For a week in late July 2002, more than 30 youth and leaders from Chicago’s Willow Creek Community Church hammered, sawed, dug, and scrubbed to transform a 70-year-old building into a community center that will serve the people of Brownton, West Virginia. Brownton, a former coal-mining town, is among five under-resourced West Virginia communities where World Vision works alongside the people to improve their lives. When completed, the Brownton Community Center will serve as a meeting place for various community events, for weekly tutoring for children, and as a gathering place for youth. In addition to large meetings spaces, the center will include a kitchen, a gymnasium, and a computer lab. “This is one of the best ways to use your time and talent,” said Matt Weinert, a 19-year-old from Willow Creek. “And it’s definitely an opportunity to give what you have to God. I can’t think of anything better to do with my life than serve.” Youth groups from throughout the United States are invited to participate in life-changing service opportunities in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. Scroll down to view the photos from last year's trip and then just click on the application icon at the top of this page to get started!