“There are moments when worship refuses to remain inside the sanctuary. There are Sabbaths when the final ‘Amen’ becomes the church’s first step into the community.”
Project 845 was one of those moments.
Named after the area code of Poughkeepsie, New York, Project 845 embodied the conviction that the gospel is meant to travel. Months earlier, Kayla Skipper, Compassion Coordinator, had sensed God leading Northeastern Conference youth toward an annual initiative that would carry ministry beyond the campground. Following worship at the Youth & Young Adult Camp Meeting on July 4, 2026, nearly 50 youth and youth leaders boarded a coach bus and carried Christ’s compassion to Victor C. Waryas Park.
Their hands were full of hope: more than 2,000 bottles of water, over 20 water filtration systems, 70 prefilled backpacks, and 80 pairs of Nike Air Jordan sneakers (sneakers sponsored by the Versacare Foundation). Every item represented a person, a family, and an opportunity to demonstrate the love of Jesus in practical ways.
The initiative took months of planning by the Compassion Coordinator, Kayla Skipper, and her team, the Northeastern Conference Youth & Young Adult Ministries Director, Dr. Paula Olivier, and the Associate Director, Jonathan Coicou.
“We are especially grateful to our Conference President, Dr. Eldeen King, and the Conference administration for believing in this vision from the very beginning and encouraging the youth and young adults to move forward with their full confidence and support,” said Dr. Olivier.
Mayor Yvonne Flowers and City Chamberlain, Mr. Jamar Cummings, helped the organizers identify the community’s needs and warmly welcomed the Northeastern Conference volunteers to the City of Poughkeepsie.
Prayer opened the outreach, the NextGen Impact Drum Corps drew families together, and volunteers knocked on doors and distributed supplies.
On one of the hottest days of the year, God’s people refused to let the heat hinder their service. Project 845 reminded us that worship and service belong together. Praise lifts our hearts to God; service extends His love to our neighbors. When the church carries Christ’s compassion into the community, worship continues long after the closing hymn.
To God be all the glory.
This article was written by Dr. Paula Olivier, Director Youth & Young Adult Ministries, Northeastern Conference/BAYDA President.
