for the homes. BB&T, Home Savings Bank and the town of Wentworth are Corporate Sponsors – donating over $5,000 each to this endeavor.
Please look for an upcoming special feature on particular families and the impact World Changers will make on their quality of life and neighborhoods in our community.
Each young person has sacrificed $260 to cover their cost of travel and a week of their summer vacation working on houses here in Rockingham County. It is my hope you will join each of us who have served in the planning and preparation for this week-long event to welcome these young people and thank them for their willingness to sacrifice to help make our county, our homes and neighborhoods more aesthetically-pleasing, but more importantly serving the less fortunate and sharing their faith.
Words cannot express the gratitude I have for Janet Rakestraw, who has single-handedly spearheaded this project. If you, your church or organization would like to contribute to the cost of materials and supplies for these homes, please contact Dr. Bill Duke of First Baptist Church of Reidsville or myself for additional information.
And if for any reason you miss World Changers this July, you can watch them again next year when they will return in late June.
Mark G. Collins
Executive committee member
World Changers of Rockingham County