Week 2: Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Cedartown, GA

Pleasant Hill arrived at Glory Ridge for Week 2 of Summer Ministry with enthusiasm, compassion, and a willingness to serve. The group jumped into projects at the Walnut Community Center, helping relocate the food pantry from one room to another and creating a space that will better serve the community. Their energy and teamwork were evident right away, setting the stage for a week full of meaningful work and memorable moments.

Throughout the week, the group continued to serve both the community and individual neighbors in various ways. On Tuesday, one team visited Ms. Hazel, who is elderly and lives alone, to prepare a meal and spend time in conversation, while another group headed to the Walnut Community Center to cover graffiti. Campers sat with Ms. Hazel, listened to her stories, played with her cat Princess, and brought a smile to her face.

Wednesday brought opportunities to serve throughout Marshall and along the French Broad River. Campers picked up litter, installed house number signs, and spent hours traveling between homes, meeting community members and sharing conversations along the way. The many car rides became memorable parts of the day, filled with laughter, stories, and opportunities to grow closer as a group.

Tuesday’s rain didn’t stop the group from serving. In the pouring rain, campers went trash-bagging down the ridge, embracing the challenge with positive attitudes and a sense of adventure. While the effort was only mildly successful due to the weather, the experience provided plenty of fun and memorable moments.

 Creativity flourished during downtime and special projects. Many campers made wind chimes from tin cans, showcasing their imagination and perseverance as they transformed simple materials into something beautiful. Others spent time gardening with Deb and Trish, enjoying the work and companionship. Whether covering graffiti, building windchimes, gardening, or playing ultimate with staff, campers found countless ways to connect with one another and the people they served.

Evenings offered opportunities for worship and reflection. One memorable moment from worship was when alumni staffer James Davis led a song on Wednesday night that brought the group together in praise. Preston’s heartfelt devotions challenged and encouraged campers throughout the week. On the final night, several campers and leaders shared testimonies, giving everyone the opportunity to hear how God has been at work in their lives.

From moving food pantries to making windchimes and sharing meals, Pleasant Hill’s week was marked by service, creativity, and genuine connection. Week 2 was a beautiful reminder that ministry often happens through simple moments–sitting on a porch, sharing a meal, riding in a car, or serving in the rain–and Pleasant Hill embraced every one of them.