A group of 22 young people and adult leaders from the Bedford Presbyterian Church spent a very busy four-day weekend recently, providing much needed physical work for those in need in the Farmington Maine area. This was the 10th annual event for the Youth Mission Group to Maine, and despite the hard work, all agreed it was a rewarding and fulfilling experience. “We were able to complete tasks at five residences”, remarked mission advisor George Reese. Each year enthusiasm for being part of the Youth Mission grows.

The annual mission trips are coordinated by a local Maine organization known as “Mission At The Eastward”, located in the Farmington area. They coordinate volunteer groups throughout the Summer months for work projects for economically deprived residents in central Maine. Most of these volunteer groups are comprised of adults, however the Bedford Youth are a welcomed exception, and their work is very much appreciated by the recipients.

After months of planning and fundraising the young volunteers departed the Church on Thursday July 25th with trucks and trailers loaded with tools and materials. All had to be coordinated and funded by the group. After Sunday Services on the 28th at the Fairbanks Union Church in Farmington, the group returned to Bedford.

Although the annual mission to Maine is a unique experience for the Church’s young people, adult members of the congregation have a long history of on going mission work beginning with trips to Louisiana and other areas after Hurricane Katrina, up to their recent trip to Puerto Rico. In addition the Churches Mission Committee provides support services for residents of the local area as well.

For more information about Bedford Presbyterian Church, go to  www.bedfordpresbyterian.org. On Facebook at www.facebook.com/bedfordpresbyterianchurch. For more information about Mission At The Eastward, go to http://www.missionattheeastward.org

– Submitted by Bedford Presbyterian Church