Mullens is a city in Wyoming County, West Virginia with a population of 1,559 residents. It is located in a valley along the Guyandotte River within a mountainous region of southern West Virginia. The once-thriving coal-mining town has seen its industry shrink within the past decade.  The town was also nearly destroyed by flash flooding in July 2001. While the town has attempted to redevelop with the aid of state and federal recovery money, many local businesses and residents have left the area permanently.  The residents that remain, struggle to maintain their homes.  Leaky roofs, drafty windows, disintegrating porches and decks, and minor plumbing and electrical fixes are on the list. We also do a lot of work for the elderly. Their family members of working ages have moved away to find jobs and they are left behind. Often they are confined to wheelchair's so the installation of handicap ramps are such a blessing to them.

     This is a construction ministry so carpentry skills are a plus but not a necessity. If you've never used a hammer now is the time to learn.  We will be using hand tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, tin snips, pliers, prybars, levels, utility knives, caulking guns, and maybe even a paintbrush or two. Some of the power tools we will be using will be drills, circular saws, miter saws, table saws, nail guns, and impact drivers. We will be redoing some roofs.  Our policy is never to do a roof taller than one story and each roof must only have a slight pitch to it. There will be some use of ladders. All construction crews will be led by an experienced construction foreman. On average, each crew has eight people. 4 high schoolers, 2 college leaders, and 2 adult leaders.

     Our team will be leaving Sunday, after church and will be home Friday afternoon. We will be staying in Mullins. There are a few options that have housed missionaries before and are looking forward to our arrival. One of the nicest aspects is that they have a deluxe kitchen. After a long day of pounding nails, our group will gather for a nice hot meal. Breakfast and lunch will also be provided by our great kitchen crew.  There will be dorm-style sleeping arrangements and you will need a cot or air mattress and a sleeping bag. The weather will be warm however we dress for construction. Pants and closed work shoes are suggested.

     Last year the recipients of work described previously feeling left behind as if no one cared.  Most of them would have been grateful just to have someone to talk to them about the love of Jesus. That would have been enough.  They were brought to tears after they saw their new roof or handicapped ramp.  It was incredibly powerful. Then watching teens working together on a team and learning new skills and having success with those skills is amazing.  All participants are empowered as they connect, grow, and share the love of Jesus with each other and the community.  It's one thing to serve God individually but, when you serve as a group it's life-changing. The friends made there will be sharing an experience that bonds them together and will help build upon what God has in store for the future. This mission trip has had a huge impact on the lives of many!