This summer, we had the incredible opportunity to take a group of 38 youth and adult sponsors to Middlesboro, Kentucky. This journey was more than just a chance to serve; it was an immersion into the rich culture of Appalachia (pronounced app-a-LATCH-a), a deep dive into the history of the region and a beautiful exchange of hospitality with the local community.
As a whole, this trip was a transformative experience for our youth. They returned with a deeper understanding of service, a greater appreciation for different cultures, and a renewed sense of community. We are thankful for the opportunity to be part of the beautiful tapestry of Appalachian life. The lessons we learned and the friendships we made will continue to inspire us in our daily lives and our faith journey.
Read Finley Walton’s experience:
The mission trip to Kentucky was one that stretched from the highest mountain peak down to the endless depths of abandoned coal mines. The emotional highs and lows echoed this extreme, and ultimately these feelings reinforced the profound faith experiences I had while in Middlesboro, Kentucky. Mission trips often end with the strengthening of bonds and forming of new, unexpected relationships. This time, however, there was also a connection to be had with the location of our mission work.
The people of Middlesboro were long dependent on coal mines to maintain financial security. The conditions were terrible, the hours long, and hope was something scarce and sacred. They continued onward for the benefit of their posterity, and all of their dreams were swallowed by the greed of newly industrial America. The corporate world stripped these miners of their individuality, transforming them into cogs in a machine. The largest and most industrious cities in the world were built by the sweat—and in many cases, lives—of these miners, the benefits of which never reached them. After the mines of Middlesboro shut down, rural Kentucky was left with no means to keep themselves economically stable.
One would assume that such a situation, preceded by decades of cruel labor and insufficient payment, would cause bitterness and selfishness to grow in the hearts of the residents of Middlesboro. Instead, my friends and I observed a community united in their hospitality and generosity. Their conviviality and optimism echoed the call of God, and it is in those interactions I was able to feel the presence of the Lord. Whether it was when passing out handmade blankets to lonely elders or granting children the gift of reading, the reactions of the people of Kentucky never failed to show us God’s word in action.
That same deep-seated kindness was also reflected within our own youth group. I shared some of the most vulnerable parts of myself to both some of my closest friends and newfound confidants and was met with open arms and gentle comfort. It was beautiful how our relationships were fostered and strengthened through godly action, and despite there being moments of tears and sorrow, I found myself on the other side with our fellowship made deeper because of it. The connections I formed on that trip will remain with me forever, and like the people of Middlesboro, I hope to serve as a light to those around me. I saw so many individuals shining with God’s light, and using people such as the altruistic miners who sacrificed their lives as an example, I seek to do the same.