When the first Tifton version of River of Life ended in July 2023, Tifton First United Methodist Church Youth Director Derek Harrison almost immediately began preparing for ROL in 2024. Wednesday those preparations come to fruition as “Blueprint,” the theme for ROL 2024 begins on the campus of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.
River of Life is a community-wide missions project that involves nearly 200 students and adult volunteers who will be in Tifton assisting local homeowners, businesses, and organizations with property improvement tasks and other special projects.
Last year youth groups from eight churches participated in River of Life. This year 12 churches will be represented as several homes will receive a quick make-over during the next few days.
During an earlier interview Derek stated that last year’s River of Life theme, “Catalyst,” kicked off the ROL mission. The goal for this year’s “Blueprint” theme is that people will be led back into their communities to assist and improve.
“The reason for “Catalyst” last year was that we were bringing something new to Tifton,” said Derek Tuesday afternoon. “Now we are building on that, and for that you need a blueprint.
“We know that a significant life is built on Christ. We can make our own choices, but we need to be aware that God is leading our choices.”
In addition to working with several homeowners with painting and construction projects, youth groups will also be assisting with improvement projects at Brother Charlies and with the Peanut Butter and Jesus food mission. There are also plans to visit residents at Maple Court and Cypress Pond, both of which are senior living centers. Gifts will be delivered to each of the residents of both facilities.
“People will be coming to Tifton from all around the state to support and love upon our community,” Derek said.
The mission work during the day is only part of the nearly week-long activities. Each night through Saturday the youth and adult volunteers will gather for worship and celebration in the Tifton First Social Hall. The Reverend Dr. Jonathan Smith will serve as the evangelical leader during the week. Reverend Smith is the senior pastor at Pittman Park Methodist Church in Statesboro. He is also the Director of the Wesley Foundation on the campus of Georgia Southern University.
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 Agricultural 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.
“We want the River of Life participants who come to Tifton to realize that they can go back home and do the same thing there,” said Derek, “so that they can go home and be the hands and feet of Christ.”
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