Changing the world, one house at a time

They reinsulated a cabin, installed flooring, rebuilt a deck and finished the vinyl siding on several Valley homes -- and they each paid hundreds of dollars to do it.

Last week, 84 teens and adults from World Changers, a group affiliated with the North American Mission Board -- a Southern Baptist organization -- completed their work in the Valley, which included fixing up homes for those in need.

One of the country's most unique missionary programs, World Changers aims to help others while serving a higher calling.

"We are all called to be servants of the Lord, and that's why I love this organization so much," said Jarred Cook, a World Changers summer staff member. "That's why we're here."

Throughout last week, eight crews comprised of teens and adults from Arizona, Texas, Tennessee, Louisiana and Fairbanks were spread out around the Valley, from Lazy Mountain to Talkeetna, helping families by doing such projects as installing a rebuilding a deck and installing a handicap ramp for a disabled veteran to putting vinyl siding on houses as part of the Mutual Self-Help Build program through the U.S.D.A Rural Development office, which helps line up the funding for materials for the projects.

"The hard work challenges you, and that's what real life is all about," said Xavier Sanchez of Dallas, who has served on six World Changers missions. "We can help people and share the love of Christ with them."

Every World Changers participant -- from middle school students to adults -- had to pay $350 for room and board, in addition to travel costs to come to Alaska. Still, it's an experience none would trade.

"It's been really fun, a great experience," said Ryan Gentles of Illinois. "I've roofed a house in Lazy Mountain and helped on a deck."

World Changers has come to the Valley for several years now. Local churches help the group by providing places to stay and providing lunches. The participants in turn give back to the community by helping those in need.

"World Changers has a heart for service and giving," said Kathy Carroll of Tennessee. "Everyone here has the same goal in mind, to help others and serve the Lord."

Their Valley work was the last for the World Changers crew in Alaska. Prior to coming to the Valley, the group worked in Anchorage and Nikiski.

For years to come, homeowners will enjoy their efforts. For years to come, program participants will enjoy friendships.

"I've made tons of friends through World Changers," Sanchez said. "I've met all kinds of people all around the country. At first, you don't know anybody, but after working together for a week, you become friends right away.

"I was involved with a project in Philadelphia and the floor in this lady's house was leaning so much and we straightened it out for her. It was the Fourth of July and the mayor there threw us a big party. It was great," Sanchez said.

Of course, the participants had to spend some time enjoying Alaska while they were here. Last Wednesday, some of the crew leaders got to go four-wheeling and some of the World Changers went on a fishing trip that included a few silver salmon being caught and even more memories being made.

"They were stacking in the river like cord wood," said Nick Ruffer of Michigan.

World Changers is a national organization that has grown exponentially since its inception in 1990. The group has projects located around the country each summer, from Alaska to Puerto Rico.

The locations are as diverse as the people who participate.

"Some are pastors, and we've got attorneys, engineers and students from junior high to their second year of college," said Brian Cecil of World Changers. "It's a very diverse group of energetic people."