Kevin Mennel recently was named a recipient of the 2004 Youth Health and Hope Award presented by Wheat Ridge Ministries.

Mennel, who attends Faith Lutheran Church in Oakville, was one of 21 young people selected by Wheat Ridge to receive this award because of his strong leadership skills and commitment to Christian service at his church and school and in his community. The honor was presented at the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod National Youth Gathering in Orlando, Fla.

“The leadership and service of these young people in their churches, schools and communities is outstanding,” Richard Bimler, Wheat Ridge Ministries president, stated in a news release. “Their care and concern for those suffering in body, mind and spirit is making a significant difference.”

Mennel has been a dedicated leader in his congregation and community. For example, Mennel, along with an adult congregation member, started a homeless ministry in downtown St. Louis. It began by bringing sandwiches and blankets to people living on the streets, but it has turned into a more relational ministry, the release stated.

Youths and adults now go to places where homeless people are likely to be staying and bring them anything they might need, at the same time praying for and with them.

Mennel was nominated by Youth Director Andrew Tedford, who stated, “Kevin’s humility in serving Christ is a model for all of us to follow.”

Kevin and his parents, Eugene and Kathie Mennel, reside in south county.