I recently had the pleasure of exploring the beauty of a Pennsylvania fall. Driving north from Philly towards our friends in Mahanoy City allowed me to take in the beautiful colors that the fall offers in the northeast. Driving through the rolling hills offered me endless views of colorful landscape. I spent one afternoon at a local lake that we go to for an evening activity and took in the picturesque scene that it had to offer as well.
As much as the landscape offered a beautiful scene to behold, I was more taken by the beauty of the people of this community. I had wonderful conversations with so many different ministries that we have the pleasure of partnering with. Each of them offering encouragement and thanking me for all that we’ve done.
One of my favorite times spent in this quaint little coal town was with my friends at M.A.M.A. The Mahanoy Area Ministerial Association is a gathering of the local pastors of the community of Mahanoy City. They do a myriad of things; supporting a local community youth group, helping put on a Christmas festival, supporting local food banks, and a few other projects. It was great to be able to hear their perspective on the community and how what we are doing is a benefit. Phyllis, the M.A.M.A. secretary, is still raving about the paint job that YouthWorks did for her. Tom is still the town do it everything man, helping me to find a new storage location for paint as well as letting me in to a few buildings. Pastor Chris is still getting settled in to his new community and congregation but is incredibly supportive and helpful! Pastor Bob and I shared lunch where we talked a lot about cycling and triathlons, things that he was very involved in. It was great to share those aspirations with one another in addition to all the wonderful things he had to say about the staff from the summer.
Everywhere I walked in town I was met by a friendly face. The people here are very warm and welcoming and it was a joy to spend a few days in such a wonderful atmosphere. If you’re not busy come on down Thanksgiving weekend for the community Christmas festival on Saturday! I hope to see all my new friends again soon!!!
~Bryan, AD
Ellen– Site Director
