Being Above Doing...

I'm often asked what it is that we really hope to accomplish in our ministry to the impoverished people of McCreary County, Kentucky.  I think that the following excerpt from a recent letter to our financial supporters helps to clarify that point:

"As I walked into our Pine Knot ministry center, a few days back, I was greeted by the beaming face of one of our previous volunteer workers.  Haley had been a part of our team for a number of months, satisfying the community service hours that she needed in order to receive her KTAP (welfare) check for her two young children.  She left us to accept a full-time job offer and her departure was most bitter sweet for us; happy for her employment but sad to lose the opportunity for daily fellowship with her.  After a few minutes of catching up on her life experiences, I asked Haley why she chose to help us again this day.  She smiled and spoke of a desire to help “one another” her needful neighbors, but slowly her face became quite serious.  “Since I’ve left,” she nearly whispered, “I’ve missed the undeniable PEACE that I feel when I’m here.”

"When people first find themselves drawn to our center, they usually wander about the clothing shop, perusing the items but also absorbing the environment.  Many times, upon discerning our pastoral influence, they will ask me, “So where’s your church?”  I smile, draw my hand across those who are walking between the clothing racks and respond, “There they are!”  At first glance folks don’t see “a church” when they come to one of our ministry centers.  There is no vestibule or foyer to mingle in before a “service”; no swinging doors leading to an assembly room; no benches or chairs lined up to face a central point on an elevated platform.  It isn’t until visitors begin to interact with our staff and other visitors that they begin to “feel church”.  They hear conversations, not of local gossip but of recognition of the Love of God in our lives.  The look of concern which their faces often carry begins to relax into a gentle smile.  As people are drawn into sharing some of their personal struggles, they find a compassionate and concerned response, not indifference, or worse, judgement.  I’m often amazed that people can linger in our clothing centers for an hour or more, not because they are unable to find a needed item, but because they simply experience a sense of “peace” that so often alludes them through their day.

"Your financial gift continues to help us to “be church” among some very needy people.  Our gatherings are not based on a prescribed liturgy or an order of worship.  They are spontaneous encounters with people who are desperate to know the Peace of Christ, even if they haven’t realized that need yet!

"Thanking you for helping us to “grow” people into Church…"