Week 5: St. Paul’s Beaufort, St. Paul’s Wilmington, St. James Wilmington & Calvary, Tarboro

Week 5 at Glory Ridge was filled with meaningful service, joyful worship, new friendships, and countless reminders of God’s faithfulness. Throughout the week, campers from St. Paul’s Wilmington, St. Paul’s Beaufort, St. James Wilmington, and Calvary Tarboro embraced every opportunity to serve the Marshall community while growing together in faith. Whether they were swinging a hammer, singing during worship, or laughing together on the river, the week was marked by servant hearts and a strong sense of Christian community.

The week began with a visit to our friend and neighbor Hazel, whose joyful spirit has become a blessing to many campers. Teams spent the day weed eating, cleaning around her home, and simply sitting with her, listening to her stories and enjoying her company. One memorable moment came when Hazel’s beloved cat, Princess, disappeared for several hours. Before leaving, Nick prayed with Hazel for peace and for Princess’s safe return. Shortly after the group departed, Princess came home, offering a beautiful reminder that God cares about even the smallest concerns we bring before Him.

Service projects throughout the week took volunteers to several homes across the community. One team built a sturdy 4-by-10-foot deck for their neighbor, Mary, while also helping another group complete a wheelchair ramp and make significant progress on a much larger deck at our neighbor, Glen’s home. Another team worked together “like a well-oiled machine” to build a 6-by-16-foot deck, demonstrating remarkable teamwork and determination.

One of the week’s most touching moments came as volunteers completed work around Mary’s home. Seeing the care and dedication poured into each project moved her to tears, reminding us all that acts of service often impact hearts far beyond the physical improvements themselves. Her gratitude became a powerful reflection of the love of Christ shown through willing hands and compassionate hearts.

At the Walnut Community Center, volunteers transformed one corner of the property by planting a colorful flower bed, installing a much-needed handrail, and painting the front steps. These projects not only improved the facilities but also created a welcoming space that will continue serving the community for years to come.

Midweek brought a change of pace as campers and leaders headed out for an afternoon of whitewater rafting. The adventure offered plenty of excitement, laughter, and opportunities to cool off from last week’s heatwave. Along the river, groups spotted an osprey, a great blue heron, and even a bald eagle, creating moments of awe as everyone enjoyed God’s beautiful creation together.

Back at camp, worship remained a daily highlight. Campers brought joyful energy to songs like “This Little Light of Mine” and “Montana,” singing, dancing, and celebrating together. Talented musicians led with guitars, a banjo, and a mandolin, while the week’s theme, “Called to Serve,” invited everyone to reflect on the gifts God has given them to serve others. Leaders shared how meaningful it was to watch students grow in confidence, try new things, and build skills on the worksites and in worship. One evening, Trish shared how the care and compassion she received years ago strengthened her heart, mind, and spirit, reminding campers of the lasting impact they make when they share Jesus’ love freely.

Evening conversations beneath the big oak tree after dinner also became treasured moments, as adult leaders gathered to reflect on the day’s experiences, share stories of where they had seen God at work, and encourage one another in faith.

Of course, no week at Glory Ridge would be complete without a few sweet treats. Trips to Madison Pharmacy and Meadowsweet Creamery for ice cream became a favorite tradition. Along with the delicious homemade desserts served each evening after our lovingly prepared dinner, these moments provided another opportunity to slow down, laugh together, and strengthen the friendships that had grown throughout the week.

The week served as another reminder that Glory Ridge is far more than a place to serve—it is a community where lives are changed, faith is strengthened, friendships are formed, and God’s love is experienced through serving others together.