One Shovel in the Dirt

Reflections from Aliquippa

Our church had focused most of its mission work around students—primarily international trips or local “Love Your Neighbor” moments. But we began to realize that missions should be more than just a youth program. It’s a church-wide calling. That shift in thinking led us to plan the trip to Aliquippa.

Aliquippa, a struggling river town once fueled by the steel industry, isn’t so different from neighborhoods in Kenmore or Barberton. Many homes are in disrepair—roofs caving in, broken porches, and cracked sidewalks. We partnered with Ripple FX and a local missionary, Scott, who’s embedded in the community, building relationships and providing hope.

Our projects were simple but meaningful. At one home, we were asked to build a fence, not realizing at first how much it mattered. The homeowner, a single mom with special needs kids, had lost one of her children’s puppies in a dog attack due to the lack of a border. Her kids wouldn’t go outside anymore. That fence brought a sense of safety and peace to their lives. Seeing her tears was powerful. It reminded me that a cup of cold water in Jesus' name really does matter.

We prayed every hour on the hour during the trip. That ongoing rhythm shaped how we handled challenges and deepened our sense of purpose.

My hope is that this changes the way we see missions—not as an event, but a way of life, right here in our neighborhoods.

Don George,
Executive Pastor