Senior adults from the WNBA came alongside Bessie and Lester McPeek at My Father's House in Jenkins, KY.  The last week of April, senior adults put up shelves, sorted donations, washed and cleaned, put like things together and "loved on" the Mission Service Corps couple who live out life with servant's hearts.  In the past, we have held baby showers, give-aways in the park and cleaned the home of a disabled lady.  This trip, we got the mission house ready to host the First Annual Women's Conference (Celebration in the Mountains).

Betty Gainey, who now lives in Cheraw, has been each year.  This year she brought along a new friend.  Thelma Mathus had never been on a mission trip but "jumped at the invitation to go."  Both ladies confessed this had been a lifelong desire but LIFE had just gotten in the way.  Betty's enthusiasm is contagious!!

When Darlington FBC member Ray Adams first signed up to go, he wasn't too sure exactly what he was expected to do.  Well, this was his 3rd trip and he has learned flexibility...we do whatever is needed at the time we are there.  This trip, in addition to maintenance and general repairs, he, Lester and Marshall Davis served lunch to the ladies at the Saturday conference.  Marshall is the bus driver too.  He not only keeps us safely on time, he also takes us shopping for the ministries necessary things...such as diapers.

Linda Davis, Marshall's wife, and Doris Devine from Lake Swamp Baptist Church have become known fro their expertise in cleaning the kitchen, washing clothes and sorting school/teaching supplies.  With many mission teams using My Father's House, organization is always a challenge.

The Davises, Doris and I are also repeat travellers to Jenkins.  I try each year to capture the stories of the team members and each year, I am amazed at what God can do with the willing servant hearts of His people.

This year we were blessed to attend the mid-week service conducted at the mission.  As we prepared to leave, the prospect of a 7 hour drive back to SC prevented us from staying for the Sunday worship service that begins at noon.  Maybe next year...

Buidling shelving, cleaning and washing may not seem grand or showy, but as we do it in the name of the Lord, it encourages the people who give out the diapers.  Imagine, showing the love of Jesus from a diaper bag...They are given freely just a Jesus' gift of salvation.

For more information about how you and your church or association can serve as missions volunteers in Appalachia, contact Jean Rabon by calling 803-765-0030 or 800-723-7242 (SC only), ext. 5624 or e-mailing jeanrabon@scbaptist.org.