As most teenagers spent their summer break at the beach, pool or working at summer jobs, some 240 junior high and high school-age kids were hard at work on a one week-long community service project to spruce up homes and neighborhoods in Dallas, Texas. "World Changers," an initiative for youth of the Southern Baptist Convention, brought the group of workers to several Dallas low-income neighborhoods to paint houses, replace roofs, and provide hope to residents in need.

"These students are showing the true heart of America," said John Bailey, Team Leader for World Changers. "I think the people of Dallas will be touched by their spirit and hard work."

This summer, more than 22,000 students nationwide will forgo summer jobs and instead pay a fee of $260, plus transportation, to participate in 95 construction and community service projects from Alaska to Pennsylvania to Arkansas.

The visiting "World Changers," worked July 12-19, in partnership with the Dallas Baptist Association and City of Dallas' People Helping People.

Teenagers serving Dallas took part in a variety of home improvement and cleanup tasks – including painting, hanging sheetrock, repairing roofs, pouring cement, and planting flowers. The students camped out on the floor at Casa View Baptist Church for the week.

www.world-changers.net