Common Dedication

When dedicated, driven people pull together as a team with the provision of God backing them, it’s amazing what can be accomplished in only three days!

Maggie and Kevin Smith, both Indianapolis attorneys and dedicated members of Common Ground Church in Indianapolis, had an idea for a family-oriented mission trip that was close to home. They knew about New Song Mission’s Brown County children’s home campus, having served there in the summer of 2013, and wanted to organize an extra special missions trip this year. They organized efforts to raise $7,000 to help purchase materials, and then they recruited congregation members and their families to join in the mission trip. The Common Ground Church members pulled together to create a powerful workforce, ready to contribute their labors of love.

Over the three-day trip, members from approximately ten families and other individuals joined together to tackle projects on New Song’s third campus home. Over the short but intensive work period, groups averaging 35 or more people each day invested their time and talents to accomplish approximately 450 hours of manpower valued at nearly $10,000!

At the beginning of the trip, the home was approximately 65% complete. A large focus was placed on installation of 3200 sq. ft. of hardwood flooring that was to cover seven bedrooms, hallways and the large family living room. In addition, 1500 sq. ft. of vinyl tile was installed in the basement, the academic and activity center of the home. Bob Porter of Porter Hardwood Flooring provided general oversight of these projects.

Construction Manager Ron Eddins, along with Tim Beretta, teamed up to oversee tasks that best utilized the vast array of skills other group members brought to the project. There was truly something for everyone to do. The teens and children worked alongside adults to beautify the grounds around the home. They removed shrubs and trimmed trees, opening up the stunning view of the wooded pond area situated on the beautiful 100 acres in Brown County.

Bob Schloss, Director of New Song Mission, said he was extremely encouraged to see the passion and commitment of those God sent. “It was so encouraging to see such a large group of adults, teens, and children serving on campus! Maggie and Kevin’s organizational skills and passion for New Song and vulnerable children resulted in a huge leap forward for Home C and other areas of campus,” said Bob.

In addition to the tremendous amount of work accomplished, the group kept their hearts centered on the Lord throughout the three day adventure, beginning each day with devotions led by the teens. The families stayed at a nearby campground and enjoyed special opportunities to bond with each other.

We hope that our friends’ time serving in the beautiful woods of our Brown County campus will remain in their hearts and memories forever. They gave of themselves, which is life’s biggest gift, and their sacrifice will make an incredible difference for countless children over many years to come!