GSV schedules Backyard Bash

Several years ago, Brandon Adams, a graphic designer with Garden Spot Village (GSV), felt a calling to partner with Missions of Hope International (MOHI), an organization that tackles poverty with the goal of transforming lives through the hope of Christ. The first trip based on that partnership occurred in February of 2022, when a Travel with Purpose team made up of GSV staff members and residents visited people in need in the urban slums of the Mathare Valley, Nairobi, Kenya. A new team is scheduled to visit and serve in the same region in September. This team will include Adams, Barbara Carter, Evelyn Hershey, Edna Jean Homsher, Katie Kauffman, Vanessa Moore, Jeannine Perry, and Todd Perry.

To defray costs of the trip, the team has scheduled a fundraiser called Family Backyard Bash and Movie Night in the pavilion and on the adjoining lawn at GSV, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland, on Friday, June 9. Festivities, which will include a variety of activities, food, and a movie, will begin at 6:30 p.m. Area residents are invited to bring their lawn chairs and blankets. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the GSV Chapel and the Village Square.

Adams came across the idea for the Backyard Bash when he was researching fundraising events. "I saw the idea for a movie night, but that spun into a Backyard Bash and Movie Night because that's more fun than just a movie," said Adams.

Jeannine, who is helping to organize the fundraiser, said that the group hopes to offer African-themed games as part of the Backyard Bash. She added that a drum circle will be organized by Lisa Fairman of Earth Rhythms, who will bring about 40 drums and invite people of all ages to participate. "She leads the rhythms and she does some cultural singing with that," said Jeannine. Free African-themed face painting and an African dress-up photo booth will be available.

Team member Hershey noted that a variety of yard games will include cornhole, ladderball, pickleball, and flying disc. Free food items that will be served at the event will include popcorn and ice cream.

At dusk, an outdoor, family-friendly African-themed movie will be shown. Adams said the film would include preview videos from MOHI and run about two hours.

Currently, 28 children are sponsored through MOHI by 25 GSV residents and staff. "We will meet all those kids and hang out with them (when) we are there," said Adams, who noted the team will leave on Sept. 16. "Some of the sponsors will be there (to meet the children)."

During the Backyard Bash, a freewill offering will be accepted, and attendees will have opportunities to sponsor children through MOHI.

More information about GSV may be found by searching for "Garden Spot Village" on Facebook. For details about the event, visit http://www.gardenspotvillage.org and click on "View Events." Additional information about MOHI is available at http://www.mohiafrica.org.