In the second installment of our field report (if you missed it, read Part I here), we take you a little closer to home, to the mountains of eastern Kentucky. If you’ve never traveled into this coal-mining region of Appalachia, we hope you’ll think about joining us on the next trip. This update comes from our Project Manager, Melinda Staples.
In the last week of June, thirteen intrepid travelers from Generations Church in Lewisville, NC drove the six hours to Langley, KY, home of Maytown Center. The center serves as a clearinghouse for ministry opportunities in the community, which is in an economically depressed region with many physical and spiritual needs. This summer, Maytown is providing a service that in better times wouldn’t be needed. When school is out, the county usually picks up the children and takes them to one of the schools where they receive a free lunch. However, this year, the county doesn’t have the money, leaving many children without a reliable source of food. That’s where Maytown Center stepped in and, through partnership with FtH, is providing meals for children in need.
In addition to the rice and beans FtH sent to Maytown (and other food in their pantry), our team went out and purchased food for the children and some of the parents. During lunch each day, we got to know many of the residents and hear their stories. It was heartbreaking to see several of the children come by themselves; they had no food at home or anyone to help them find food.
Stories from two of the children hit us especially hard. One ten-year-old boy was crying because he hadn’t had anything to eat for at least twenty-four hours. We heard that his father works all day and there was no one else around to care for him. Another child, a nine-year-old girl, lived with her grandmother because her mother was in prison. She was excited that her mother was being released that week, but knew she would probably be headed back soon due to her drug addiction.
However, not all is hopeless in this remote mountainous region. The team jumped in on a variety of tasks to show the compassion of Christ to the community. We pressure washed and painted the pavilion and its picnic tables, rebuilt the steps of an elderly lady’s barn, and organized the community clothing closet. Taking a break from the hot, hands-on work, we did VBS activities Tuesday and Thursday and hosted a community movie night for all the residents.
One of the benefits of being on a small, focused mission team is that we can be flexible and be used by God to do all sorts of things—some expected and some a total surprise! The time FtH has spent in eastern Kentucky the last few years has allowed us to build relationships not only with our ministry partners (who do far more than just distribute rice and beans!) but also with the residents and children. The next time you’re looking for a mission opportunity right here in America, remember that eastern Kentucky is only a few hours away. The need is great, but willing servants of God can make a great impact!