Youth group to help special needs residents in Wis.

(front row) Stephanie Rhines, chaperone Daniyle Weir, Hayley Millhouse, Hailee Hovis, Ashlee Williamson, (back row) Phil Spencer, chaperone Dave Weir, Adam Cunningham, (not pictured) chaperone Diane Rhines. DAVISON — Churches often plan mission trips to meet and help people in other nations and cultures. A group of area teenagers is preparing for a different kind of “cross-cultural” experience this summer.

Shepherds Ministries of Union Grove, Wis., will benefit from a June 28-July 3 visit from six teenagers and three chaperones from Life Fellowship Chapel in Davison.

Founded in 1964, the Shepherds organization provides compassionate Christian care, vocational education and job opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. Outside groups help residents through the Shepherds Friend program.

Upon arrival, each member of the LFC group will receive, then will be paired with a resident who has a development or intellectual disability.

“A resident will be specifically designated to each team member according to the talents and hobbies that match the residents,” said Dave Weir, LFC youth director, adding that the entire group will provide chapel services and entertainment during the week. “I want to see the teens show God’s love in practical ways.”

For most of the group, working with people with special needs will take them out of their comfort zone. The teens look forward to the experience with a combination of excitement and nervousness.

“I’m kind of excited,” said Hayley Millhouse, 17, of Davison Township. “It’s a new experience, something I’m not used to. But it sounds like fun.”

“After one or two days, I bet we’ll get used to it,” said Ashlee Williamson, 16, of Burton. “This will help me learn where my talents can be used for God.”

After their initial training, Shepherds Friend participants will spend their days with their resident, helping them at their vocation, accompanying them to their schooling then interacting with them in other activities.

Stephanie Rhines, 16, of Davison Township, admits a little trepidation, since some of the Shepherds residents have disabilities caused by alcohol and drug abuse.

“I’ve never been around people like that,” she said, also anticipating awkward moments if she’s called upon to do laundry for residents who soil bed sheets at night. At the same time, she is excited about the trip after hearing stories from her mother, Diane (one of the chaperones), from a previous visit to the Wisconsin campus.

“It was really cool to listen to her stories,” Stephanie said. “It looks like an amazing place.”

Adam Cunningham, 17, of Grand Blanc, may be a bit more prepared for the trip, because one of his brothers is autistic. “I’m used to autistic people, but it will still be a good learning experience.”

The church is requiring each teen to raise $275 to pay for the trip; fund-raising projects have included an ice cream social/carnival, an ongoing pop can drive, a penny collection and various “odd jobs” performed for church members. Weir said the group is about halfway toward their fund-raising goal.

While a lot of the emphasis is on helping people who are “different,” 16- year-old Hailee Hovis of Almont believes the education will work both ways.

“I feel like it’s a good experience to learn more about ourselves, learn more about God, and do it in a way where we can help people while we’re doing it.”

The group is planning a car wash fundraiser from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 19 at Bubbles Galore on Irish Road.

Life Fellowship Chapel offers ministry to the Davison and Lapeer communities. For more information on church activities, call 810-653-4950 or 810-895- 4458.— G.G.