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The Magazine of the C H R IS T IA N A P PA L A C H IA N P R O JE C T SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER NUMB E R
2003,
VOLUME
22,
I H R EE
features 6 The House That Love Rebuilt CAP volunteers rebuild 96-year-old CAP Participant Robert Burgess’ house
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In God’s Time Meet Robin Blanton, woman woodcarver and true Appalachian artist
22 Coal Camp Living (and Other Mountain Truths) by Clyde Roy Pack From coal camp living to exploring the why’s of grouchy folk, local author Clyde Pack talks about it all.
26 A Closer Look by Sharon Crosby CAP volunteer Sharon Crosby focuses on local Adult Education Program participant Brian Webster and family
in e v e r y issue
On the cover______________________
From the President’s Desk
3
Chaplain’s Corner
4
A round the Project
10-17
Volunteer Page
28
Your Letters
31
Robert Burgess, photo by Elisabeth McGuire
2
The Mountain Spirit
P u b li s h e d by the C h r i s ti a n A p p a l a c h i a n Project
From the
Ma na gi n g Edi t or J e n n ife r L a v e n d e r
Reporter/Layout/Design C a rla D a v is
President’s Desk A Message From The Board Jerome B. O’ Daniel In the last issue of the Mountain Spirit we regrettably informed you of the death of our friend and President, Michael Sanders. The last few weeks have been trying times for the folks here at CAP. I have served on the board of this fine organization for many years, currently serving as Chairman of the Board. I recently agreed to serve as President of Christian Appalachian Project until our search committee finds a permanent replacement. As I pondered and prayed over this decision, I came to realize that CAP is not like IBM (where I worked for many years); we are not like a Fortune 500 Com pany. CAP does not produce goods. The fruit of our labor is not computers, or tires, or automobiles. The fruit of our labor at CAP produces changed lives. We see results when an elderly person learns to read, when a single mom receives her GED diploma, when a family moves back into a warm, and safe home. We produce smiles, hugs, love, and changed lives through our work here. Then I came to the realization that we only exist because of people like you. It is only through the generosity of people all over the country that we are able to keep the dream alive. We are living out the Gospel each and every day, only because people like you who are willing to share with those less fortunate. That is why I agreed to be in charge until we find the right person to carry on our mission. I ask for your prayers for me and for our organization as we search for a leader. Thank you and God bless.
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Jerome B. O’Daniel Chairman of the Board
September - November 2003
A d v i s o r y Boar d: Jerome B. O’Daniel, Sue Sword L in v ille R o s e ,R o d n e y M ira c le
The M o u n t a i n S p i r i t is p u b lis h e d fo u r tim e s a y e a r. The a n n u a l s u b s c rip tio n p ric e is $ 8 .0 0 . S u b s c rip tio n s and o th e r c o rre s p o n d e n ce s h o u ld be s e n t to The M o u n t a i n Sp iri t, C h ris tia n A p p a la c h ia n P ro je c t, P.O.Box511, Lancaster, Kentucky, 40444-0511. C o p y rig h t, 2 0 0 1 , The C h ris tia n A p p a la c h ia n P ro je c t, In c . A ll rig h ts re s e rv e d . The C h ris tia n A p p a la c h ia n P ro je c t is a n o n p r o fit C h ris tia n s e rv ic e o rg a n iz a tio n o p e ra tin g th ro u g h o u t A p p a la c h ia . The p ro je c t o p e ra te s on th e p h ilo s o p h y th a t h e lp in g p e o p le help th e m s e lv e s is th e best a p p ro a c h to A p p a la c h ia n p o v e rty . The C h ris tia n A p p a la c h ia n P ro je c t is re c o g n iz e d by the In te rn a l R eve n u e S e rv ic e as a 5 0 1 (c )(3 ) c h a r ita b le o r g a n iz a tio n and is q u a lifie d to re c e iv e ta x d e d u c tib le c o n tr ib u tio n s .
A summary of the registration and financial documents filed by this organization can be obtained by contacting: in Maryland, for the cost of postage and copying, documents and information filed under Maryland charjtable organizations laws can be obtained from the Secretary of State, Charitable Division, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401; In Virginia, Financial statements are available from the State Division of Consumer Affairs, P .0. Box 1163, Richmond, V A 23218; In Washington, Information relating to the Christian Appalachian Project’s financial affairs is available from the Secretary of State, and the toll-free number for Washington residents: 1-800-332-4483; In Mississippi, The official registration and financial information of the Christian Appalachian Project may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement; IN NEW YORK, A copy of the latest annual report can be obtained from the organization or from the Office of the Attorney General by writing the Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271; IN NEW JERSEY, Information filed with the Attorney General concerning this charitable solicitation may be obtained from the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey by calling 973-504-6215; Registration with the Attorney General does not imply endorsement; IN PENNSYLVANIA, The OFFICAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF (Christian Appalachian Project), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PENNSYLVA NIA DEPARTMENT OF STATE BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN PENNSYLVANIA, 1 (800) 732-0999. REGISTRA TION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT; IN WEST VIRGINIA, West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305 Registration with the Attorney General does not imply endorsement; IN FLORIDA, THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALL TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE AT 800-435-7352, REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE SC-0009; IN NORTH CAROLINA, FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND A COPY OF THE LICENSE ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE STATE SOLICITATION LICENSING BRANCH AT 1-888830-4989, OR OUTSIDE THE STATE AT 919-807-2214; THE LICENSE IS NOT AN ENDORSMENT BY THE STATE; or by writing to Christian Appalachian Project, 6550 South KY Rt. 321, P.0. Box 459, Hagerhill, KY 41222. Our license number in Michigan is MICS9933. Registration with any of the above government agencies does not imply endorsement by the state.
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by Richard Ginn
chaplain's corner
Aim a t the Right Goals! One of the tragedies of life is not that we “I undertook great projects: I built set our goals so high so that we could never houses for myself and planted vineyards. attain them, but that we set our goals so low I made gardens and parks and planted all and do attain them. kinds of fruit trees in them. I made reser Father Beiting, founder of the Christian voirs to water groves of flourishing trees. Appalachian Project, tells about speaking with I bought male and female slaves and had a young man in Eastern Kentucky, and asking other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than him what he wanted to be when he grew up. His response, “I want to be a rocker like my anyone in Jerusalem before me. I amassed daddy.” Father Beiting further explains that silver and gold for myself, and the treasure even though he didn’t care for rock music, he of kings and provinces. I acquired men and didn’t run it down. The boy then said, “He women singers, and a harem as well-the just wanted to stay at home and rock in his delights of the heart of man. I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem chair like his dad and wait for the mailman to bring his check.” before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me. I read that in Berlin, Wisconsin cemetery is the I denied myself nothing my head stone of a man who eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My wanted the most significant heart took delight in all my event of his life to be on work, and this was the that stone. The stone was reward for all my labor. Yet inscribed with his name, when I surveyed all that my birth date, and the date of hands had done and what I his death - and the line had toiled to achieve, “Bowled 300 in 1962.” In everything was meaning the game of bowling a less, a chasing after the perfect score of 300 is rare indeed. But how significant wind; nothing was gained under the sun.” (Chapter 2, is that? Verses 4-11) Someone has said that It was after the our world is like a huge department store into which suicide of Marilyn Monroe, someone has come during the famous movie star, that her former hus the night and moved all of Richard Ginn, CAP Chaplain the price tags around so band, Joe DiMaggio, said, “Marilyn had everything to live with, that the prices on the objects have little but nothing to live for.” relationship to the value of the things being Jesus said, “...a man’s life does not sold. A toy for a young child may carry the consist in the abundance of his posses price tag of an expensive piece of jewelry, or a sions.” (Luke 12:15) man’s cap may have the price tag of an expen It’s not what you possess that matters sive computer. as much as what possesses you!!!!! One of the crucial conflicts in our society If I could offer one small piece of today is the question of values worth living advice: Make sure the important issues in for. Our generation doesn’t having the entire life are those that will matter the day after market on this idea. In the Book of tomorrow! Ecclesiastes we find the words of Solomon, an Man’s greatest tragedy is to aim his aged man who finds little comfort or anything life at the wrong goals - and achieve them!!! of value in the things he possesses.
The Mountain Spirit
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www. chrisapp. org
Give the gift of Appalachia When you order The Mountain Spirit magazine for a friend this Christmas, you’ll give a gift that keeps on giving. Not only will you continue to partner with us to fight poverty, you’ll also give a gift that friends and family can enjoy all year long—reading the compelling real-life stories featured in the magazine.
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You can count on us to keep you up-to-date on I
the progress that is being made in Appalachia. So please remove the insert in the middle of this issue, complete it for those on your gift list and give the gift of Appalachia. September - November 2003
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Cardboard insulation...a foundation eroding away from under you...no running water Imagine this is the house you live in. Sounds unbelievable doesn’t it, but not for Robert Burgess, a 96 year old man from Louisa, Kentucky. This is a descrip tion of the house he built for his family in 1948 when he worked at the ice plant. He labored twelve hours a day, seven days a week there, and made just enough money to scrape by. It took him quite a while to finish the house, but finally he was able to move in with his family. It was a modest but comfortable home for the time period. As more modem conveniences became available, Mr. Burgess remained unable to afford them for his house. Over time,
his only son moved away and he was unable to keep up with the maintenance of the property. The house stands on about an acre of land that was owned by his parents. His parent’s vacated house still stands there, the place where he was bom. Essentially, except for a small stint of trying to find work in Ohio, Mr. Burgess has lived on the same lot all his life. “That’s my parent’s old house,” he said, pointing to the delapidated structure that sits less than 50 feet away from his. “I have some good memories growing up there.” Mr. Burgess’ house, built on a steep hill, only contains four small rooms and has never contained indoor plumb ing. None of that particularly bothered Mr. Burgess. The house was big enough for him, and he was used to the hard
ships associated with drawing water from a pump. But what did bother him was the eroding foundation underneath the house. “It may go before I do,” he said. “I have a little arthritis, but other than that, I’m in pretty good health.” He attributes his health to fresh vegetables and plenty of hard work. “I’ve gotten a lot of exercise,” he said. “Walked to work, walked everywhere I ever went.” Mr. Burgess doesn’t own a car and before CAP intervened, he rarely ventured from his house, leaving him little contact with the outside world. He also had precious few resources and even fewer visitors. Though he wasn’t too concerned with the community, the community had noticed him. His house was bothering them, too. Its disrepair had caused it to be labeled as an eyesore and community
The Mountain Spirit
The Word Warriors take a brief break from their labor of love. Pictured left to right are: Bob Swain, Ron Youngers, Elmer Simurdak, Ron Srajer, Ray Buyle, Brad Buyle, Elliott Gish and Bruce Gish.
members had gathered to discuss its condition. “Someone from the city came here and gave me a list of repairs I needed to take care of,” he said. One of the problems was the location of the house on the hill. Because the hill is so steep, the ground beneath his house had shifted, causing parts of the floor to become soft in spots. The problem was so bad, in fact, that Mr. Burgess was unable to go into the two front rooms of his house. He instead lived in the two back rooms, using one as a bedroom and the other as a kitchen. His furniture was sparce, both out of neccessity and lack of resources. His complete list of furnishings consisted of
September - November 2003
one aluminum chair and a few vari ous antique pieces he had gotten from his parent’s place. His house was in desperate need of a miracle. Oftentimes, monumentous miracles are witnessed at CAP, but this time, God orchestrated the task through a series of small, connected miracles. As the song goes (or something similar), ‘the head bone’s connected to the eye, to the mouth, to the arm, to the leg and to the foot bone.’ In order to accomplish Mr. Burgess’ miracle, it took each part connecting with the other. The coordina tion was complicated, but with the Lord at the helm it ran like a well-oiled ma chine. From the beginning, it was
evident there were many members of the same body working hand-in-hand. It showed in the excitement of all who were involved that it was more than just a house repair, and so rewards were reaped. Throughout the course of the restoration of the building, old friend ships were rekindled, new friendships were formed and many a soul was touched by what they saw at the worksite. Love, shown in hugs, attitudes and generosity was the prevailing force driving the work of this miracle. The chain of charity that champi oned the cause was started by Judith Leonard, a volunteer caseworker for
CAP’Selderly services program. She became aware of the condition of the house when she stopped by his place to visit and take him groceries. Judith mentioned the house to Tammy Caynor, an outreach worker for CAP. At the same time, Tammy was seeking to partner a volunteer group with a house repair project. She had recieved a call from former CAP Volunteer Elmer Simurdak, who still lives in the area. Elmer was looking for a volunteer project for his old friend’s prayer group. Tammy, Judith and Delinda Huff, a housing technician for CAP, coordi nated the effort that culminated in Elmer driving to Louisa to look at the project. After discussing the house they decided it would become an emergency home improve ment project that Elmer would work on with his friend. His friend was Ron Srajer of Topeka, Kansas. They met when both were volunteering for CAP in 1999. They lived in the same volunteer house in Louisa during their stay. When their volunteer time ended they went their separate ways physically, but not emotionally, for they stayed friends and kept in contact. When Ron started seeking a volunteer project for the Word Warriors, he asked Elmer for help. The Word Warriors are a prayer group at Holy Name Catholic Parish, in Topeka, Kansas. The members of Word Warriors were interested in Ron’s stories about the need in Appalachia, so they planned and looked forward to, a mission trip to Kentucky. The men all had some experience in building and
repairing houses so Ron wanted a job that would chal lenge them. “They wouldn’t be content painting walls,” Elmer said and sought a meaningful experience for the group. Immediately, CAP linked the job with the volunteers and those involved began coordinating the project. CAP’s outreach program provided the insulation, plumbing and materials for the floor. The housing program gave the windows and the soffit that was placed under the eaves. St. Vincent’s Mission, of David, Kentucky, donated many building materials for the project. The Word Warriors purchased siding and new doors to complete the project. CAP provided them a place to stay at the Louisa Volunteer House. Finally, the plan was set in motion, and Ron and his group trekked to Kentucky to begin work on Robert’s house. By the time they arrived word had spread that Robert Burgess’ house was about to be rebuilt. Townsfolk were humbled that a group would come all the way from Topeka, Kansas, to perform manual labor on a house owned by a man they never met. Many dropped by during the week to check on the progress, including Kim Childers, a friend who donated carpet to the cause. Don’s Carpet Barn, a local business, donated linoleum for the kitchen. Another local business donated soft drinks to the crew. Current CAP volunteers joined in the excitement and bustled around helping in any way they could. One volunteer, Trish Dalton, cooked for the Word Warriors every night as her way of contributing to the cause. CAP’s elderly services also provided dinner and helped out financially. In one week, love, put in action by the efforts of all the above mentioned folks, rebuilt Mr. Burgess’ house. The work included repairing the foundation, replacing the floor, installing insulation, hanging siding, fixing the roof, hanging new sheetrock, replacing all the windows and doors and installing indoor plumbing. The manual labor was carried out by the Word Warriors, but it took many connecting parts, to get the job done. Sitting on his aluminum chair in the yard, after being ousted from his house by the work crew, Mr. Burgess said it best. “This is quite a commotion we’ve got goin’ on here.”
Ron Srajer (left) and Ron Youngers carry wood as they work to brace the floor of Robert Burgess’ house.
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The Mountain Spirit
Mike Sanders life story ’
Now Available Trust in God: It’s in His Hands You’ll be uplifted by Mike’s words of praise and thanksgiving that remained a constant throughout his lifetime. With humble beginnings in the coal camp of Majestic, Mike gives the glory of his success as CAP President to God. Even throughout his fearless battle against colon cancer, he remained steadfast in his faith as he lived by the creed of surrendering all of this world to Him.
Request your free copy today! Or if you wish, you may send a donation to CAP’SGeneral Fund or to the Mike Sanders Memorial Fund. Simply complete the portion below and mail to:
Christian Appalachian Project Development Office P.O. Box 511 Please detach on the dotted line and mail to the address above
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Lancaster, Kentucky 40444-0511
Please send me a free copy of Mike Sanders’ compelling life story featured in Trust in God: It’s in His Hands I have enclosed a donation o f _____________for CAP to continue its mission of helping the poor in Appalachia I have enclosed a donation o f ____________ for the Mike Sanders Memorial Fund.
N a m e _________________________________________ Address _______________________________________
City ---------------------------------------------------------State
Zip
Phone
msf03
around the project M ary E thel M aynard, G arnett Wallace, Phyllis Chris W ard a n d H erm ie R itchie a ll jo in in fo r a p icn ic in the p a rk
Elderly Enjoy Park Picnic It must have been God’s will when good weather was provided for the elderly picnic held at the Jenny Wiley Spillway. Amid sunshine, several seniors played horseshoes and ate a smorgasbord of hamburgers, hotdogs, slaw, potato chips and assorted pies. The picnic was held as a celebration for volunteer Anita Anderson, who returned home to Minnesota at the end of August. After initial greetings between longtime friends were exchanged, sweaters were removed and everyone relaxed for special singing provided by Carol Donarski, longtime friend of Anita’s. Carol sang an original piece that posed the hypothetical question, “What
if the animals on Noah’s Ark had a message for us? What would it be?” After an especially inspirational experience with Carol’s medley, each guest told a little about themselves. Later, several seniors accompanied by Elderly and Prescription Assistance staff revisited their childhood when they proceeded to play on the playground equipment. “Seeing the participants swinging, playing horse shoes and laughing with friends has been remarkable,” claimed Elderly Program Manager Teresa Gullett. “Participating in picnics and similar activities gets them out into the community with other elderly participants, increases socialization, and prevents them from sitting home alone on a beautiful, sunny day.”
The Mountain Spirit
around the project
Martin C ounty CFDC Holds O pen House The Martin County Child and Family Devel opment Center held its open house Friday, Septem ber 19,2003. The center is a brand new nearly 1800 square foot unit. It is situated on the ground floor of the newly-constructed Roy F. Collier Building in downtown Inez, Kentucky. The Child and Family Development center will serve toddler and preschool children, ages one to five years. The new center offers more than childcare. Everything from a touch and textural sensory table to categorical play stations are both child-friendly and educational. Lining the walls are multi-colored cubbies, educational toys and just-the-right-height sinks and toilets. It’s just the kind of environment that any child would be proud to share with parents. And that’s just what toddlers do one night per month during Parent Night, which is one
September - November 2003
evening set aside for parents to enjoy various presentations. One evening the topic will be seat belt safety. Another might include a presentation given by the local health department on how to treat head lice. The center encourages parent participation at all levels because it helps develop a bond between the home and center. According to Brenda Wireman, Martin County Child and Family Development Center Director, the center has a bright future. “The future looks promising for this program. We understand there is a definite need for a pre school program in the Inez area,” she says. “The children enrolled will be attending a very structured preschool program which consists of language development, social skills, pre-math, physical development and creative development. This program will more than adequately prepare the children for a successful transition into kindergarten.”
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around the project 2
M irzie takes a w ell-deserved break fro m the days chores.
A Home for Mirzie Community collaboration is a wonderful thing. In Mirzie Blair’s case, the outcome is no different. Mirzie, 88, of Mill Branch Road, is accus tomed to hard living. A mother of ten children, Mirzie was always there, anytime one got sick or just needed a warm parental hug. Times were tough, so tough in fact that Mirzie would stay up all hours of the night hand-washing clothes on a wash board, just so her children would have clean clothes to wear to school. Then in 1943 tragedy struck when her husband died of a stroke and a heart attack. Mirzie was alone and on her own, trying to support all seven girls and three boys, the youngest of which was five years old at the time. With so much responsibility at the age of 45, one could say that Mirzie managed, through the grace of God, to “keep it all together.” Mirzie’s ten children are grateful for the love and support that Mirzie gave throughout the years. Fortunately, whenever Mirzie is in need of groceries or help with utility bills, most all the children, now grown, do not hesitate to help out. These days, Mirzie has been living in a drafty older home that sits atop a steep hill in the sleepy neighborhood of Southside in Johnson County, Kentucky. The house’s window units had separated from each of its facings. The front door was illfitting and as a result, cold air would flood the living room and other parts of the home each
winter. The planks were rotted on the home’s exterior due to too many harsh winters and blistering summers. With the house in such shape, Mirzie’s utility bills would reach over $200 in winter. “We were heating the great outdoors,” said Mirzie’s daughter Herma. Elderly Program Manager Teresa Gullett knew Mirzie from church and because Mirzie was a participant in the Elderly program. After several home visits, Teresa decided to help with materials to improve the home. With money available for projects like the one it would take to fix up Mirzie’s house, the Elderly program purchased white siding to replace the rotting wood. In addition, CAP’s Operation Sharing also provided new windows to replace the older, non-insulated ones. Not only has CAP donated materials, but members of Mirzie’s family have all brought something to the table on the project. Merzie’s sons, Gary, Larry, and Jim Blair and her sons-inlaw, Dan Profitt and Bill Pelfrey, have worked day and night installing windows, replacing rotted wood and installing vinyl siding. Each of Mirzie’s children also pitched in and bought shutters to complete the new look. “There are no words to describe [the home],” said Herma. “The improvement is like one hundred percent. Even the neighbors have remarked how good it looks. Mom is really happy.”
The Mountain Spirit
around the project Top, left to right, Shonda Shepherd, B rian Webster, Jerry Tackett, ChesterJohnson, M atthew Hensley a n d Gary Conley. Bottom , left to right, W endy Poston, M aria M eade, Angelia C rum , M ad line M ollett, CarolJ. Greene, Jessica Bates a n d K im berly Slone.
Graduates Honored a t Jenny Wiley Thirteen men and women, in traditional caps and gowns, were honored Thursday, September 11, 2003, at Jenny Wiley’s Wilkenson Conference Center for having earned their GED (General Equivalency Diploma). Most of the family and friends applauding the graduates saw first hand the hard work and determination required of each student to achieve this goal. At times many of the graduates thought this achievement was a dream beyond their grasp. But now, other dreams and successes also seem possible. Several of the graduates became college students this fall. The graduates had a variety of motivations for first walking into one of the many CAP Adult Educa tion and GED sites. For some that first step was required by the Kentucky’s Family Assistance Program or their employer, for others, it was their own career and personal goals. But, for all, it was indi September - November 2003
vidual determination and hard work that brought them to this special night. The commencement address was given by Bill Tussey, Program Manager for the Adult Education Program. He told the students that, like David facing Goliath, they need to choose the way best for them selves to meet the challenges of their lives. He congratulated them all for the perseverance necessary to have earned these diplomas. David Costellow and Vanessa Tackett, the CAP teachers who worked with the graduates, assisted Mr. Tussey in presenting certificates and gifts to the graduates. Richard Ginn, CAP Chaplain, closed the ceremony with prayer. The buffet dinner following the ceremony was accompanied by Don Castle on the steel guitar. After dinner, CAP’s very own Elvis impersonator, Ron Castle, with his son Chris on the drums, crooned the “King’s” classics for the appreciative crowd.
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around the project A dreanna “shops”d uring C A P s’ a n n u a l clothing distribution.
CAP Holds Annual C lothing Distribution Over 200 families poured into the CAP warehouse in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, for a clothing and goods distribution, an annual event conducted by CAP Outreach that serves families in six rural counties: Johnson, Lawrence, Knott, Magoffin, Martin and Mingo, West Virginia. Many families, most of whom were single mothers, came to get used clothing for their school-aged children. At the distribution, everything from used clothing to appliances and furniture were free to low-income families. It is distributions like this that, along with other CAP Outreach programs such as Partners and Families With a Future, help in ways both big and small. For DeeAnna Castle-Blevins, the
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distrubution was just “a wonderful thing to do,” especially when money is tight. “I am a success story,” begins DeeAnna. “Two years ago, I got divorced and my husband took everything I had. Now, thanks to [Outreach Caseworker] Jill [Stafford] I’m about to get my GED and go to college.” For DeeAnna the distribution turned out to be a blessing, both for her school-aged daughter Adreanna, as well as herself. Deanna, who began college last fall, was especially grateful for the clothing as well as the books. “CAP has made a large impact on my life,” said DeeAnna, who has been enrolled in Partners a little more than two years. “If it wasn’t for them, I’d be living in a slum or on the street. Now I have a house, a car and I’m getting an education.”
The Mountain Spirit
around the project P auline Slone has spent her entire life w ith o u t run nin g water.
Com m unity Helps With Running Water, Septic System Imagine for a few moments what it would be like not to have running water. Everything anything - that needs to be done around the house takes water. Everything from cooking, cleaning and bathing are made a lot easier with indoor plumbing. Pauline “Cotton” Slone has spent 72 years without a bathroom or indoor plumbing. “She’s never had water, never had a bathtub. We just thought it was time to change all that,” remarked Karen Slone, Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) Coordinator for LKLP, a grass roots organization that stands for the following counties: Leslie, Knott, Letcher and Perry. While CAP donated money for materials, numerous other agencies began getting involved on many different levels. Karen Slone and Sheila Calhoun, both of LKLP, contacted CAP Outreach
September - November 2003
Caseworker J.D. Beiting. When J.D. saw the condi tion of Mrs. Slone’s home, he began getting the word out about the home’s needed repairs. Within days, he was able to persuade several CAP volun teers to give their free time during both nights and weekends to work on the home. But the effort did not stop there. The Share Loan program also provided a septic system for Mrs. Slone for one-fourth of the price. Additionally, ProMart, a local lumber store, added to the effort by donating lumber, a tub and commode. Truly a collaborative effort, the project was more than one single entity could provide. But with agencies working together, the effort became a dream come true for Mrs. Slone. “It’s just great,” she remarked. “I don’t know how I would have done it alone. And everybody is so nice. They’re good people.”
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around the project
Tins is A
CAP Initiates Safe Site August 14th marked the day when the Christian Appalachian Project and members of the Harlan County (Kentucky) community launched the Safe Site program, a program that seeks to educate and help victims of domestic violence. Over 30 businesses and organizations display a Safe Site window front sticker, indicat ing they are a Safe Site. At the Safe Site loca tions, victims can get a small brochure that easily fits into a pocket or purse. The program also provides a safe place for abuse victims to call a domestic violence program or the police. Not only do the sites provide a safe
place to call for help, but they also spread commu nity awareness about the dangers of domestic violence. At each business that takes part in the program, workers will be trained in workplace violence and the effects of domestic violence in the workplace “Domestic violence is our business,” claimed Outreach Educator Shana Goggins, who was instrumental in getting the program implemented.. “Isolation is a key element in abusive relation ships, and many times victims have no idea where to turn for help. The project will impact victims, because communities will be actively working to create a supportive environment for them.”
The Mountain Spirit
around the project
orientation.
Seventeen New Volunteers Join CAP On a recent beautiful morning, the sun rose on the grounds of Camp Andrew Jackson (AJ) to welcome a new group of Christian Appalachian Project volunteers. Seventeen men and women from all across America gathered at the camp on September 15th, to begin a week-long orientation to CAP and life in the mountains. The volunteers, who were eager to join the ranks of CAP’s volunteer program, came from states as far away as northern Maine and as close by as the hills of Eastern Kentucky. A small caravan of four volun teers arrived together from Wisconsin. Once settled in to the retreat-type atmosphere, the volunteers began the process of learning about CAP. The week was packed with spiritual reflections and information such as CAP’s history, mission, CPR and First Aid training. There was plenty of time left over for fun activities and hiking the hills, too. On Friday evening, at the end of
September - November 2003
their orientation, the volunteers were officially welcomed to CAP at a Commissioning Service at Saint Paul’s Church in McKee, Kentucky. The volunteers, all of whom have made long-term commitments to CAP (nine to twelve months) will represent seven different programs at CAP. Those programs include Housing, Elderly, Youth and Teen/Camp, Outreach, Child and Family Development Centers and Adult Education. CAP’s Volunteer Department was pleased with the large group of new long-term volunteers who completed this orientation. “ The beautiful, shining faces numbered seventeen, and the Volunteer Program certainly feels that we can see the fruits of your many dedicated prayers for their arrival,” Volunteer Coordinator, Kiara Klister, wrote in the Volunteer Program Newsletter regarding the large group orientation. She also commented about the volunteers, “Their energy level is high and their commitment to the work at hand is visible.” We wish them the best in the year ahead.
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A s shown above, Robin Blanton uses her God-given talentsfo r drawing, design, carving and woodworking. Here Robin is shown carving in tri cate designs on a wooden bed. M aking beds is som ething that started out o f necessity fo r Robin, when she designed a dresser/bed combo to save space in her daughter s sm all room.
The Story of an Appalachian Artist
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In God's Time The Mountain Spirit
“I always felt in my heart I could carve wood, I don’t know why, but I always felt it,” explained Robin Blanton, an Appalachian woman, wife and mother, who had never picked up a piece of wood to carve it until two years ago. Robin and her family live in a trailer hidden in a “holler,” at the end of a gravel road. Besides her husband and daughter, Ashley, she has two sons, Justin, 16, and Joseph, 9. Her trailer is just over 1,000 square feet and is packed to the brim and overflowing with such a large family. It also is an older model trailer, which has mold and a serious sag in the ceiling in her bedroom where the roof leaks. Robin, a struggling Appalachian wood carver, looks forward to the day when they can move into a new log house. This is her story. The story of how an Appala chian woman who married young, had children and fell on hard times is now carving wood and looking for a better life for her children. It was two years ago, while studying Medical Terminology at a local college that she finally uncovered the talent that had been hidden inside her all her life. And it all seemingly happened by accident, which, as Robin believes, was not an accident at all, but God’s divine plan. Each day on her way to transcription class, Robin passed by the college’s woodshop. In her pocket, she carried a hand drawn bed design. Passing by the woodshop each day gave her an idea. One morning, she mustered the courage to stop in and talk to the teacher. Robin reached into her pocket, unfolded the design and asked the wood shop teacher, Mike Froman, if his class might be interested in making the bed for her. She had drawn the bed design for her daughter, Ashley. She knew for a long time that Ashley had run out of space in the room and desperately needed the unique bed, with drawers underneath, for her tiny bedroom. Robin, whose husband works in logging and owns a small saw mill with his dad, had the cherry wood for the bed. She just didn’t have a way to make it, but she carried the design with her, determined to get the bed made one way or another. After the shop teacher looked at Robin’s sketch, he agreed to make the bed. So, Robin loaded the wood in her truck and took it to the shop. She stopped in many times during the semester to check on its progress. It was a large project for the class, and finally the teacher confessed they would not have time to finish the bed before the end of the course. That’s when Robin asked if she could finish it herself. Froman agreed, and Robin spent every spare minute of her time in the shop sanding and finishing the bed for her daughter. “The result was a one-of-a-kind bed that suited the need of my daughter’s small space and is beautiful,” exclaimed Robin. “I am also grateful to the class for
September - November 2003
building the bed, and to Mike Froman for giving me the chance to finish it. That is how I first got started on working with wood.” Robin enjoyed working with the wood so much, that the next semester; she decided to forego medical transcription classes and signed up for shop class. She sketched another bed, this time bunk beds for her sons. She also drew a beautiful outdoor, rugged scene to be carved into the beds. The design was quite a dream for a woman who had never carved wood before. But, Robin “just felt” she could do it, so she took the design to Froman on the first day of class. “I showed him my design, and I was thrilled when he said I could try it,” said Robin. “He was very encouraging and is an artist himself. He taught me about depth perception
H ere R obin is seen displaying several o f her works: a footboard, a handcarved door, a n d several o f herpicture frames. Photography is another area o f interestfor R obin, as seen on the right o f this picture.
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and he showed me carving techniques that got me started and helped me along the way.” Robin, who was one of only a few women in the class, excelled at the technique. She quickly learned such fine skills as relief, base relief, deep relief, sculpturing and three-dimensional woodcarving. Robin became a familiar face in the woodshop. She signed up for other shop classes and started other projects. All the while, she faithfully lugged the bulky bunk beds back and forth from home, utilizing every spare minute of her time to finish them. During the winter, when the snow was so deep she couldn’t make it out of her “holler” she cleared off her kitchen table and worked on her carving there. “I didn’t have anything to prove there [in shop class],” Robin said. I’m not doing this [working in wood] because I want to be a man, or do manly things. I love being a woman. I just have this talent that God has given me, and he has given me a husband who works in wood, so I have an abundant supply to work with.” In the spring she finished the beds, much to the delight of her teacher, family and curious onlookers who developed an interest in her talents. Because several people commented on the beauty of the beds, she decided to try to sell her wares to the public. She made some wood photo frames, one of which she immediately sold to the Johnson County Extension office. She soon realized that, perhaps, she could make a living carving wood, and she turned to the Christian Appalachian Project for help. Marilynn Payson, Director of Economic Development, recognized her talent right away. “Robin has the most incredible God given talent and a sincere desire to use it to better her life and her family’s life,” said, Marilynn, whose work with Robin is ongoing. To date that work has included helping Robin to stay focused on the business side of her creative work and guiding her through a business plan. Marilynn also keeps Robin informed of helpful community resources and
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workshops in the area and acts as her sounding board, providing her with mentoring and counseling concerning owning a small business. The assistance she receives from CAP is invaluable to Robin as she creates pieces to put on the market. She is becoming increasingly skilled at her craft and more knowledgeable about how to sell her goods. She has made another bed with an outdoor, wooded scene carved into it. The bed took her six months to make and she has it for sell at $4,500. She also teamed up with Mennonite furniture maker, Nathan Beachy, for a commissioned piece. Robin carved a beautiful, intricate design on a mantle made by Beachy. That work came about when she was browsing around Beachy’s shop and
“All I want to do is use my talents for the Lord and make enough money to have things for my family.” started a conversation with him about the designs on his pieces. After finding out that he hired out the detailed work, she drew him a design. He showed it to a homeowner who loved it. The result was a beautiful mantle and the start of a friendship of two wood workers. Of course, carving wood isn’t Robin’s only talent. She also a portrait artist and photographer, although those talents, too remained hidden inside her until recently. A few months ago, she sat down and started sketching. It was fun and she was encouraged by the results. So, she did it again and again, until she felt the emotion of her subject was adequately captured on paper. Her sketch pad is now full of wonderfully detailed portraits. Her trailer is also full of breathtaking photographs of her children, a testimony to her artist abilities and skills as a photographer as
well. Though Robin is humble and modest about her work, she believes in making the most of opportunities that God brings her way. She has hopes that one day she will be able to have her own wood shop and make a living as an artist. And, with each success, Robin is getting bolder about pursuing her dreams. She always knew in her heart she could. Her mother is an excellent seamstress who makes new clothes for Robin’s children out of recycled clothing. She got her spirit from her. Her motivation is a better life for her children. “All I want to do is use my talents for the Lord and make enough money to have things for my family,” she said. “It’s going to be hard, but we can do it. Five years ago, if somebody would’ve asked me, I wouldn’t have known I could do it. If I’d had every thing handed to me, I wouldn’t be doing this.” For now, her husband, Tim, has been cutting logs for a house. For the past ten years, she has been believing in this dream has been saving and scrimp ing to be able to afford it. Finally, she says, she can see the dream starting to become a reality. Tim has bulldozed the spot, on a hill just up from her trailer, where they will build. “We’ll build it ourselves,” she says. It’s a tall task, but Robin is undaunted. She researched cost effective methods to build, heat and cool the house. She also keeps a list of needed materials, scouring thrift and outlet stores for finds such as windows and fixtures. She takes the walk up the two hills at the end of the road everyday to look at the mounting wood pile that she will call home. Little by little, Robin is living her dreams by keeping her eye on them, working hard everyday toward her goals and creating opportunities for herself. “I can see it,” she says, her eyes intent on the wood. “This is my house, and down there is my shop. I’ve been waiting many years for this, but it’s closer now than it ever has been.” And Robin is closer to making it as an Appalachian woman wood carver than she ever has been.
The Mountain Spirit
or A Brighter Tomorrow
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That’s what CAP’s Angels o f Appalachia Program is providing fo r the children o f Appalachia.
Would you consider becoming an “Angel” to give hope to the children of Appalachia? If so, please return this coupon to the address below to receive your no obligation Angels of Appalachia information packet. You may also call CAP’s toll-free number at l-(866) 270-4227 to speak with a CAP representative. I Yes ! Send me my no obligation Angels of Appalachia information packet. I want to provide Hope for a Brighter Tomorrow !
Name:______________________________________________ Address:. City:___
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Christian Appalachian Project Development Office P.O. Box 511 Lancaster, KY 40444-0511
s SENTIAL
Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received - only what you have given: a fu ll heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage. ” St. Francis of Assisi We at the Christian Appalachian Project want you and your loved ones to be protected with a good, up-to-date estate plan. We also want to remind you that an estate gift to the Christian Appalachian Project can make a positive statement to your family and friends regarding your priorities...as well as make a tremendous difference in our future work. We can provide for you complimentary brochures that include helpful information about making a will. It also contains material on basic estate planning and ways you can use planned giving techniques to benefit your charitable interests, as well as yourself. For more information on estate planning, please complete the form below or call us at 1 (800) 955-3470. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ,
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Christian Appalachian Project Planned Giving Dept. P. O. Box 511 Lancaster, KY 40444-0511
H i s t o r i a n s tell us that u n d erground coal m ining began in earnest in E astern K entucky around the turn o f the last century. L ocal reco rd s in d ic a te th a t the N o rth e a st C oal C om pany, w hich was based in P h ilad elp h ia, began burrow ing b eneath the hills o f M uddy B ranch, in Johnson C ounty, in 1911. It w ould appear that housing for fam ilies o f the m iners who w ould dig the coal was all p a rt o f the grand schem e o f th in g s. The fact there w a sn ’t enough level land for one house seat, let alone d ozens, d id n ’t d eter the b u ild ers, and the d w ellin g s w ere co n stru cte d - all the sam e size, all the sam e co lo r - in crow ded row s along the h illsid e s, creek beds and hollow s surrounding the m ining o p era tio n s. W h en ev er a flat p lace could not be scraped out o f the yellow d irt larg e enough to hold the tiny stru ctu res, m any o f them w ere b u ilt on stilts, u su ally facing the road, or w hat p a sse d fo r one. L ots o f tim es the b ack o f the houses w ould be ground lev el and the front porches w ould be eig h t feet o ff the ground. continued on page 24
Coal Caanir L iv in g
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The Mountain Spirit
“Whenever a flat place could not be scraped out of the yel low dirt large enough to hold the tiny structures, many of them were built on stilts, usually facing one. Lots of times the back of the and the front porches would be eight feet off the ground.'’
by Clyde Roy Pack
September - November 2003
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“With those thin walls, neither neighbor was necessarily required to be particularly nosey. All one had to do to get a front-row seat to a nocturnal yelling match between the couple next door (or a family fracas involving other members o f the household) was to turn down the radio and raise a window a little. ”
c o n t i n u e d fro m page 22
Although I w asn’t born until 1939, I lived in several of the company houses from that time until I was 18 years old. Consequently, I learned that because they had been arranged in such close proxim ity to one another, not only was there a prevailing feeling of togetherness, but neither was it the least bit unusual for one next-door neighbor to be pretty much inform ed as to another next-door neig h b o r’s business. With those thin walls, neither neighbor was necessarily required to be particularly nosey. All one had to do to get a front-row seat to a nocturnal yelling match between the couple next door (or a fam ily fracas involving other members of the house hold) was to turn down the radio and raise a window a little. Further more, if one happened to be standing on a chair - on tiptoes - one couldn’t help but see right through a neighbor’s kitchen window. Not that I ever did anything like that, of course.
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In the 1940s, I did n ’t know a single (here m ean ing one) woman who worked outside the home. So, the real beauty of coal-cam p life as it regarded the houses being built so close together and all in a row, was that every back yard was fenced in and each contained a w ell-w orn bare spot right across the fence from another well-w orn bare spot which came to be little points of rendezvous. If a wife had no busi ness in her back yard and happened to look out the window and see a neighbor standing on her bald spot, it was a signal for her: “If you’ll come out, I ’ll tell ya som ething.” W ithin an hour’s time, an incident that had occurred in the last house in the hollow could be, and usually was, recounted in full detail - and usually with much em bellishm ent - to the lady hanging out her wash fifteen houses away. By the next day, even the men on their way to and from the mine were discussing the incident, or at least their w ives’ version of it. “Say your old woman don’t like your poker playin’, Ed?” “It ain ’t my poker, i t ’s my drinkin’.” But all-in-all, fence line gossip was of no ill intent, and most of the time, harmless. Sometimes it even worked to the advantage of the infringed upon parties. Anything out of the ordi nary was usually reported, and it was not uncommon for a neighbor or two to show up at one’s back door with a pot of chicken and dum plings or a chocolate pie if word had filtered down that the wife (or one
The Mountain Spirit
of the children) was sick, or the fam ily was having a hard time because the husband had been laid off for a while. There was never a “H ow ’d ya know I was feeling poorly?” The fence line preceded the telephone’s party line and pretty much kept inform ation flowing. And, as strange as it m ight seem, more than sixty years after I knew the occupants of those houses, both the kids and the adults, I can still picture them vividly. And for some reason, i t ’s the older folks I rem em ber best. In some cases, they were a colorful lot. The famed Garrison Keillor once wrote, “T here’s a survey out saying that people who take a positive view of aging actually live longer than those who grouse and grum ble, which is hogwash and I am paying no attention to it.” Being fam iliar with Keillor via his books, CDs, tapes and occa sionally seeing his “Prairie Home Com panion” on PBS, I ’m sure he intended his piece to evoke a smile or two. But at the same time, based upon what I can rem em ber about some of the older Muddy Branch citizenry I knew as a kid, his statem ent sure has a ring of truth to it. It seems that many of the really old people I knew (and I ’m speaking of those well over sixty) were as cranky as all get out, and the older they got, the crankier they became. One person that comes to mind was a pipe-sm oking, hymnhumming, Bible-reading woman who actually seemed to get strength from her grousing and her grum bling. She was really very kind to the kids who lived around her, but moped around like she was hardly able to put one foot in front of the other. That was, of course, until a neighborhood dog would run through her begonias and she’d go on a tear of verbal
September - November 2003
abuse that would singe the hair off a terrap in ’s back, and then end up acting half her age by actually chasing the poor animal. But she was, after all, a C hristian lady, which is one of the things that now, more than half a century later, makes her so m emo rable. The fun came from listening to her trying to cuss by su b stitu t ing good, clean vocabulary for cuss words. “You’re as evil as old H itler,” she’d yell as she fanned the air with her cane. “You’re worse than ... than tarnation, you sorry excuse for a hound!” She left no doubt in the mind of any observer who w itnessed her tirade that had she been able to strike the anim al, it would have been a goner. But the point here is, maybe K eillor was right; maybe folks over 60 need to be grouchy. After this dog-chasing lady would have such an encounter, for hours she’d be as perky and spry as anybody. It was alm ost as if the fit she had taken on the dog had pumped her full of adrenalin. She lived well into her 90s, no doubt sustained by her grous ing and grum bling.
M E M B E R OF
CAP is a member of Am erica’s Charities
C lyde R oy P ack, of P a in tsv ille, K entucky, is a retired h igh sch ool art and E n glish teacher. He is cu rren tly associate ed ito r for The Paintsville Herald and the au th or o f Muddy Branch:
If your employer supports a workplace payroll deduction program, you can now choose to contribute to CAP through America’s Charities. CAP has become a member of America’s Charities, a nationwide federation that provides critically needed human services, reaching millions of Americans in thousands of communities. Through America’s Charities workplace giving campaigns, employees can choose to support their favorite charitable causes from over 100 nationally known non-profit organizations. If you are a military or civilian federal employee, you can choose to contribute to CAP through American’s Charities.
Memories o f an Eastern Kentucky Coal Camp.
CAP’S member number is #0428.
L ew is N ew som e is of D avid, K en tu cky, and has graciously p erm itted The Mountain Spirit the use o f h is d raw in gs for this piece. The M ountain S p irit is th r ille d to sh are both o f th ese local talen ts w ith you, our readers.
F or m ore inform ation, p lease contact: Teresa M cAnly
Christian Appalachian Project P.O. Box 511 Lancaster, KY 40444-0511 1-8 00 -9 55 -34 70 www. chrisapp. org
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Brian and his three siblings were raised by “really great ” p a ren ts, who “did a good jo b on an income of $811 a m onth/' When his mom got sick and was in a wheelchair, Brian left eighth grade to stay home to give her the care she needed while his dad worked .
A Closer Look by Sharon Crosby The deep blue caps and gowns were sprinkled among the gathering crowd as the time for the ceremony approached. One graduate, wearing a tan baseball cap instead of the traditional m ortarboard one, was sitting alone, bony elbows resting on his knees. After a moment a four-yearold with wispy red hair, overalls and sparkling red shoes ran over to him for a hug. He grinned and his eyes sparkled below his cap, as he wrapped her in his shoulders then sat by his side. Brian W ebster, the baseball-capped graduate calls them his “new
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fam ily.” They clearly are also his biggest fans. “H e’s a wonderful and very bright young m an,” explains K athleen, her eyes resting on Brian, her arm around her daughter Kara. “He is wonderful with her,” she adds, nodding tow ards the little one snuggling tem porarily at her side. In some ways, B rian ’s story is the story of every graduate in the room. He had quit school before graduating from high school and years later, contacted the C hristian A ppalachian Adult Education Program for help in
getting his GED. Brian needed a little tutoring, and was quickly able to pass the GED test, with high scores. Although Brian appears confident and articulate when talking about his life and dreams, he adm its, “I am nervous most of the tim e.” The bitten fingernails that he holds up are the only visible sign. Perhaps he uses the tension to give him the energy he needs in order to accom plish things that many of us would spend a lifetim e acheiving. Brian has w ritten an “in-search-of-apublisher” novel, Beyond Valor,
The Mountain Spirit
B rian Webster, p ictu red w ith his new fa m ily, K athleen (left) a n d little Kara.
about a police officer with ESP. He also has worked as a carpenter in his u n cle’s business for four years and w ritten songs. “I can’t read a lick of m usic,” he adds with a grin. “I ju st write lyrics, not the tu n es.” “He has a beautiful voice,” K athleen adds. With a little prodding Brian goes to the m icro phone of the now empty confer ence room, and sings “Amazing G race” for his adm irers. His voice and heart blend in song, filling the room with its sweet sound. These days the fishing that he loves, as well as his singing,
September - November 2003
have taken a backseat to his time with Kathleen and Kara. College classes are also a priority. He plans on becom ing a surgical nurse. Brian and his three siblings were raised by “really great” parents, who “did a good job on an income of $811 a m onth,” Brian rem em bers. When his mom got sick and was in a wheelchair, Brian left eighth grade to stay home to give her the care she needed while his dad worked. Her recovery took a couple of years. Instead of returning to school, Brian rode his bike to his Dairy Queen job in
M artin, Kentucky, before getting the carpentry job with his uncle. He lived with various relatives during this tim e, developing his independence early. He shrugs off any hint that he has done any thing unusual. “The one thing that helps me through every day is God,” Brian explains. But he doesn’t sit back and let God do the work by Himself. “Destiny’s key word is destination,” he explains. “You have to choose your own road, the one right for you.” His path has had a productive start. Now he and God are working his new dreams into reality.
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volunteer page
One Year Volunteer Lives Her Dreams! The place was Hastings on Hudson, New York. The year was 1958.1 was in the eighth grade. Sister Loretta Joseph, the teacher, gave our class an assignment to draw ourselves and what we will be doing, and where, ten years from now. It was a novel idea for me and it was great fun imagining being 23 years old and what I thought would be “all grown up.” I remember drawing myself as a medical missionary in a foreign land, tending to sick people’s needs. That was it. I graduated the following June from St. Matthew’s Elementary School, then four years later from St. Clare Academy and entered nursing school. Having heard of the newly founded Peace Corps, I considered that upon graduation. But it wasn’t meant to be. Before completing nursing school, I fell in love, got married and started raising a family. As the busy years ensued, I most surely forgot about Sister Loretta Joseph and her thought-provoking art assignment. The needs of my three children became the primary focus and required all my energy. The path of life was difficult with many detours and unexpected events that re-routed my course. Then the day arrived when my youngest child left home after college. Shortly after that, I also left home to take care of my 85-year-old ailing mother. After her death, I felt that a very long chapter of my life was ending, and as I pressed through the sorrow to the other side of it, I recog nized that something new was happening as I prayed and read Scripture. “The Lord says, “Forget what happened before and do not think about the past. Look at the new thing I am going to do. It is already happening, don’t you see it?” Isaiah 43:18-19 The old saying from The Sound o f Music was coming true “When God closes a door, He opens up a window.” For me the window is my coming to Kentucky to volunteer for a year with CAP. I guess it was after I got here in February 2003 that I recalled the art class back in 1958. Even though I am not a medical missionary in a foreign land, I feel it’s far enough from my home in New York to be considered remote and certainly I am here to serve God in any way I can. In my job at Outreach in Rockcastle County, I feel the life experiences I’ve had with its difficulties and challenges helped prepare me for the compassionate problem solving required for those who walk through the door looking for help in one way or another. God has been walking with me a long time, even when I had no clue He was there. In a way, you could say He’s been preparing my heart to do this job all my life.. .but especially since eighth grade! Jackie Farrell One year volunteer
For more information about volunteering please contact: C hristian Appalachian Project 1 -8 0 0 -7 5 5 -5 3 2 2
or you m ay send us an email at volunteer@ chrisapp.org Application process required The Mountain Spirit
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C h r is t ia n A p p a l a c h ia n P r o j e c t Charitable Gift Annuity Program Uniform Gift Annuity Rates Single Life
ould you consider making a gift to the Christian Appalachian Project and receiving life income?
This is possible when you fund a CAP charitable gift annuity. A charitable gift annuity is an agreement between you and CAP. In exchange for cash or other assets (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc.) of $1,000 or more, CAP guarantees to make fixed payments for the rest of your life. Following your life, the assets remaining are used to fund the work of CAP.
Advantages of a Charitable Gift Annuity with CAP Fixed payments for life (A survivor may be included). A charitable income tax deduction at the time of the gift. A part of each lifetime payment considered a tax-free return of principal. An opportunity to make a significant commitment to the Christian Appalachian Project and enable us to help the poor of Appalachia for many years to come.
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Christmas For her, just another day.... In some Appalachian counties, three out of every five children live in poverty. Increased unemployment has swelled the ranks of the homeless and for many Appalachian families, Christmas is just another day....to survive. Families must make choices between groceries, medication or heating their home. This Holiday Season, through CAP’s Outreach program, families will not have to make those tough decisions. Children will have a brighter Holiday and see the Christ child at work with the help of the Christian Appalachian Project and people like you. If you would like to help provide hope for the children of Appalachia this Holiday Season, clip the coupon below for your free CAP information packet. We will also include a copy of CAP’s latest book, Trust in God. It’s in His Hands at no charge.
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The Mountain Spirit
Your Letters
There’s lots of the Lord’s work to be done all over, not just in the mountains. I hope you will one day expand and see the fruits of I love the Mountain Spirit magazine. I
your labor unfold everywhere. Thank you.
read it every chance I get and then I pass it on to all my friends. Keep up
Edward Summers
the good work in Appalachia. We
Ypsilanti, Michigan
thank you dearly for all the good you are doing there.
Hattie Moore
When it comes to spreading good news, the
Detroit, Michigan
Mountain Spirit delivers. I look forward to each and every issue that comes in the mail.
My name is Della Shindlebower and I
My girlfriends, who are all retired now, read
am from Newark, New Jersey. I just
it as well. Thank you so much for every
want you to know what a good job I
thing you do and the generous works that
think you all are doing through the
are taking place in Appalachia.
wonderful spirit of Christ. It’s not
Mamie Winthrop
just anybody that would head off to
Allentown, Pennsylvania
the mountains in Eastern Kentucky to do the will of God. I hope you all are blessed beyond your most vivid dreams.
Della Shindlebower Newark, New Jersey
September - November 2003
Letters to the editor are welcome, hut should not exceed 150 words in length. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and brevity.
Please mail your comments to:
Christian A ppalachian Project ATTN: The Mountain Spirit ■■■■ P.O. Box 511 Lancaster, KY 40444-0511 or email: capinfo @chrisapp. org
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Photo by Elisabeth McGuire
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