2023 Proved to be a great year for our ministry. If you keep up with us on Facebook you see the tremendous work we were involved in. Completion of the much needed warehouse was one of the accomplishments. The year was not without some heartache and pain. Michelle had breast cancer and had a double mastectomy. She is recovering but then in December her husband, Doug, passed away. Doug had been dealing with a number of health problems and was going to have to go on dialysis. Also his eyes were failing and had left him nearly blind. He lost his will to live in that kind of condition and his prayer was to die in his sleep. On Sunday morning, Dec 10, 2023 he slipped from this world to the next just as he had hoped to do. Michelle is still very active in our ministry.
2022 We continue the work God called us to as we minister to the children of Eastern Kentucky. As churches began to get back to normal, once again meeting in person as a congregation. It also has made our ministry much easier as we are able to host groups, have community events, clothing give-aways, etc. We have students attending Appalachian Academy, getting their education in a group setting with caring people working to equip them for a better life and at the same time emphasizing the importance of a Christ centered life. Much of what we do ministers to the whole family, anytime we have clothing to give away or food to give away, the whole family benefits from it.
2021 was not a lot different for our ministry as 2020 turned out to be. Many Churches were still doing a combination of in-person worship, virtual services and parking lot worship. We were able to have volunteers on a limited basis from churches that have helped us minister in the past. Several things were accomplished with the help of churches and individuals. Churches and individuals would still bring clothing and supplies and place them on the porch of the Lodge. Some we were able to social-distance and visit with, others just unloaded and left and some of them actually visited with us. We were able to have more interaciton with the families we work with and at the same time trying to use caution because of the continued threat of the pandemic. The community where we work is still hurting due to the pandemic. Jobs were lost and many were separated by the virus. We now look forward to the coming year and getting back to normal activities, a time when bible stories will be shared and songs of praise and worship be sung. Meals shared and fellowship enjoyed. Just the normal things you would expect from a mission where we try to put Matt 25:37-40 into practice.
37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
We look forward to 2022 with great anticipation for getting back to accomplishing much needed improvements. We have already had some consturction completed on a warehouse. The concrete pad is now poured for the warehouse and some walls are up. The floor joists are in place for the second floor on 1/3 of the building Thanks to those who helped make this possible. I will leave some of the past posts here, you may remember being a part of blessings of those days.
2015
Amazing that this is actually May of 2015. We added a new building attached to our existing lodge. Still under construction, the building is being used as a warehouse and the upstairs being finished for lodging for volunteers. Funds are needed to complete the building that was started three years ago. We hosted a second Women's Prayer Conference and have scheduled a third for the Fall. How uplifting to fellowship with local ladies, many of whom need encouragement and acceptance. Christmas and Easter and winter weather and frozen water lines kept us busy for the last few months. VBS, summer workcamps, school clothes distribution, community giveaways and construction will keep us busy for the summer. Email is a good way to reach me but texting is the fastest. My cell is 606-560-0685.
2013
As summer ends, we look at what was accomplished and what must wait until next year... The bedrooms did not get completed but we added a concrete patio to connect the buildings and help with unloading donations close to the building and out of the mud! Replacement windows were provided for a family with problems with leaking old windows which made it difficult to heat their home. Huge clothing giveaways were well attended and helped hundreds of people and volunteers did a tremendous job interacting with local families through VBS and activities!
We struggle financially so if you have funds that can be used for our projects please consider sending a donation. I often say we just sit up on this rock and wait for people to come with money and energy to help with some of the work!
We were given a newborn baby in May and Lincoln has added a lot of joy to our home! There are many things I cannot do and carrying a baby through delivery is one of those things BUT I can take children into my home and love them unconditionally and be a mommy and I am thankful God continues to bless me with beautiful children!
2012
Construction on the lodge bedrooms began in the Spring. The second floor will be bunkrooms for volunteers. Most materials were donated by Church groups with wood being cut in the yard with a band sawmill-- a unique experience for many teen volunteers!
Lodging is an important need for volunteer groups who have been sleeping on air mattresses or renting local motels or cabins. In order for groups to stay on site and their funds to stay on site we are adding on to our existing lodge. Funds are needed to complete the project!
Teens from Florida took VBS kids from "the holler" to Walmart to shop for school shoes and clothes.
Easter activities and our huge Bunny costume, summer VBS, fireworks, school clothes distribution and other events make great memories.
Past workcamp experiences:
Nursing student from IN spent Spring Break with Appalachian Ministries, hosting a free Health Fair for health screenings and information, doing home visits with Health Department nurses in two counties, hosting giveaway of toiletry and cleaning items and hosting presentations at Head Start on nutrition, germs and brushing teeth. It was a great group and we look forward to working with them again in the future!
The University of Vermont's Navigators spent Spring Break with us 2011. The students were our first group of volunteers for 2011! We hosted several groups through out the year as well as hosting activities for local families. Facebook is an excellent way to read more of updates since it is difficult to have the editing program for the website to load all the way out in the middle of nowhere where we live!
2010 Field Trips: We took a group of 72 to Cincinnati Zoo in the fall and our Spring field trip was to Faith Weekend at the Newport Aquarium. Our group totaled 84! Read more about field trips on Facebook!
The Internet continues to be a great way to share outreach programs with others who were unaware of Appalachian Ministries or the rich heritage of Pine Crest.
We can now be found on Facebook as Appalachian Ministries (Beattyville). I have an account for fun listed under the name Lisa Lacy-Helterbrand. I admit I do play games online when our internet works! Appalachian Ministries also now has a page listed as a local business because there was a similar named nonprofit under religious. You are welcome to become a fan or post on the message board!
