Missionaries help fix up home in Ellendale – Milford Chronicle

ELLENDALE Two falls back in 2010 left Jerry Guyer disabled and out of a job. Seven years later, he remains on a limited income and unable to do strenuous work around his home.

When the work needed became too much, he contacted his social working with Delawares Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities who then sent him to Linda Darling of Magnolia.

Since Ms. Darling coordinated the Catholic Heart Work Camp based out of Holy Cross Church in Dover, she knew just how to help Mr. Guyer and his wife Karen.

Soon, two students and a chaperone spent three days at the Guyers home power washing and painting the house, working on the shutters, repairing the propane enclosure and building a handicap ramp on the front deck.

I cant do it anymore. My accident was a life-changing experience for me because I was on the go 18 hours a day, Mr. Guyer said.

His accidents occurred in between two major snow storms when he fell twice on the ice while doing maintenance work. He says he can no longer turn his head, is limited on driving and has a bad knee. He also has a herniated disc in his back and two discs that are torn and leaking.

Im lucky to be able to walk. But Im in chronic pain. The accident affected me physically, mentally and financially, he explained.

The Guyers seemed to come into more luck when the young missionaries from Catholic Heart Work Camp arrived last week.

Theyve just been wonderful. Theyre being very, very precise in what theyre doing, Mr. Guyer said.

Marlee Snyder, 21 of Gilbertsville, Pa., was one of the students to help work on the Guyers home. She was joined by 17-year-old Sydney Bucher of Royersford, Pa. and 70-year-old Ken Reber of Pottstown, Pa.

Ive been wanting to participate more in our parish because its growing and Im young. Kids see youth participating and practice their faith; its good, Ms. Snyder explained.

Ms. Bucher said she felt the same way, explaining, At our school, theres a quote from John Paul, Dont be satisfied with mediocracy. It was a big thing this year. I took it to heart and decided to serve.

Both participants were on their first mission trip, but it wasnt a first for Mr. Reber who said he previously went to the Dominican Republic with his wife years ago. The three came to the Catholic Heart Work Camp from St. Columbkill Catholic Church in Boyerstown, Pa.

Im always looking for where God is leading me, you know, where do you want me to go. Heather [youth group director] requested a chaperone for this trip and I said Id give it a try, Mr. Reber said. I think the enthusiasm of these 164 kids is unbelievable.

The enthusiasm radiated from Dover all the way down to the Guyers home in Ellendale.

Were very blessed to have them here, me and my wife. I sat down in bed and just cried. It gets very depressing that I cant do it, he said. But we help when we can and to be helped in return is an amazing feeling.

Jennifer Antonik can be reached at mc@newszap.com

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Missionaries help fix up home in Ellendale - Milford Chronicle