On July 16, 2011 a Mission Team called "THE DELAWARE RIVER BUNCH" left for the Red Bird nission in Beverly Kentucky. There the team spread the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ through ACTION! Serving the impoverished communities surrounding Red Bird through renovations, improvements and repairs to resident homes, as well as fellowship and opened hearts. We were the Hands & Feet of God where God called us to serve!
A few words from the SPRC (Staff-Parish Relations Committee) Chair of DFUMC....
What a fantastic mission trip! There were six people from DFUMC attending. We traveled by motor caravan to the Appalachian Mountains of Beverly Kentucky. This is a coal mine area where two of the three coal mines are shut down, leaving many residents without jobs.
We went with 85 other Methodists including many youth, to serve and to help in any way we could. The residents that were ill, (black lung disease is prevelant in this area) elderly or poverty stricken.
We did everything from building a handicap ramp, replacing a roof & windows, interior & exterior painting and gutter repair, to witnessing and visiting with the residents.
We had local contractors as head of our work groups, and Red Bird employees and staff helped us to help them.
There was praise and fellowship every night, and we shared in small devotion groups as well.
We were able to tour the Red Bird campus and saw the K - 12 school, firehouse and the Outreach Center that provides food and clothing and many other essentials to those in need. Red Bird has a medical center, dentist, and even a store that sells items made by local crafters.
The staff, local residents and volunteers for this mission could not have been any nicer. We were able to help those in need and see the tears of gratitude from those receiving...including us. It warms and fills us all.
Giving in this way, I believe; has changes all of us in a very good, spiritual way.
May God continue to bless this mission and all who serve in it. Look for your opportunity to be a part of the Red Bird Mission next year!
A bit about Red Bird...
"Red Bird Mission and Clinic have been providing ministries in this region of the Appalachian Mountains since 1921. Today the need remains critical in this isolated, rural distressed area. Chronic poverty, lack of jobs, poor housing, and rugged mountainous terrain provide obstacles to a fuller life for the residents of this area. Red Bird Mission and Clinic strives to meet these needs through ministry in five areas: Education, Health and Wellness, Community Outreach, Economic Opportunity, and Community Housing Improvement.
This is a year-round work opportunity for volunteers in mission and service-minded groups. Work Camp strives to provide home repair for low-income community residents and maintenance for Mission buildings and grounds. Some examples of work projects are roof replacement, small room additions, painting, building porches or ramps, and grounds keeping. Other light duty work is available such as cutting soup upc's, office work, craft and community store helpers, and recycling. A single fee covers the cost of each person's lodging, meals, and materials used.
In addition to providing mission opportunities, we strive to provide an atmosphere where participants grow spiritually and gain a personal understanding of mission. Evenings are spent in Christian fellowship and learning about the diverse ministries of Red Bird Mission.'' *
*redbird website
