Central FCA shares hope by helping Joplin family

Thirteen teenagers involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes spent a recent weekend in Webb City, Mo., helping a family still reeling from the Joplin tornado from a couple of years ago.

Working with a not-for-profit group in Webb City, the local FCA found a family that needed help. A five-bedroom house had been donated to a family in need, but it needed major renovations.

The local teens helped gut the place. Along with having their home destroyed by the tornado, the family had two children injured by the twister. Another family member is ill with Stage 4 cancer.

"Lots of groups literally had turned down the work these guys chose to do," said FCA faculty sponsor Scott Sanders of the local group. " ... They were willing not only to do it, but get after it. They didn't turn down the job. It wasn't too messy for them and they worked hard."

Several students involved shared with the Southeast Missourian how humbled they were by the work and the appreciation shown by the family they were helping.

We tip our caps to these teens. Through their actions and sacrifice, they brought hope and smiles to a family facing extremely unfortunate circumstances.