Stories from Our Ministries

Each year we serve over 14,000 people here in Appalachia. Here are a few of the stories from the people we serve.

Judge Farmer Helton '43, Red Bird Mission School

Judge Farmer Helton, a 1943 graduate of Red Bird School knows the importance of giving back. He is a good example; he is an annual donor and he purchased a charitable gift annuity last year. Described as an honorable man and respected by many, Judge Helton recently shared his story about how Red Bird Mission affected his life.

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Jonathan, Class of 2007, Red Bird Mission School

I have called Red Bird Mission School my home for almost thirteen years. It has been an honor to tell people that I am a Red Bird Cardinal. In that one building stands a lifetime of memories for me along with others. One memory I recall is acting out a scene from the Bible. The story was Cain and Abel and my twin brother and I had the lead roles. It was in Ms. King’s kindergarten class.
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Mike, Lisa & Family, Women Farmers of Appalachia

I have always had a life-long dream of being a farmer. Several years ago I leased some land but it just seemed to not take off. A few months ago my family and I joined Women Farmers of Appalachia and Heifer Project International.
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George, Elderly Apartments

George, who is now 83, underwent a life-changing event recently, Hurricane Katrina. He was evacuated by helicopter from his flooding apartment in Louisiana and taken to the Astrodome in Houston, TX.  There he waited for hours in the masses with only his one sack of belongings.  He shared with a volunteer, “I just want to live a little longer.”
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Carol, Memorial UMC, FL

We arrived as a Work Camp team of 18 to Red Bird Mission last summer.  Our week-long assignments were basic repairs like repairing a roof, fixing steps, and building a handicap ramp.  As we drove into the hollers, we quickly learned what was not easy, the human frailty and living conditions of the mountain people we were to serve.  We were humbled by their spirit, their abundant graciousness, and profound love for God. 
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