Methodist Momentum makeover gears up to give

Monique Headley

What started out as an annual basketball camp turned into a slam dunk of an idea when the family of two campers was chosen for a total home makeover.

The idea is called Momentum Make Over Youth Edition. From July 5-10 about 15 adult coordinators and 160 young adults from five churches will do everything but bulldoze the home of Heather and Jeff Spiva in a simple idea reconstructed as an extreme act of kindness. Money raised from fundraisers and local business donations will fund the project.

“The idea started at Upward Basketball League. One-hundred one boys signed up. Two of whom were living with autism,” said Alton Carter, director of Youth Services at First United Methodist Church, located at 400 W. Seventh Ave., and director of Youth Force Stillwater. “I felt like the whole purpose of the camp was to do something for these kids. I spoke with Pastor Stan Warfield and told him we could combine the events of summer Youth Force and do something.

“I believe if the leaders are excited, it will pass down to the kids and out to the community. The kids took the idea from there and just developed it. They are the ones who are really driving the project. They understand it doesn’t stop when you are called. Service is continuous.”

Stillwater High School student, Kelsey Davis said, “This project is a way for me to grow closer to God and get to know better the people around me. It’s a way for me to understand the problems of others in my community,” the 15-year-old said. “I never knew it would affect me until last year when we did the random acts of kindness. It was absolutely amazing to see the reactions of people when we surprised them.”

It was with a noble mindset that the motivated Momentum teens went to the Spiva residence to determine the need for repairs, Carter said. A design team then decided what needed repair or replacement for the modern-styled makeover. The team began to visualize details like paint, carpet, materials and appliance choices. Other teams will include planning, renovation, donations, landscape, media, food service, registration, canteen and facilities.

“We are very excited,” said homeowner Heather Spiva. “It’s a little overwhelming, but it’s also humbling. I never expected someone to do this for our family. Why us and not another family? We appreciate it so, so much.”

Youth Force is a nationwide Methodist summer works project where teens engage in coordinated efforts to do random acts of service within their local communities.

“We are extremely excited,” said Bertha ‘Bert’ Potts, United Methodist Church district superintendent. “I think it is a great way to mobilize the people to do something and do something new.”

Potts said the event will be a targeted way to get people to work together.

“We want Stillwater to become a light center. I pray more people will see the benefit of ministry activities and how they can take care of their neighbors,” Potts said.

Carter said, “We are hoping the way Youth Force is done will inspire other churches to take on similar projects involving youth. I believe in across the seas missions, but there is a huge need right here in Stillwater. Finding work to do in the community is easy.

“Often when we help people, we think we are doing them a favor. It is usually the other way around. Helping others helps your self esteem and encourages others to join in. Kids so desparately want to be a part of something. Sometimes, we have churches talking about how to live. Well, actions speak louder than words. It’s one thing to talk about serving one’s neighbors, it’s another thing to do. Sometimes, we make things too complicated. If you want to be a help, just help.”

Several local businesses like Lambert Construction have confirmed commitment.

Carter said donations from more local businesses will be needed to take the well-intentioned blueprint from page to reality. Carter said the youth group will continue to appeal to the community for help.

Text Only