The Mountain Spirit - Winter 2012

Vol. XXXI No. I Winter 2012

GRATEFUL BREAD & GRATEFUL THREADZ

HOLIDAY RECIPES FROM APPALACHIA

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT

The Christian Appalachian Project is an interdenominational, non-profit Christian organization committed to serving people in need in Appalachia by providing physical, spiritual and emotional support through a wide variety of programs and services.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES I. To promote the dignity and self-worth of individuals by promoting self-help.

II. To practice and encourage good stewardship of and accountability for all of the resources entrusted to us.

III. To foster individual growth among staff, volunteers, donors and program participants.

IV. To live out and promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ through all of our actions.

V. To foster open, honest and effective com­ munication both inside and outside the organization.

VI. To involve the Appalachian people at all social and economic levels in developing solutions to poverty.

Dear Friends: This issue of the Mountain

how much need we encounter

Spirit is focused on two of our key

daily in our ministry to help people

programs located in Rockcastle

in need in Appalachia to help

County, Kentucky.

themselves. Your partnership in this ministry provides hope for our

Grateful Breads is our food

participants and encouragement to

pantry. It serves more than 2,000

our employees, volunteers, and to

individuals each month - we have

me. Thank you.

never seen our participants’ need for food so great. Grateful Threadz

I hope you enjoy this issue of

is a thrift store that provides the

the Mountain Spirit. Please let us

opportunity to people in need in

know what you think.

Appalachia to purchase, at very modest prices, much needed

Blessings,

gently used and new clothing that has been donated to CAP by friends around the nation.

As challenging as times are across our nation, you can imagine

----

Copyright, 2012, the Christian Appalachian Project, Inc. All rights reserved. The Christian Appalachian Project is a non-profit Christian service organization operating throughout Appalachia. The Christian Appalachian Project is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and is qualified to receive tax deductible contributions.

Financial and other information about Christian Appalachian Project, Inc. can be obtained by contacting us at 6550 South KY Rt. 321, P.O. Box 459, Hagerhill, KY 41222, or for residents of the following states, as stated below. Colorado: Secretary of State (303) 894-2680, http://www.sos.state.co.us/ re: Reg. No. 20023006807.

Florida: SC No. 0009 A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-HELP-FLA. Maryland: For the cost of postage and copying, Secretary of State. Michigan: MICS No. 993 Mississippi: The official registration and financial information of Christian Appalachian Project, Inc. may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. New Jersey: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING (973) 504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp.htm#charity. New York: Upon request, Attorney General Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989. Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of Christian Appalachian Project, Inc may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Virginia: State Office of Consumer Affairs, PO. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218.

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 IN A STATE DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION OF CHRISTIAN APPALACHIAN PROJECT, INC. BY THE STATE. From time to time CAP rents or exchanges its list of supporters with other trusted organizations to benefit CAP’S programs and activities. If you do not wish to participate In CAP'S list rental or exchange activities, or if you wish to modify the frequency of future communications from CAP, please write to us or give us a call at1-866-270-4227.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

T he M ountain Spirit

FEATURE

Copy Editor Alyssa Richter Graphic Designer Linda East Contributing Writers

G rateful B read & T hreadz

Rayann White Claire Fitz Simmonds Casey Hinchcliffe Photographers

See how this CAP progam is impacting those in poverty in Rockcastle County, Kentucky.

Rayann White Linda G. East Claire Fitz Simmonds

A SERVANTS HEART

TO CONTACT US By phone: (859) 269-0635 Toll-free: (866) 2704227 By email: capinfo@chrisapp.org W ebsite: www.christianapp.org M ail: Christian Appalachian Project P.O. Box 55911 Lexington, KY 40555

CAP Volunteer, Jason Skodak shares how God changed his plans and led him to serve as a CAP Volunteer.

SUBSCRIPTIONS The Mountain Spirit is published up to four times a year. The volunteer subscription price is $20.00.

Subscription requests and other correspondence should be sent to: The Mountain Spirit

Christian Appalachian Project P.O. Box 55911 Lexington, KY 40555

On The Front Cover Grateful Bread Participant photo by Rayann White

On The Back Cover Garrard County photo by Linda East of Garrard County, KY

CAP’S F irst A nnual H unger M arch

15 Christian Appalachian Project

Vol. XXXI No. 1 Winter 2012

IN LOVING MEMORY OF C A P FO U N D ER

JANUARY 1,1924 - AUGUST 9, 2012

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mm cease Genesis 18:22

FEATURE

CAP’s Grateful Bread and Grateful Threadz Making a Difference in Rockcastle County Located on Richmond Road, in the town of Mount Vernon, Kentucky (Rockcastle County), are the Grateful Bread and Grateful Threadz. The Grateful Bread is a food pantry that provides food, at no cost, to low-income families in need in Rockcastle County.

The Grateful Threadz is a nicely arranged and beautifully displayed thrift shop that sells gently used clothing to those in need of assistance. Together, they are known as “The Grateful’s”.

The Grateful Bread Food Pantry (GBFP) began in December o f 2007. Sister Margo served in ministry at the Christian Appalachian Project for about three years. She worked closely within the community, addressing the needs of the people. Sister Margo identified many families, elderly, and the working disadvantaged, that were facing challenges such as low wages, unemployment, as well as healthcare costs due to the declining economy; these groups are particularly vulnerable to food poverty. So, with a zero budget, and three small rooms, CAP’s food pantry was set up with volunteer Sister Margo, and then Program Director, Peggy Hancock.

The initial goal was to feed 300 families in Rockcastle County.

However, it did not take long for the word to get out about the pantry, and once it did, the need kept growing - and growing - and growing.

By: Rayann W h ite

Eventually, the pantry moved to an increasingly larger space in March 2008 to meet the growing need. In January o f 2012, the pantry moved again to an even larger space, which provided participants with a safe and accessible parking lot.

The pantry continues to grow, and today feeds over 900 families a month.

As the Grateful Bread food pantry prepares for the fall and winter seasons, the number o f families in need o f services continues to grow. Hunger is 365 days a year, and today, thousands of people in Kentucky and millions across the

United States, experience hunger because they cannot afford adequate food.

According to the US Census Bureau, the 2010 census recorded that Rockcastle County has 3,984 citizens living in poverty. That averages out to one in four (1 in 4) or 25% of the population that can’t afford the food they need to feed their families.

As the impact of the recession continues to be felt, locally, regionally, and nationally, Grateful Bread Food Pantry, in conjunction with the City of Mt. Vernon, held it’s First Annual Hunger Awareness

4 IF YOU’ D LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DONATING OR VOLUNTEERING, CALL 1 .8 6 6 .2 7 0 .4 2 2 7

a many o f nights and ask Him to poor. I’ve got nine children and March on Wednesday, September help me and He always has helped. twenty-four grandchildren. The 19, 2012, in honor of Hunger I’ll never be ashamed - I’m poor, food they give me - you don’t Awareness Month. and I’m just thankful for this place know what it means to go home “The walk was a way of helping (Grateful Bread Food Pantry). tonight and be able to feed my people within the community daughter. She’s got a baby coming; God has made a way for us to have realize the need, and to also gain something like this cause it means and I’ve got to feed her somehow. the attention from those who are a lot to help poor people like not aware of our existence. Our u God only knows what it’ s like for a m e t0 be abie t0 eat» goal is to help those who are in need of food assistance, and to mother to lay up at night and see J0l#/*Jolene Rice, Program give others in the community kids hungry. I ’ve laid awake a many Coordinator for the GBFP explains the process of the opportunity to donate,” of nights and ask Him to help me how families are able to said Carolyn Lindsey, newly and He always has helped.

I ’ll never participate in the program. appointed Program Manager o f both the Grateful Bread and be ashamed - I ’m poor\ and I ’m just “Because we follow the Federal Income Guidelines, Grateful Threadz. thankful for this place” and we are geographically Many of the people, who restricted on who we can serve, We can’t get food stamps, w e’ve participated in the walk, came those who want to enroll in the tried - they’ve turned us down, so out in support of CAP according program must provide us with; we get out and do the best we can. to Michael Bryant, Mayor of Mt. 1) a current Driver’s License or God only knows what it’s like for Vernon, Kentucky. “CAP has been photo ID, which shows Rockcastle a mother to lay up at night and see present for many years and has your kids hungry.” I’ve laid awake County as their residency and; 2) done multiple programs - this just happens to be one of the many things they do, and everything they do has such a positive impact on the Rockcastle County community.”

Patricia Byrd has been a participant of the Grateful Bread Food Pantry for nearly two years. In addition to her being a participant, she also gives back by volunteering. When asked to put into words what the Grateful Bread Food Pantry has meant to her over the years, she stated, ‘I live on $674 dollars a month, and I thank God for places like this. A lot of people don’t appreciate places like this until they are

WWW.CHRISTIANAPP.ORG

WINTER 2012 5

Proof of income for each person residing at the home address.

Jolene went on to say that, “parents, grandparents and even children with children are trying to find ways to feed their loved ones. Many of the families that come to the pantry, have never had the need for assistance, but as jobs decline and the cost of living continues to rise, more and more families are looking for help.”

The meals participants receive from the Grateful Bread are not only filling, they are also healthy, including choices to meet their dietary needs and wants. A family o f four generally walks out with over lOOlbs.of food including fresh fruits, and vegetables such as com on the cob, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cabbage, cantaloupes,

and other seasonal items as well as canned fruits and vegetables, juices, protein items, pastas and grains.

“The services offered within the pantry are in an environment of dignity and respect. By offering the services in this manner, participants maintain their self-respect and feel a sense o f responsibility to others in the community,” said, Carolyn Lindsey.

Food for the pantry is received through many sources such as God’s Food Pantry, USDA, Panera Bread, Kroger, Big Lots, private groups and individuals.

The Grateful Bread Food Pantry distributes both government commodities to the elderly, and donated and purchased food to low-income families that suffer

from food insecurity. Participants may visit Grateful Bread once a month to receive supplemental food supplies. For many o f the participants, this is the only food they have to live on, for others, they are on fixed income and while they may already have a few groceries, it is not nearly enough to feed their families.

Madonna Faye Flines heard about Grateful Bread Food Pantry from her older sister in April o f 2002.

She qualified for the program and has been a regular faithful participant. “I came and signed up, and qualified, and so here I am - thankful to God to be here, and grateful to CAP,” said Madonna.

When asked what the Grateful Bread Food Pantry means to her Ms. Hines stated, “this program

means a lot to me because it puts food on my table, and when you are on disability and still have to pay rent and a telephone bill and an electric bill, it can be a lot, and oftentimes there is not enough money to go around. So this really helps. I draw $670 dollars a month, my rent is $300 a month, I have to get help with another program to pay my bills and I also get help from here. Sometimes I have to go without one or the other, and I figure you can do without paying your bills - sometimes - but it’s hard to do without food. I would not be able to eat without CAP.” Ms. Hines wanted to give back to the Grateful Bread Food Pantry, whom she felt had given so much to her. She made a quilt and ask that it be auctioned off, with the proceeds benefiting those in need, such as herself. “I don’t know what some of us would do without CAP. Yes, I do know what we would do, some of us would perish. This is what would happen,” said Ms. Hines.

While the Grateful Bread Food Pantry receives a large portion o f their produce from God’s Food Pantry, due to inadequate storage, the pantry did not have the capacity to store large amounts o f produce.. .until now. A grant in the amount o f $15,000 was awarded to CAP’s Grateful Bread Food Pantry, from the Honorable Order o f Kentucky Colonels (Lexington), with an additional $5,660 coming from CAP donors.

This grant was awarded for the purchase of a new 8x1 Oft walkin freezer/cooler. Grateful Bread will now have the capacities to not only store a larger quantity of

fresh fruits and vegetables, but frozen meats as well. “We are very excited, and very grateful to the Honorable Order o f Kentucky Colonels for their partnership and generosity. The walk-in freezer/ cooler will allow us the opportunity to expand our capacity to now offer healthy frozen alternatives to our participants, as well as increase our capacity to house a larger supply o f fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Carolyn Lindsey Program Manager.

Rose Creech receives commodities once a month from the pantry.

Rose has been a participant of the Grateful Bread Elderly Commodity Program for two years and explained how she found out about the program. “As I was driving on Richmond Road (Mt. Vernon), I saw the sign, and decided that I would stop in to see what was inside...

Eve been shopping here ever since. This place has been such a blessing to me.

I am able to come and shop for food, and leave with a shopping cart full of groceries!

There have been several times that I would not have made it without this place.

It is a real blessing to get this, and thanks to all for the good job you do,”

said Ms. Creech.

While Grateful Bread has yet to run out of food, there have been times when the pantry was almost bare.

“God always provides, said Jolene Rice, Program Coordinator, and it’s beautiful to see His provision each and every day. Sometimes it’s through a last-minute shipment o f food or through a generous donation that makes all the difference, but He always comes through.”

Volunteers play a vital role in the dayto-day operations o f the pantry.

Without volunteers, the Grateful Bread and Grateful Threadz

would not be able to operate. The

S c h e d u le d v is its b y in d iv id u a ls , c h u r c h o r g a n iz a tio n s ,

majority of the staff at Grateful

a n d c o r p o r a t io n s ...a r e w e lc o m e d !

Bread and Threadz are volunteers.

T h e p a n tr y p r o v id e s v o lu n t e e r o p p o r tu n itie s o n a d a ily ,

“We do not have the positions for

w e e k ly o r e v e n m o n th ly s c h e d u le , a n d e n c o u r a g e s

employees, therefore volunteers

t h o s e in te r e s te d to s to p by.

are vital to the success of CAP’s

T h e G r a te fu l B r e a d F o o d P a n t r y d e p e n d s o n d o n a tio n s

programs,” said Carolyn Lindsey.

in o r d e r to c o n tin u e t h e s tru g g le to e n d h u n g e r in

Together staff and volunteers alike

R o c k c a s tle C o u n ty .

receive and pick up food donations,

“T h e p ric e o f fo o d is a lw a y s a f a c to r fo r o u r fa m ilie s , it’s

handle intake of new participants,

a f a c to r fo r u s a ls o . W h e n w e h a v e to p u r c h a s e ite m s ,

staff the pantry, help participants

w e g e t a lo t le s s fo r o u r m o n e y th a n w e d id a s a y a

pick out food during operating

c o u p le o f y e a r s a g o ”, s a y s C a r o ly n L in d s e y .

hours, and coordinate community volunteers for the monthly

T o le a r n m o r e a b o u t h o w y o u c a n h e lp , c o n ta c t

commodities program.

P r o g r a m C o o r d in a t o r J o le n e R ic e , a t ( 6 0 6 ) 2 5 6 - 3 0 3 5 .

Because many of the participants

E m a il - jr ic e @ c h r is a p p .o r g o r C a r o ly n L in d s e y , P r o g r a m

shop on a monthly basis, volunteers|

M a n a g e r at (6 0 6 ) 2 5 6 -5 9 2 1 .

are able to build relationships with

E m a il - c lin d s e y @ c h r is a p p .o r g .

them and pray with them.

Volunteer Josh Lantos said it best “Not only are we serving their stomachs, in a way we are also serving their hearts.”

C h a rita ble G ift a n n u it y p r o g r a m Would 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 CAR In exchange for cash or other assets (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc.) o f $2,500 or more, CAP guarantees to make fixed payments for the rest o f your life. Following your life, the assets remaining are used to fund the work o f CAP.

r —————————————————————————————————————^

Advantages of a C h a r it a b l e G if t A n n u i t y w it h CAP

•

Fixed payments for life.

•

A charitable income tax deduction the year the charitable gift annuity is funded.

•

A portion of each life­ time 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 those less fortunate throughout Appalachia for years to come.

Please use the following information to calculate my charitable gift annuity: Name (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss)___________________________________ Address___________________________________________________ City_______________________________ State_____ Zip__________ Telephone (____ )__________________ Birthdate:______ /

Ple a s e C o m p l e t e & R e t u r n Fo r m t o :

/

Amount of Gift Considered $__________________________ Frequency of Payment Desired: □Annual Q2 times/year ($2,500 min) □ 4 times/year ($5,000 min) □Monthly ($10,000 min)

Christian Appalachian Project Planned Giving Department PO. Box 55911 Lexington, KY 40555

□Yes, I am interested in a Two-life Charitable Gift Annuity illustration.

or Call:

Name of Second Beneficiary___________________________Birthdate_____

1-866-270-4CAP (4227) (All i n f o r m a t i o n p r o v i d e d IS CONFIDENTIAL)

WWW.CHRISTIANAPP.ORG

WINTER 2012 9

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His/Her Information Name (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss) Address

Mail this form to: Christian Appalachian Project, P.O. Box 55911, Lexington, KY 40555 and The Mountain Spirit will be sent to a friend. ~OR~ Call: 1-866-270-4CAP (4227)

10 IF YOU’D LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DONATING OR VOLUNTEERING, CALL 1 .8 6 6 .2 7 0 .4 2 2 7

^ (O O fo o /ly b iV tls h ( û

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G reenery for the holidays

Order Today!

1-877-919-9901 Or Visit Us Online www.appalachianhome.org A portion o f the proceeds from our greenery sales will go directly to Christian Appalachian Project programs. It is our hope that you will help us brighten the lives o f those in need this Holiday season.

All Prices include Shipping and Handling A ppalachian H ome W reath S cent of the S eason W reath

M ountain H ome W reath

Our signature wreath is a real beauty.

A colorful 24” Noble Fir wreath decorated with Holly Berries and frosted Pine Cones. A large red velvet weather resistant bow compliments this attractive wreath. The bow is fully assembled and ready to attach.

Item: M H W $42.00

An elegant mixture of fragrant Silver Dollar Eucalyptus and Blue Berried Juniper are accented with clusters of Red Pepper Berries and White Berries in this deluxe 26” wreath.

Ships with a beautiful ready to attach, fully assembled, weather resistant red velvet edged gold bow.

Item: S S W $48.00

This 24” mixed greenery wreath is a base of fragrant Noble Fir decorated with Incense Cedar, Juniper and Cones. A ready to attach, fully assembled, weather resistant, traditional plaid bow sets off this welcoming wreath.

Item: M H W $42.00

C hristmas C ross

V elvet B asket

Y uletide C heer Swag

A Stunning 22” long cross created with Noble Fir, Incense Cedar and Ponderosa Pine Cones. Accented with a Red Velvet Bow. Item: C C W $38.00

This Basket has the simple grace of Noble Fir, Western Red Cedar, Princess Pine, Oregon Juniper and Holly, accented with Red Berries and two beautiful velvet ribbon cone sets.

Item: VBC $38.00

This cheerful 24” swag is a base of Noble Fir decorated with Incense Cedar, Blue Berried Juniper, a spray of Red Berries and Lodge pole cones. Accented with Red Velvet Bow. Ite m . YCS $36.00

FRIENDS OF CAP

Friends of CAP Delivering Hope The story of Christopher Quillinan is about the yearround values of helping others and giving back to those in need in. At the age of five, Christopher told his parents that he wanted to put all his money in donations because he wanted to grow up, build a toy store, so all the kids who didn’t have toys could come to his store for free. Now 17, Christopher’s dream - a bit shifted - has come to fruition.

At sixteen, Christopher began

organizing a blanket drive within his community. After one year, Christopher with his mom, Manetta, drove seven hours from Buffalo Grove, Illinois, to make a delivery for CAP’S Family Abuse Life Center.

Christopher’s delivery consisted of; 1) 101 new Fleece Blankets; 2) 90 sets of new children’s pajamas; 3) 30 quilt sets; 4) 25 new bedding ensembles, in addition to an plethora of handmade children’s scarf’s and hats to help those prepare

for the harsh Appalachian winter. Christopher, a Boy Scout, is now a candidate for Eagle-Scout and feels he can’t stop now. Fie continues his “Appalachian Dreams” donation drive, and continues to collect new blankets, socks, sheet sets, and warm socks to deliver before the end of this year, 2012.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear Friend of The Mountain Spirit, As you read The Mountain Spirit, we hope that you will be blessed by the heart warming stories of the people of Appalachia.

As a supporter of the Christian Appalachian Project, you are a part of the CAP family, and without you, our mission in Appalachia would not be possible. We value your input and would love to hear from you!

As we continually work to improve the magazine, we would like for you to share your comments with us to be published in an upcoming issue of The Mountain Spirit. Please feel free to share your thoughts, poetry, recipes and prayer requests below.

W e w a n t t o h e a f i f r o m y o u ... r

— — — Name:_______ Address:____ |

^ City:________i.

Dear Editor,

□ yes, Please share my comments in an upcoming issue of The Mountain Spirit.

J

L WWW.CHRISTIANAPP.ORG

WINTER 2012 13

in vividloforful A picture can tell an amazing story. The Mountain Spirit department is looking for Appalachian scenery photos for the back cover of our magazine. If you have a beautiful Appalachian scenery photo and would like it considered for future issues, please send it to us with the completed coupon below.

Become a part of The Mountain Spirit □ YES!

The Christian Appalachian Project has my permission to publish the enclosed Appalachian scenery photo in an upcoming issue of their magazine and other publications.

Name (P le a s e Print)!

Address: City:________________________ State:__________ Zip:______________ ^ Photo Location:________________________________________________

14 IF YOU’D LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DONATING OR VOLUNTEERING, CALL 1 .8 6 6 .2 7 0 .4 2 2 7

^

First Annual Hunger Awareness March The Grateful Bread Food Pantry, (GBFP) held its’ First Annual Hunger Action Walk, in conjunction with the city of Mt. Vernon. The approximate 2-mile march took place on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 on East Main Street in downtown Mt. Vernon, Kentucky. The mayor o f Rockcastle County was among one o f the 116 partici­ pants.

Within the first six months of 2012, the Grateful Bread Food Pantry served on average 2,057 o f our residents.

That equals 51.6% of those living in poverty within our community. Food for the GBFP is received from various sources. However, the more food and monetary donations received, the more GBFP is able to provide for those in need.

Madonna Faye a recipient of the Grateful Bread stated, “I would not be able to eat without CAP. The Grateful Bread Food Pantry means food on my table, and when you live off o f disability, it is hard to put food on your table and pay your bills. It is so hard to get food, but this place has never let me down. It has always been here, and I can count on it; I don’t know what we would do without it.”

Hunger and poverty are nationwide issues and are not just regional problems. According to the US Census Bureau, the 2010 census recorded that Rockcastle County has 3,984 citizens living in poverty. That averages out to one-in-four (1 in 4) or 25% of the population that can’t afford the food they need to feed their families.

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WINTER 2012 15

G od’s Presence V Around Us i

I see the branches and leaves Swaying gently in the trees, Bending with the afternoon breeze; Like the gentleness of Jesus by your side.

Then I see another tree With strong and sturdy limb, Stretched ‘round and under another, That looks so very weak and thin.

Oh yes! That reminds me O f God’s strength and how He Holds us up, whenever we feel Our burdens are too heavy.

Life I know you’ve heard And in books you’ve read, you must lie in it when you’ve made your bed.

But let me explain and I hope you’ll see, That may be you But it’s sure not me.

For I’d rather a scholar gypsy be Roaming the earth, sailing the sea, Once again the gentle winds blow, They encircle all around me now and Spreading good will, joy, and love I recall how Jesus’ arms enfold me Looking for guidance from heaven Bringing peace and comfort to my soul, above.

Just as the squirrels gather fallen acorns And the birds seek insect and seed, lizabeth Berry 1 remember how Jesus provides Baton Rouge, LA For His created, and that includes You and Me.

,a—

Polyanna Seriously I have decided To love unconditionally.

No more keeping score.

I’ve wasted too much of my life Judging, ranking, classing, Condemning.

My influence is pretty small.

1— w on’t make much difference.

But if ever I— decided to love And practice no more evil, We could all love unconditionally, And there would be no more evil.

I’m not looking to lead butMaybe if we all joined In one long, winding chorus line, That would resolve the conflict.

I’m too old to high kick, But I would love to link arms.

D.Gero Inverness, FL

Jim Wilson Abilene, TX

4 /L

16 IF YOU’ D LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DONATING OR VOLUNTEERING, CALL 1 .8 6 6 .2 7 0 .4 2 2 7

Appalachian Recipes W * N ever Fail Fudge 5 cups sugar 1 stick butter or margarine 1 large can of cream 1-1/2 cups peanut butter 7 oz. marshmallow creme

Mix sugar, cream and butter in cooker. Boil 7 minutes after it comes to a full boil. Remove from heat, pour in marshmallow creme and peanut butter. Beat as still as possible, add nuts, if desired. Pour in plate. Cut when cool. Makes 5 pounds of candy.

COUNTRY HAM & RED-EYE GRAVY Vegetable oil 8 slices (1/4-inch thickness) raw country ham 3/4 c. black coffee 1 tsp. granulated sugar Heat a few drops of oil in a large skillet until skillet is medium hot. Lay ham slices in skillet. Cook on one side for 8 minutes over medium-high heat. Turn slices and fry 8 minutes more.

Pour coffee into skillet with ham slices. Sprinkle with sugar and stir. Cover and let simmer over very low heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve ham and red-eye gravy together. 8 to 10 servings

CHEESE BALL

6 quarts popped popcorn 2 cups brown sugar 2 sticks butter 1/2 cup corn syrup 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Mix brown sugar, butter, syrup and salt.

Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil 5 minutes without stirring, on low heat.

Stir in vanilla and baking soda. Pour over popcorn and stir well. Put in oven and bake at 250 degrees for 45 minutes. Stir every 15 minutes. Let cool and break apart.

HASH BROWN CASSEROLE 1 cup onion, diced 1/4 lb. (1 stick) butter, thinly sliced 1 (8 oz.) container sour cream or plain yogurt (optional) 1 (8 oz.) pkg. Kraft Cracker Barrel sharp cheese 1 can Cream of Chicken soup 1 (2 lb.) bag frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed 1/2 to 1 cup potato chips or corn flakes Stir together well the diced onion, sour cream or yogurt, grated cheese, thinly sliced butter, and Cream of Chicken soup. Add the hash browns and mix well.

Spread this mixture evenly in a casserole dish and top with crushed chips or com flakes. Bake at 350°F 1 hour.

WHOLE CRANBERRY SAUCE 1 12 oz pkg fresh cranberries 1 cup sugar 1 cup cold water

1 8 oz. pkg cream cheese 1jar Cheddar cheese spread 1jar Roka cheese spread 1 small onion, minced chopped pecans Allow ingredients to stand at room temperature until softened.

Blend and refrigerate (except nuts). Roll into a ball. Roll the ball in chopped pecans and refrigerate. Serve with an assortment of crackers.

RECIPES

C aram el C orn

Wash cranberries well. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar and water. Boil over high heat until cranberries pop open. This will take about 5 minutes. Allow to cool.

P

Do you have a favorite recipe you would like to share? If so, send it to usl C hristian A ppalachian Project, Publications D epartm ent, P.O. B ox 55911, Lexington, KY 40555 WWW.CHRISTIANAPP.ORG

WINTER 2012 17

■ H |

H

H O W THE 13 APPALACHIAN STATES RECEIVED THEIR NAMES Alabama It’s not surprising the Native American tribe named the Albaamaha lived in this area before Europeans ever set foot in the Americas. The translation for the name remained a mystery until 1842

doubt it comes from the Iroquoian language. Possible translations throughout history are “land of

rest.’’This translation was popularized through politics in the following decades and has stuck ever since.

Georgia A group of philanthropists in the early 18th century petitioned King George II to allow “worthy” prisoners to be

New York

tomorrow,” “meadow,” or the more ominous “the river of blood.”

Both the city and state were named after James Stuart, who at the time was

Maine

the Duke of York. Stuart later gained the crown under the name of King

when the Jacksonville Republic ran a story that the word meant “here we

names that had previously been used.

This state received its name due to the

James II becoming the most powerful

description of it that was given in its

man in the known world. York, the city

original charter. In this document it

in England, has been in existence since

is described as “The Mayne Land of

before Romans ruled the British Isles

New England. There is some dispute

and its name comes from Latin. The

within the state itself though, in 2001

name prior to the Roman era is harder

the state legislature passed a resolution

to trace since the language of the Celtic

establishing Franco-American Day

people of the time was not recorded.

claiming that the state was named

Some scholars believe the name to

after the French province Maine.

mean “place of the yew trees.”

released under the condition they settle in a certain region in the colonies to

North Carolina

start a new life. While the charter was granted, the area was never settled by this group. The trustees still wanted to honor the King for his efforts and decided to name the territory after him.

Kentucky While there is still dispute about what the word actually means, there is no

Quite simply, the state is named after the Mississippi River which

This state received its name from

makes up its western border. The

a son looking to honor his father.

term Mississippi means “the father

King Charles II of England granted a

of waters,” speaking to both its

charter to start a colony in modern day

importance and enormity. French

North Carolina. Carolina comes from

explorers took the name down the

Carolus, the Latin form of Charles

river with them and local Indian tribes

after his father, King Charles I.

began to adopt the name as well.

The term, “Mississippi,” over time, replaced both Indian and Spanish

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Ohio The most common translation over the years has been “beautiful river,” originating from a French traveler’s 1750 account of the region. People across the country then took his description of the river as a translation of the Indian name. There is no real evidence supporting his translation was accurate but it didn’t matter because in the end the name stuck.

Pennsylvania This might be the most well known story of all. The land was granted to William Penn as payment for a debt owed by the King of England.

It literally means “Penn’s Woodland.”

Interestingly, William was embarrassed that the territory carried his name but the King was unwilling to change it.

South Carolina

the name it carries. The Spanish called the tribe T a na sq ui while the British

Carrying the same story as North

traders found a village called Tanasi.

Carolina, South Carolina was named

While these villages are long gone their

for King Charles I. Splitting in the

names have stuck leaving an everlasting

early I700’s due to land disputes and

legacy.

Rather than join the Confederacy during the Civil War, 39 counties from

cultural differences from its northern

Virginia left the state and formed a

neighbor, South Carolina has had a

state in order to remain part of the

rich history ever since the colonies were first given names.

Union. It was originally going to be

Virginia

called Kanawha but the name never

Virginia received its name from Queen

Tennessee

West Virginia

stuck.

Elizabeth who was known as the Virgin Queen. She gave instructions through a

Spanish explorers and British traders

charter for Sir Walter Raleigh to form

discovered Indian tribes in modern day

a colony north of the Spanish held

Tennessee that may have given the state

Florida territory.

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WINTER 2012 19

A SERVANT’S HEART

God Had a Change of Plans

For CAP Vounteer Jason Skodak wanted to be a pilot when he grew up.

He went to air shows and took classes at the local airport in Michigan. A friend owned a plane and sometimes let him take control. His uncle trained pilots and had a runway in his backyard.

“I really thought I was going to be a pilot,” he says. “I thought that was the coolest thing to look out your office window and be thousands of feet up in the air, the best view in the house.”

Somewhere in his story, though, his dream changed.

He spent time caring for his elderly, blind grandfather but kept feeling a yearning to help a larger community. Eventually a family member heard about Christian Appalachian Project.

After giving his grandfather some time to adjust to a change in caretaker, he moved to Rockcastle County, Kentucky to volunteer with the Grateful Bread Food Pantry, now saying that being a pilot was his “selfish ambition.”

“God had different plans for me and I’m so glad,” he says.

Though long term he and his wife Karen, whom he met at Grateful Breads, want to be missionaries in Ecuador, for

now they are enjoying their time with the food pantry, glad for the opportunity to serve the community of Rockcastle.

As a volunteer at the pantry, Jason helps people ‘shop’ for food, works in the office and picks up donations from businesses such as Panera and Kroger. He especially values the part of his day when he gets to pray for people who come to the pantry. People from all different walks of life come through the doors and sometimes God will lay it on Jason’s heart to pray for a particular person.

“It’s just amazing because when I go to particular people, something was inside them that seems like only close, close family and the Lord knew about, and the Holy Spirit revealed it to me,” he says.

Before he came to the shelter, there was a box where people could leave prayer requests,

but he has taken the ministry further. He has someone type out all prayer requests received, then sends them on a CAP email to a certain number of people before they are sent to a local church to be prayed over again. He sent a note with friends traveling to the Wailing Wall, saying “Lord, please hear the prayers of your people of Rockcastle County.”

His passion for helping others comes through in his interactions with the people he helps at the pantry. Near the end of a workday, he helped a woman ‘shop’ for food on the shelves. Each item he held up, he described and gave ideas of

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what the woman could do with it. He paid attention to her; he made her laugh. He treated her like an honored guest.

Though he acknowledges some people might think the idea ‘wild,’ he says he can sense the presence of the Lord when he is with people, the same way that Psalm 22:3 says “God inhabits the praises of his people.” Because of this he is open and kind with every person he meets, as if each one is a close friend.

“Sometimes I think of that Scripture, we potentially could have entertained angels and not even realized it,” he says.

“That’s how I feel sometimes.

You just never know.”

Jason leans heavily on God’s guidance in his interactions with the community, at the pantry but out in the larger community too. When he is traveling to pick up donations, he often sees homeless people on the side of the road. Sometimes God will tell him to keep going. But sometimes God will tell him to stop.

“So I’ll take my lunch break right then and there,” he says.

“I’ll walk out there and say, ‘hey, could you use some food for your journey?”’

That each person is on a journey is just how Jason sees the people he helps.

All different kinds of people come to the pantry, ‘just about anybody you can think of.’

Some of the people have always been poor, but some

have done well all their lives and gone through a difficult time, whether from being hurt on the job or something else.

Each person has a story and talents to share. Jason talked about a woman who can make purses out of blue jeans, another woman who paints.

For some reason or another these people have fallen on hard times, but that is only one piece of their story. Part of Jason’s mission is finding out what each individual has to offer.

Jason’s own story includes a father who lived a life opposite of the lifestyle Jason tries to lead, an example that could have set Jason on a completely different path. Rather than becoming bitter, Jason has forgiven his father and used the experiences with him to learn compassion.

“It’s so easy to get caught up in other things,” he says. “I just believe the best in people, that we can be so much more if we just let the Lord get a hold of us.”

Jason’s story also includes a grandmother and a mother whose prayers and godly examples helped set Jason on the path he did choose. Love and compassion are evident in Jason’s selfless ^ living, but he emphasizes that he is far from perfect, giving the credit for any good in him to God.

“You can ask any one of my coworkers or friends, or you can even ask my wife,” he says breaking into a laugh. “I just serve a good and great God.”

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WINTER 2012 21