World Changers

Tony Watson had long been involved in student ministry with his local church when he went on his first mission trip with World Changers in 2002. World Changers is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and each summer they provide opportunities for thousands of students from middle school to college age to perform various service projects in communities in over 80 cities throughout North America, including Canada and Puerto Rico. These volunteer students and leaders participate in various types of projects ranging from community service to construction. Community service projects include volunteering at local nursing homes, candy-striping at hospitals, and putting on various sport camps at local parks for children to attend. Construction projects include providing new roofs, handicapped ramps, lawn care and other home improvements for elderly, disabled and/or lower income families that are not able to or could not perform these necessary repairs themselves.

With Tony’s construction background, he has participated as a Crew Chief, donating a week of his time each year since 2002. Each year he is responsible for his crew of approximately 12 students to not just complete their construction projects safely, but to also minister to the families in the household and community that he is working in. In many cases, the materials are donated by local companies and the students eagerly provide the volunteer labor needed to complete these projects. It was on one of these World Changer’s trips that Tony had one of his most rewarding memories in construction. In Beufort, SC, his crew removed and replaced the roof of an 85 year old widowed lady’s house during their week on the trip. Upon completion the lady was so excited that she climbed up on to the roof and through her tears kissed it. Although Tony was very glad when she made it back down the ladder, memories like this have stuck with him and remind him that there are more ways for him to contribute than just on his company projects.

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