A Lasting Impact

BY BRIANNA STEPHENS

Lula Bowling Ford came to know Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) when she wanted to help her students. Most of them were single parents, some even grandparents, who were trying to earn an education while taking care of their families and trying to make ends meet on limited budgets. Through CAP, Ford was able to provide relief for her students to help them succeed.

“When I served as director of Morehead State University-Prestonsburg, I was constantly searching for ways to help our students, both academically and in their everyday lives. Christian Appalachian Project’s Operation Sharing Program became a major factor in that quest,” said Ford, a new member of CAP’s Board of Directors. “Through the generosity of Operation Sharing, we were able to share things that were vitally important to these students and their families — paper, pencils, personal hygiene items, snacks, blankets, clothing, and more. Operation Sharing not only provided material items, but relief and hope.”

While Operation Sharing delivered hope to her students, Ford also connected the Appalachian Pregnancy Center and her church, Cornerstone Christian Church in Pikeville, Kentucky, to CAP. Ford was a founding board member of the Appalachian Pregnancy Center, which provides a system of support and service to women experiencing unplanned pregnancies and their newborns. To help support the center’s mission, Operation Sharing has provided office supplies for the staff and personal hygiene items, diapers, baby wipes, blankets, and other items to help mothers in need and their children.

Handfuls on Purpose, a food pantry operated by Cornerstone Christian Church, partners with Operation Sharing to feed up to 500 families each month. The church also receives snacks and craft items for its youth activities. Before the pandemic, the church served up to 70 children from low-income areas through weekly Bible lessons, tutoring, games, and meals. Since the impact of COVID-19 hit the community, the church has continued serving young people by delivering food and supplies to their homes.

Ford recounted another special donation Operation Sharing gave to her church that made a lasting impact on some families. “Last year we were able to provide each child a new coat and a pair of shoes for Christmas,” she said. “It is touching to see a parent tear-up over such a gift. A high number of children in our area is being raised by grandparents, or even great-grandparents, many times without the benefit of child support. Through Operation Sharing we are able to give help to those who need help the most.” Ford has seen the needs of people in Appalachia and has learned the importance of CAP’s programs. She says she is excited to now be part of CAP’s mission of building hope, transforming lives, and sharing Christ’s love through service in Appalachia by serving on its board.

“I don’t think everyone is really fully aware of the impact CAP makes. I was not,” Ford said. “Look around, the need is everywhere. The more you do, the more involved you are, the more you are aware of the needs. Finding a way to meet these needs is many times answered by CAP. This organization has been such a lifesaver for so many. I look forward to working with the board to make a positive impact in Appalachia.”