ORLANDO — Amy Clampitt-Holsenbeck knew homeless people existed, but she never really knew their concerns, desires or thoughts until she prayed with and for them at Trinity United Methodist Church in Atlanta.

Clampitt-Holsenbeck, 17, was one of 30 youth from First United Methodist Church, Oviedo, who attended Youth 2003 at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn., July 23-27. "Reach" was the theme of this year’s event, which takes place every four years. The event, targeting youth ages 12-18, is sponsored by the General Board of Discipleship and gives youth the chance to experience God’s love and return to their communities excited about doing ministry.

That’s exactly what happened to Clampitt-Holsenbeck through both the event and a stop the youth made at Trinity United Methodist Church in Atlanta to serve in its soup kitchen for the area’s homeless on the way to the event.

Although she wasn’t in the kitchen serving food, Clampitt-Holsenbeck was serving the spiritual needs of the homeless.

"I was sitting at a prayer table, and they could stop by after they were leaving the soup kitchen," said the Winter Springs High School student. "They weren’t asking for money for food, but asking if they would ever see their kids again or where they would sleep that night. I found out they weren’t choosing to be homeless, but were having a hard time after they lost their job. I discovered they are real people, like you and me. It made me a changed person."

That change continued at Youth 2003 where Clampitt-Holsenbeck was inspired seeing 9,000 other United Methodist youth paralleling her excitement about the love of Jesus Christ.

"It was my first time going. I’d never heard about it," she said. "It was so amazing to see so many people from so many different places who believed the same thing you do."

The Rev. Brinda LeBleu, pastor of the Oviedo church, said it was good for the tight-knit youth group to get a wider view of the church. She said one youth member said attending was the most fun he’d ever had in worship.

LeBleu said the feeding ministry at Trinity United Methodist Church, which serves 400 people each day, equally impacted the youth.

"It really took us out of our comfort zone," LeBleu said. "It was a powerful experience."

Alan Shelton, youth director at the Oviedo church, said it was uplifting to see the church making an effort to connect with young people.

"It’s important to see the way Methodism is trying to empower the youth," Shelton said. "I think there was an intangible benefit of being there with all these kids, from all over, who were all there for the same reason. They can really see the support and see they are part of the larger picture."

Part of that larger picture for Clampitt-Holsenbeck is realizing she doesn’t have to go to Atlanta to feed the homeless.

"I think it would be cool to volunteer at a local soup kitchen," she said. "After I’ve done it, I feel like a changed person."