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Pender UMC and KUMC-Koinonia Philippi West Virginia Missions Trip Saturday, July 19 – Saturday, July 26, 2025

It was time again for our exciting, wonderful youth mission trip to Philippi, West Virginia!

This trip provided an array of activities with youth and adults working together. We assisted people in the community who needed a helping hand.

We met in the Pender parking lot at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday to pack all our belongings in the vehicles. Everyone was on time! It took approximately four hours to get to Philippi.

There was limited internet service, but we encouraged everyone to let their family know when we arrived. We made two to three stops along the way for bathroom breaks and snacks. Some chose to bring spending money or extra snacks to eat as we traveled.

Purpose and Goal of the Mission Experience:
The goal was to spark interest in our youth and adults to be involved in mission work from a Christian Discipleship perspective—in our community and around the world—faithfully loving and serving like Jesus, bringing help and hope to others.

Accommodations:
We stayed in the Community Center on Chestnut Ridge in Philippi. There were separate quarters for females and males, with bunk beds for all. We provided our own breakfast and lunch, but Bonnie, in the Community Center, provided our dinner. Each evening, we gathered to share our thoughts from the day, hear a scripture message, and make plans for the next day.

Youth and adults had time each evening for games and/or quiet time before bed. We also took at least one trip for ice cream at the super yummy Dairy King in town!

Work Site Behavior:
We worked about six hours each day, starting just after breakfast. Bonnie assigned us tasks in the community, depending on the skills we brought and the needs in the area. There were opportunities for short breaks as well as lunch.

Everyone brought a water bottle—it could be hot work! We worked with people who came from poor areas and were respectful of their environment.

Smiles, positive attitudes, and helpful spirits brought joy and hope to their community! Thank you for your willingness to reach out to others!

On Sunday, July 13, 2025, the Pender UMC congregation heard inspiring updates about two upcoming mission trips launching this week.

Jane McKee shared about the team heading to Philippi, West Virginia, where they'll assist with construction projects—including work on Tiny Houses—to support local housing needs such as painting.

Johanna Berry spoke about her team traveling to Ethiopia and Uganda in Africa to offer vital medical assistance at an orphanage, lead Bible studies, and teach science to children—bringing both healing and hope.

Join us in praying for these dedicated teams as they carry God’s love into the world through service, compassion, and education.

Missions Conference

The Pender Faith Promise Missions Celebration was Sat. Apr 30 at 8:30AM-12:30PM and on Sun. May 1 at 9AM, Sunday School and 11:15AM Services.

Missionaries shared about their ministries in our Fairfax community, in the US, and internationally.

Our keynote speaker was Christine Hanak, an ordained UMC minister, and her husband, Charlie. They serve globally with Ambassadors for Christ International (AFCI). As you know, Chris is an ordained minister with the UMC, and we are thrilled to have her back at her home congregation where her missionary life began.

Austin and Sinte House updated us about their ministry in Thailand. Members from Campus Crusade (Cru) on the George Mason University campus will come share their testimonies. Enjoy inspirational music and songs!

Breakfast, lunch and refreshments with an international flair were served in the Gathering Place.

Pender United Methodist Church supports 150 missionaries in 32 countries around the world. Each year, Pender sends teams on short-term mission trips to Central and South America, Europe, Africa, and we're always researching other trips.

Missions Events