My first exposure to the ministry of the Appalachia Service Project (ASP) came in the mid-1980s as an adult leader of a church youth group mission trip. That was very early in my recommitment to the Christian faith. Honestly, I didn’t have any business discipling youth, but they needed someone and I was willing to do just about anything for the Lord who had welcomed me back into His graces. As you might imagine, the trip was spiritually formative.
Since then, my wife and I have supported the ASP (and the Christian Appalachian Project (CAP)) as the Lord leads us. The following is from ASP’s yearly newsletter, reporting some of the work they are accomplishing. Reading it one morning, I felt the Lord’s encouragement to share it with you. He did not offer a reason, but I imagine it will encourage you that not all missional opportunities and needs are on the other side of the world.
Restoring Safety in Kentucky
Deteriorating walls and subfloors, cracked fixtures, and dangerous leaks made James family’s only bathroom unusable. Your gift replaced the entire system with new plumbing, a safe tub/shower unit, sink, and toilet, improving daily life for his children and grandchild. (Breathitt County)
Judy, her granddaughter, and great-granddaughter were living with mold, a crumbling ceiling, and no accessibility. You gave them a fully renovated, safe, and accessible bathroom. (Leslie County)
Brenda’s family and Tialona’s family were living with collapsed septic tanks, creating unsafe conditions. Because of you, licensed contractors installed new septic systems, protecting their health and homes. (Magoffin County)
Accessibility and Repairs in Tennessee
At 67, George could no longer safely use his leaking shower and unstable toilet. You funded a new walk-in shower and handicap-accessible toilet so he can continue to live independently. (Johnson County)
Kayle’s family, Kelly’s family, and Ortis’ family lived with decaying floors, unsafe showers, and collapsing toilets. Your support rebuilt entire bathrooms with accessible fixtures and secure flooring, ensuring safety and independence for years to come. (Johnson County)
Raymond, a wheelchair user, had been living without reliable electricity, plumbing, or septic. Your generosity brought him tears of joy as contractors restored power, added outlets, and prepared his home for a working kitchen and bathroom-transforming his house into a true home. (Johnson County)
Healing and Stability in West Virginia
After losing his rental and facing homelessness with his pregnant partner and teenage son, Chris needed water and plumbing restored in a flood-damaged house. Because of you, his family has a safe place to call home again. (Greenbrier County)
With declining mobility, Michael feared losing his independence. Your support provided a low-threshold shower recommended by his doctors, ensuring he can continue to live safely at home. (Greenbrier County)
With unsafe bathroom fixtures and a weak floor, Sheryl and Mike couldn’t use their bathroom safely. You gave them new fixtures, flooring, and peace of mind. (Kanawha County)
Rosetta’s family and Sammi’s family received new walk-in showers and accessible toilets, giving them safety, comfort, and joy in daily living. (Nicholas County)
Renewed Hope in Virginia
Andrew’s 5-year-old daughter once fell through the rotted bathroom floor. Because of you, the family now has a safe, stable bathroom where their little girl can play and grow without fear. (Lee County)
Struggling with mobility, Marie could not safely bathe or walk across her soft, damaged bathroom floor. You provided her with a walk-in shower, repaired flooring, and stability that allows her to age at home. (Lee County)
Rebecca’s six children were displaced from their home because of unsafe plumbing and floors. You made it possible for ASP to bring in licensed plumbers, so this family can finally be reunited under one safe roof. (Lee County)
Your gifts installed accessible showers, repaired leaking plumbing held together with duct tape, stabilized unsafe floors, and restored independence to elderly and disabled homeowners like Virginia, William, and Jessica. (Wise County)
If this seems like an odd subject for an article, I agree. The Lord has never instructed me to do such a thing. He must have something special in mind for it. From my perspective, I would not want anyone to miss whatever opportunity He has in it. Let it speak to you; respond as He leads you (including passing it on).
But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 1John 3:17-18
God bless you with His tender mercies and loving kindnesses.
Have a strong day in the Lord,
Rob
#iamjustthepen