Forty-five Andalusia area youth participated in First Baptist Church’s Mission Andalusia this week.

The students spent the mornings leading Bible schools at Westhaven and Pineview apartments, and did community service projects in the afternoon.

Wednesday, a group of girls were working at the Christian Service Center.

Amy Hines said she was shocked at the size of the facility and the work involved. She was pulling empty hangers from the racks and sorting them for the workers who’ll take stock on donations and place it in inventory.

“It feels good to know you’re making a difference,” she said of her work this week.

Peyton Prevett said she learned in the morning Bible schools that kids are paying attention, even when you think they’re not.

“I really liked playing with the kids and getting to know them,” she said.

The students also did crafts, music, and played games with the younger students.

Tatum Moore said it was fun playing with the younger kids.

“You could tell they don’t have a bunch of people to hang out with,” he said. “It’s nice to see them respond.”

Tori Rucinski’s participating in her first Mission Andalusia.

“I like going and hanging out with kids,” she said. “It’s a good experience, and we have a good time playing games and doing crafts.

Anabell Bryant said she hopes she and her friends have been a good influence on the kids with whom they worked each morning.

Olivia Jones said she liked working the afternoon mission projects best.

“It makes me happy to help someone else,” she said.

Earlier in the week, she said, she worked with a group that cleaned teachers’ classrooms at Andalusia Middle School, and put pine straw in flower beds there.

Emily Dendy also liked the afternoon work.

“We’ve cleaned yards, and here we’re doing whatever they need us to do – cleaning or straightening.”

Andrew Williamson was doing some hot yard work Wednesday afternoon.

“I like getting out and helping people, and having fellowship with others,” he said.

Coach Daniel Bulger was overseeing Wednesday’s yard project.

“We want to give the guys experience of working and not getting paid for it,” he said. “It’s been a good experience.”