MATAWAN — The First Presbyterian Church of Matawan recently sent out a mission workforce team to make home repairs and provide volunteer cleanup for local senior citizens.
"Mission Matawan" is a program that arose from the church’s weeklong summer involvement with a similar event in Maine. The group is sponsored by Mission at the Eastward (MATE) and is headed by Don Day, project chairman.
"One of our group members had seen an article in a Maine magazine about MATE and was so interested that she contacted the Rev. Scott Planting, who headed the project, for more information," said Deacon Eileen Vizcaino.
"The Reverend actually flew down here from Maine to be a preacher for one of our services and speak about the project," she said. "He is an amazing man, just spellbindingly focused and dedicated to his work."
In the last 10 years, members of the mission team have gone so far as to give up their personal vacation time to be a part of the volunteer effort.
"We would like to have this be an annual event," said Ron Wolf, a "Mission Matawan" volunteer. "Hopefully, it will only continue to expand."
Projects came to the attention of the group through the church and Club 60, a senior group that meets there. Referrals were also provided by a nonprofit community group, Interfaith Neighbors, located in Asbury Park.
"Citizens were recommended to the church through these organizations and aren’t necessarily members of First Presbyterian," Wolf said.
The mission team’s work ran from June 30 through July 4 starting at 9 a.m. At the same time, a group of youths from the church assisted at Lunch Break, a community-based program in Red Bank offering noon meals to the public.
"It’s wonderful having such an intergenerational group help out," Vizcaino said.
"Let’s see if we can offer the same kinds of help to close neighbors," Day said.
According to Vizcaino, the goal of "Mission Matawan" is not only to leave homes in better condition, but also to build community spirit within the area, the church and among participants.
Each of the five days consisted of a prayer and breakfast at 8 a.m. at the church, immediately followed by a procession to area work sites.
"We are really having fun," Wolf said. "We had lunch at the home of Eileen Camacho, and then it’s back to work."
Camacho is one of several Matawan residents whose home was worked on during the course of the week.
"We have almost 50 volunteers here, and it’s just a great crew," Wolf said.
Each workday concluded with a supper for the work crews at the home of a church member.
"This activity puts a face on mission in a hands-on project and exemplifies our stated mission to extend Christian love, worship, fellowship, education and other support to meet the changing needs of the community," Day said.
"With the economy struggling right now, what better time to offer our services so we can do things for others?" Vizcaino said. "Hopefully we will inspire other groups to do the same."