10 Jun 2013 Youth recognized for mission work
Two young people in the 501 have been selected for awards for their mission work.
Bekah Fritschie of Lakewood United Methodist (North Little Rock) and Eamonn Mayo of Conway First United Methodist Church have been selected for the Allan Bruner Youth in Mission Award for 2013. This award is given in honor and memory of Allan Bruner.
Allan was instrumental in the development of Ozark Mission Project and, for many years, provided a backbone of the program. Allan also served the Arkansas Methodist Conference as Diaconal Minister and as director of Christian education for 24 years at First United Methodist Church in Conway. He had a passion for serving people in need and encouraging youth and adults to understand how important mission work was as a part of their Christian life and discipleship.
Ozark Mission Project (OMP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit mission of the Arkansas Area United Methodist Church, organized for ministry to “persons in need” in response to Jesus Christ’s call to servant hood. OMP’s vision is to be a Christ-led mission opportunity offering a diverse cultural experience that equips youth to make a global difference. Church youth groups are brought together to camp sites around Arkansas where they, in turn, serve people in the surrounding communities. In 1986, OMP began with one camp and 35 participants. Since then, OMP hosts 12 camps each summer, serving all four corners of Arkansas, and an annual college-aged mission trip outside the state.
In the spirit of Christ, these youth and adults serve individuals and families, called neighbors, who are in need of minor construction and yard work. In addition to the physical service projects, social and emotional needs are met by spending part of the time visiting, sharing lunch and a devotional with the neighbor, if the neighbor so chooses. OMP does not demand specific requirements, such as race, age, income or religion, in the selection of neighbors.
Bekah and Eamonn have demonstrated a passion for serving others not only through Ozark Mission Project, but also through other outreach ministries and their local congregations. Both youth exemplify a true servant’s heart, showing a love of God and a love of neighbor. They have created in themselves a passion for mission work as a part of their Christian life and discipleship.
“Bekah is a beautiful, talented young woman with a servant’s heart for God and others. We are so very proud of her,” said youth director Andrew Suite, of Lakewood United Methodist Church.
“Eamonn is an outstanding youth whom I have watched grow into a passionate, faithful and mission-minded young man,” said youth director Michelle Moore, of Conway First United Methodist Church.
Both recipients will be recognized with a plaque, a reception at their respective churches and a gift in their honor to Ozark Mission Project from proceeds of the Allan Bruner Memorial Fund.
The reception for Bekah will be at Lakewood United Methodist Church, 1922 Topf Road, North Little Rock, at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 16. The reception in Eamonn’s honor will be held at Conway First United Methodist Church, 1610 Prince St., Conway in the fellowship hall at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 30.
Gifts to the Allan Bruner Memorial Fund can be made to Ozark Mission Project c/o Rev. Mark Lasater, SAU Box 9290, Magnolia, AR 71754.
