Sorry to have been MIA for the last few days, but we have been in Lynch, KY (Eastern Kentucky for you Alabamians) on a family mission trip with our church this week. Think Black Mountain's coal experience at its finest!
A little synopsis of what we were doing and why Lynch. Back in it's day, Lynch was the coal mining capital of Kentucky. While most of the country was going through a depression, Lynch was a town full of employed coal miners and their families, all living a pretty great life in houses built by the coal companies, enjoying the perks of living in a city that was seeing great economic times. But sometime in the 1960's (don't quote me on the dates), the mine closed and the city just went downhill from there. Houses and building were abandoned and for the ones that stayed, there was no work. No means to support their families. And so begin a cycle of poverty that seems to have spiraled out of control. The mine still basically owns the whole town, but is doing nothing with it in case they want to ever come back and mine in Lynch again. Buildings sit empty and basically falling down around the ones that do still live in the little town. So, we are here working with the different ministries that have been set up to help support the people of Lynch. Things like helping with house repairs, working at the clothes closet or working out at the horse farm where they encourage the kids to learn about horses, but also hope to share the gospel with them, too.
It has been exhausting, rewarding, frustrating and enlightening all at the same time. I have loved introducing the boys to missions early on, but it saddens me to realize that a mere 4 hours from our comfortable home are people who live with out running water, heat or a stove to cook their food on. Their houses are held together by cardboard and they have trees growing through their living rooms. They are excited about getting free hot dogs or having plastic put up on their windows so that they aren't quite so cold through the winter. And I sit on my comfy couch in my heated home with more appliances than I know what to do with and complain that my cable bill is too high. Have to say that it knocks you down a step or two to see people so close to home living like this. I'm not talking about a third-world country. This is our own state!
Of course, Nicole and I have the whole trip documented on our Spencer County Children's Ministry Blog, complete with a mini-movie for each day's adventures. So, instead of me rehashing it all here, take a little time and check out each day and what we where up to. We had a blast, but will be heading home tomorrow. Pray for safe travels!! And enjoy the pics...
Day 1: We have arrived!
Day 2: Freedom Center -- We made it out alive!! (video)
Day 3: Need your prayers! -- Update -- Uses of Mayonnaise (video) -- Lessons learned today...non-mayo related
Day 4: Our Last Day -- Gotta love the kids!! (video)
1 comment:
Hey, it's Kelly Johnson, Hallie's mom (from MDO)...found your blog through Manda's. What amazing work you all did for God in Lynch! I know your boys are learning so much from experiences like these (btw, they are so handsome!)
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