Virginia-bound this afternoon. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers!

Good morning, Oviedo! We've just woken up here at Resurrection Lutheran to the smell of homemade breakfast! What a great way to start travel day 2. West

We've arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina! Time for skits, songs, and devotion, then bed. Thanks so much to Resurection Lutheran Church for hosting all of us!

Arrived in charlotte NC at ressurection church. Pizza and salad dinner and are settling in with our luggage slash getting ready for a fun evening!!

Finally crossing through South Carolina, but the "cool clan in AJs van" couldn't go without grabbing fresh Georgia peaches!

See you all on Saturday morning at 6:30 am!

Summer Mission 2011--Logan, West Virginia

It's almost time for us to hit the road and begin one of those weeks that we'll remember for years to come. Please pray for our youth and adults as they set off to serve God and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ in the little town called Logan, West Virginia (and every rest stop in between!)

Here are a few facts about Logan...

-- The population of Logan is 1,505

--The population has declined 6.9% since 2000

--The median family income in Logan is $27,284 compared to $37,060 statewide.

--28.2% of persons over age 25 do not have a high school diploma

-- 20.7% of the population live below the poverty line

Tell me about Logan.

The breathtaking Appalachian Mountains, extending from Georgia to Maine, are scattered with many rural towns, including Logan, West Virginia. Logan, located in the southern part of the state—less than one hour from Charleston—is home to a population of 1,505 people. Visitors can hike, swim or picnic at the 4,000-acre Chief Logan State Park, or walk along the banks of the Guyandotte River. Logan was named in honor of the famous Mingo Indian, Chief Logan. Chief Logan befriended white people until his family was among a group of people killed by white settlers; after that event, he was an important leader for the Natives in defending their land and rights while fighting white settlers. After a bloody and violent period between the two conflicting groups, white settlers permanently moved into the area forming the city of Logan in 1824. This region prospered during the World War II era through a sustained demand for coal, timber and agriculture products. However, improved technology in coal mining and greater competitiveness of alternative fuels eventually reduced the need for labor in the mining industry. Today, jobs are scarce and over 20 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, including nearly 30 percent of those under age 18. Because of the terrain in Logan, many of the homes and trailers also are in need of repair due to flooding.

Students will spend four days working with children or four days doing house painting and may also serve with local ministries in the area.