For the second consecutive year, dozens of young people from around the state will be in Tifton to participate in River of Life, a community-wide missions project aimed at assisting homeowners with repair and improvement projects. River of Life is scheduled to take place this summer from July 10 – July 14.
Sponsored by Tifton First United Methodist Church, and led by Tifton First Youth Director Derek Harrison, River of Life is a continuation of a program started several years ago. When Derek came to Tifton four years ago, he immediately began making plans for River of Life to come to Tifton. Last summer eight churches and more and 130 youth and volunteers came to Tifton to work on beautifying homes in the Friendly City. This summer Derek hopes that as many as 20 churches may participate.
“We already have 12 churches that have committed and registered,” said Derek. Among those 12 churches, there are between 165 and 185 youth and adult volunteers who will be working during the week.
“Last year our theme was ‘Catalyst’,” Derek said, alluding to the idea that this event would lead to change. “Last year Catalyst kicked us off.
“Now we have the ‘Blueprint,’ and we can ask “where is God leading us?” Hopefully, it is back into our communities.”
In addition to the projects being completed during the day, the participants will also be engaged in worship each evening during the week. The Reverend Dr. Jonathan Smith will serve as the evangelical leader during the week. He is the senior pastor at Pittman Park Methodist Church in Statesboro and is also the Director of the Georgia Southern Wesley Foundation.
Also on hand will be internet sensation Shama Mrema, who will serve as the master of ceremonies during the week. Mrema is an actor, comedian, and part-time musician who has risen to internet fame since the release of his viral song, Veggie Tales Remix, in 2018. Since then, Mrema has gained more than 350,000 followers.
Also partnering with Tifton First is Abraham Baldwin College, which will be providing housing and breakfast for the participants. Local restaurant Chik-Fila will also be serving lunches during the week. Supper will be handled by Tifton First volunteers and take place in the social hall.
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