On May 24th thru the 28th, 2004, twenty-four South Carolina Baptists traveled together across the mountains of lower eastern Kentucky, into southeast Ohio, and down through West Virginia. Even though this trip was just a few months ago, it all started about a year ago, when Belinda Jolley, Director of the Adult Ministry Group for the South Carolina Baptist Convention had a vision of seeing Senior Adults involved in volunteer missions. “This vision started back in the fall of 2003. I had invited Bill Barker, the Director of the Appalachian Regional Ministry, to speak at our Senior Adult Retreat. From that retreat, a vision trip developed to look at mission opportunities in Central Appalachia. I wanted seniors to see that God can use you know matter what,” said Jolley.
After Jolley returned from the retreat, she collaborated with Jean Rabon, the coordinator for Appalachian Regional Ministry with the South Carolina Baptist Convention. Jolley and Rabon then decided to have a pre-vision tour across eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia. Jolley and Rabon were both very excited about the various mission opportunities they saw. When they returned to South Carolina, Jolley and Rabon, put together a Vision Trip with key senior adults from across South Carolina.
One of those key senior adults was Carolyn Dease. Dease is a member of Oak Ridge Baptist Church, in Kershaw, South Carolina. “This was such a wonderful tour. This trip has opened my eyes to a lot of the needs that the people in the Appalachian area have. One thing that I learned from this trip was that anybody can do missions,” said Dease. One of the highlights for Dease was meeting Lester and Bessie McPeek. Bessie McPeek is also known as, “The Diaper Lady.” Bessie McPeek shared with the group how God had led her to start a ministry reaching out to new mothers and families who were too poor and could not afford diapers and other necessities for babies and small children. The McPeek’s ministry has developed beyond babies, to supporting families with food, and clothing. One thing that the McPeek’s ministry has allowed them to do is not only meet the physical needs of the people, but also their spiritual needs.
Mike Kirkland, a member of Roebuck Baptist Church, in Roebuck, South Carolina, was also a part of this vision tour. “I truly believe that everyone who went on this trip came back different. I know that I did. In fact, I have been back to the area several times since this trip, to volunteer my time to help out in any way that I can. I was very impressed with the volunteers and missionaries in the Appalachian region. These people totally rely on faith,” said Kirkland.
If you and your church are interested in being involved in missions, there is an opportunity to follow that vision. Jean Rabon is currently enlisting volunteers for another mission trip to Lynch, Kentucky. There you will represent Meridzo Ministries at the “40th Annual Swappin’ Meetin’ Festival” on the Southeast Community College Campus in Cumberland on October 1 and 2, 2004. Rabon said, “We are looking for individuals to go and give away free water, tracts, do face painting, ballooning, clowning, sing Southern Gospel music, play the fiddle or use whatever gift God has given you.” The registration fee of $56.00 covers housing and four meals. For additional information you can contact Jean Rabon at (800) 723-7242 (in SC) or (803) 765-0030, extension 5626 or Pat Brinsfield at extension 5601. Also, you can obtain more details about the festival mission trip on the Mission Volunteer page at www.scbaptist.org.
