Day by Day in Appalachia

 
             Ruth sharing some life stories with Bill at Sevier County Food Ministry

My first mission trip has been an amazing experience that I will never forget. So many lives were changed, as well as demonstrations of God’s plan and work unfolded in so many ways.

Day 1- I was blessed with spending time with a blind couple. Mark and Debbie showed how God’s love can be poured out to others in so many ways. It was amazing to see David Cheng teach Debbie how to play guitar. His patience and kindness were obvious gifts of the Spirit he has been blessed with. God showed a valuable lesson in this awesome display of His work. We were blessed to take them shopping at Walmart and understand the obstacles they face each day that we take for granted. Before we left Debbie wanted to sing us a song by Whitney Houston. While she was waiting she expressed her fear that she wouldn’t do well for us. I was given the privilege to pray with her for encouragement. Our Lord is faithful, as she gave an awesome performance of “All Alone” which pulled every heart emotion from me. Even though it was a true blessing Debbie felt she needed to apologize for making me emotional, which wasn’t necessary. Mark gave me a hug and told me he loved me. They will forever be in my heart.

Day 2- We visited a nursing home. I had the privilege of spending time with 2 beautiful women, named Betty (74) and Mary (86). They shared their faith life stories with me and how much they missed their homes and their husbands who had gone to be with the Lord. I assured them that they would be waiting for them. Mary didn’t speak much until I took her to her room where I met her roommate Ola. Ola also shared her life as well. Mary was so sweet and thanked me for visiting her. I told her I was thankful for her time.

Day 3- We went to MATs which is a temporary shelter for the homeless. It’s more of a transitional place for struggling families as well as individuals. We were given a tour and then gathered with the shelter’s director, Gary. He led us in an awesome time of prayer for the needs of people we had met as well as individual needs. The Lord’s presence was evident and felt by all, just as He promises in His Word. Where 2 or more are gathered together, He is in their midst. The group showed Spirit led team work by meeting the shelter’s needs of painting, cleaning, weeding and sweeping. Once we were finished with lunch we visited a free coffee shop for the homeless. I was blessed with Nadine’s testimony of how God’s vision led her to bring Oasis to life to reach out and help so many lives. I spent time playing checkers with Jason, who is 6 years old. I showed him some card tricks and invited him to join our Jesus Gang. I will pray for Jason, that he will see his mother very soon. The day was capped off with the entire team singing praise and worship around a bonfire. The Oklahoma group truly has been blessed with amazing voices.

The Mountain Lake Ranch Lodge is an amazing place to stay.  God’s beautiful works surround the lodge.  Our team leader, Cindy, blessed us with amazing meals each day with the help of other team members. 

Day 4- A team of four visited Sevier County Food Ministry today.  I was blessed to work with a 91 year old woman named Ruth.  We prepared bags of food for many families in need.  Ruth showed me their very impressive system they use to distribute the food.  Ruth shared some of her life stories with me.  I was impressed that at 91 she was as sharp as a tack and ran circles around me.  We provided for over 1100 people today.  I was truly blessed to be part of another God anointed ministry that shows our Lord’s loving heart.