Dear Mission Family,
Even though the temperature and humidity are still both registering in the 80’s, the leaves on the dogwood tree in my front yard are tinged in red; perhaps an indication of an early autumn season here in the hills and hollers. Our mission facility stands somewhat idle for the first time in many months, but if I stand in the middle of the fellowship room and listen very hard I can still hear the laughter, song, and blended voices of the many missionaries who blessed us with their ministry this summer.
Last month I promised that I would give you an overview of the projects undertaken by the various teams who worked with us. A detailed accounting of the blessing that these missionaries brought to McCreary County would fill a small book, but I’ll hit on some of the highlights. On June 1st those faithful servants from Christ Community Church in Franklin Tennessee returned to the hills and hollers, this time with 125 people eager to make a difference in someone’s life. As they scurried about in places with names like Rattlesnake Ridge and Jones Holler, bringing salt and light and new vinyl siding to the homes they entered, another veteran team from Nebraska arrived. This highly proficient team of military oriented people (I love it!) showed us that it is possible to complete construction of an entire house in one week’s time.
The mission house bedding and towels from our Air Force friends were hardly out of the dryer when a fresh new team of missionaries from Community Presbyterian Church in Lombard Illinois pulled in. This wonderful group of compassionate servants quickly adapted to the work at hand. Ministering alongside another non-profit organization we were able to provide muscle and resources to bring new life to an aging house trailer. One of the most notable aspects (there were many) of CPC’s ministry was the presence of their senior pastor on the mission team. As I watched him labor in the stifling heat, I commented to Stewart that I really appreciate a leader who rolls up his sleeves and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. He simply smiled and quoted something he later attributed to John Maxwell, “It’s all about the goal, not the role!” Construction was not the only venue of ministry for the CPC team. They conducted a most needed workshop on coping with domestic violence, led by a gifted woman who oversees the counseling efforts of a Wheaton Illinois based Christian organization.
The Lombard team was driving north out of the county on their way home when the Junior High Team from Oak Brook Community Church in Illinois arrived. This energetic group of pre-teens and adult leaders presented a three-day “crusade” for the kids on Rattlesnake Ridge, but they also broke a sweat each morning as they pursued a variety of “servant’s heart” projects in the community.
July found us standing ready to support the efforts of a huge number of volunteers who arrived in McCreary County for something called an “Extreme Build”. Workers from across the state of Kentucky and beyond responded to the call to provide a new home for a family whose hospitalized young son was unable to return home until suitable housing could be provided. In a little more than one week this family was receiving the keys to their specially constructed house. Even as the paint was drying on the walls of this structure, the mission team from Royal Lane Baptist Church in Dallas Texas showed up to lend a hand. These newcomers to the county jumped right in and served a large number of people through their soccer camps, Backyard Bible Clubs, computer camps, and construction efforts. The team arrived in five big white vans, and throughout the week you couldn’t help but cross paths with one of these vehicles, no matter where in the county you might travel.
As the RLBC group departed from Appalachia, Jim Barney arrived with his willing team of workers from Saint Mary of Gostyn Church in Downers Grove Illinois. Jimmy has been traveling to the hills and hollers for decades now, and he is the person who introduced Rita and I to the ministry we now find ourselves devoted to. His team spent the week finishing the vinyl siding on the home of a family with some very special needs. It is most appropriate that the faithful missionaries from Calvary Church of Los Gatos California and Oak Brook Community Church of Oak Brook Illinois should fill the void left when the St. Mary’s group departed. The Appalachian ministry in both of these churches sprung out of our association with Jim Barney and those he has introduced to McCreary County. This group of willing volunteers suffered through the heat and stinging insects to provide a poor country widow with a bathroom in her old cabin; something she has never completely had to this point. Rita and I visited her the day after she took her first real shower in a long time. Visiting nurses could only give her sponge baths prior to our completing her project. As a few loving hearts provided the plumbing, the rest of the group made structural repairs to the outside of the house, to include new windows (she only had one previously) and vinyl siding. A fresh coat of paint to the front porch and a colorful pot of flowers put the finishing touches on the labor of love.
It must be added that during each of the weeks I’ve described, there were numerous other venues of ministry around the community. Food and clothing were distributed, school supplies were given to the families who were having difficulty securing these items for their children, and support was given to a local abused woman’s shelter. Yes, the summer roared past us like a freight train. As you can see, those who journeyed to McCreary County this summer made a significant impact on our community… all in the name of Jesus Christ!
You see, that’s the real heart of all that was done during the summer mission team visits. Oh sure, a great many people found their needs being met, but every missionary I was privileged to work with was focused on “being salt and light” (Matt. 5:13-16). They understood that the projects which they put there hands to would soon be in rubble; some quicker than others. But the relationships they developed were something that they could carry on into eternity. I witnessed the compassion of Christ displayed in the spirits of some often overworked and underappreciated followers of Jesus. And McCreary County Kentucky is a better place today because of it.
Rita and I want to once again say “Thanks!” from the bottom of our hearts, to all who have served here this year, and to all of you who, by your prayers and faithful giving, made it possible for them to be effective. The Body of Christ is comprised of many parts, but we all derive our strength from the One Whose Love is Supreme. To Him be the Glory, forever and ever. Amen!
