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More than 100 Rock the Edge teens put 'Service Over Self'

Lead Summary
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By
Mavis Fodness

Recent Luverne High School graduate Emilie Staeffler closed out a week of community service Friday with a sense of pride.
The veteran of several mission trips through her own church, Staeffler said serving at home has special meaning.
“When you drive by, you can see your work. It’s more rewarding,” she said.
Staeffler was one of more than 115 area youth and 65 adults who spent last week completing 50 area projects that left a lasting impression in their own backyards.
Each morning the youth and adult volunteers gathered at Grand Prairie Events in Luverne for fellowship, devotion and project assignments.
They were split into a dozen work teams and spent several hours —sometimes days — at various outdoor sites depending on the task. Some days youth broke into smaller groups to complete intergenerational activities.
They made home repairs, painted, cleaned, landscaped, tied fleece blankets and assisted with several organizations and individuals who needed assistance.
The week focused on the theme “Unshaken” from 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, spreading grace through the gifts God enriched inside each youth.
The youth were encouraged to show “unshaken” conviction by working side-by-side with property owners who were touched by the youth’s enthusiasm, expressions of kindness and positive attitudes.
“I really like the idea of being ‘Unshaken,’ sticking with God,” Staeffler said. “We are all one body.”
Many youth also learned new skills, such as those used at the building sites, doing landscaping or gardening, under the tutelage of adult volunteers.
Youth from ten Luverne churches completed projects in Luverne, Magnolia, Hills and Hardwick.
Adult volunteer Becky Ossefoort reflected on her experience with the children who came and helped the service youth construct and fill a sandbox.
One child said he never before had a sandbox to play in at home.
“His home is a lot different than mine. His life is a lot different than mine,” Ossefoort reflected on the differences plus one commonality. “He loves Jesus. I love Jesus and Jesus loves both of us.”
Ossefoort’s reflections came Friday during the last morning gathering, this time at the Palace Theatre in downtown Luverne.
“We really touched a lot of people’s lives,” said organizer Wanda Jarchow. “We were all the hands and feet of Jesus.”
A morning gathering at the Palace Theatre wrapped up the weeklong event where a 27-minute slideshow depicted a portion of the projects completed during the “Service Over Self” event.
Jarchow explained area churches came together several years ago to form a youth group called “Rock the Edge.”
Last year “Service Over Self” was added as a group activity after one pastor suggested the idea of the stay-at-home mission trip.
“We have lots of local people that need help,” Jarchow said. “Why go to other places?”
Each youth participant contributed $50 to defray the costs of food and drinks.
Businesses donated or discounted the cost of supplies and equipment for several projects. Many companies and individuals also provided professional assistance as well as assistance from municipalities.
Grants were also received by Rock the Edge as well as assistance from the participating churches.
Service Over Self is currently in the planning stages for 2020. Dates have not been determined.
The event is open to all youth in grades eight through twelve.
Churches involved in the Service Over Self event for 2019 included America Reformed, Bethany Lutheran, First Baptist, First Presbyterian, Grace Lutheran, Living Rock, St. Catherine, St. John Lutheran, Luverne Christian Reformed and United Methodist.

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