Klein Stake Youth

As approximately 80 young men and women gathered in the shade of the SHP Houston North chapter building, Savannah leaned over to me and said, “Jesus was a carpenter.” It struck me as a beautiful irony to be serving in a shed, working with wood on this Holy Saturday, anticipating Easter Sunday the next day, reflecting on the tragedies of Good Friday centuries before. Yes, Jesus Christ of Nazareth was raised by Joseph, a carpenter. And on the eve of Easter, youth and their leaders from the Klein, Texas area chose to spend the day learning new skills, operating unique equipment, and working together at individual stations to create the parts that would eventually be assembled into 50 beds for children across the greater Houston area.

A handful of youth at a time would gather with a station leader to learn their role in this incredible undertaking. Max and Hurley did several jobs – sanding & cutting wood as well as screwing boards together forming slats. Dax drilled boards as well. What could be seen as monotonous was actually rewarding; the smiles on their faces confirming this as the 3 hours truly flew by. Elaina got to operate a drill press, placing holes in specific spots of the boards. Mia also sanded while Bailey assembled kits of screws and bolts that would accompany the blocks of wood at delivery and assembly time. Javier created spaces in planks of wood that would eventually house those screws. Kate and Paige worked at the dip station, placing planks of wood into a chemical that would detract bugs as well as protect the wood from the elements. Everyone performed their task safely and efficiently, never seeing the final outcome of the project. But all recognized that 50 children would be receiving and sleeping in their own bed in the very near future. What a beautiful gift and unique way to serve, just like Jesus. 

Miracles were witnessed, friendships created, and testimonies strengthened. Thank you to ALL who participated!