We are excited to be heading back to Eastern Kentucky, October 14-18, 2011. While in Eastern Kentucky you will have an opportunity to work with Big Creek Missions in providing free home repairs to those in need as well as community programs, children’s activities and serving with local food banks and social ministries.

The total cost of the trip is $200 and a $100 deposit is due Sunday Sept. 11th

Please make checks payable to JMI and if you have any questions, contact Jason Hale: jason@rollinghillscommunity.org

Below is a tentative schedule of the missions experience.

Kentucky Mission Trip Tentative Schedule

Friday October 14

• 5:00 p.m.-Depart Franklin TN
• 10:30 p.m.- Arrive at Big Creek Missions

Saturday October 15

• 7:00 a.m.- Breakfast
• 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.-Ministry Sites
• A.M. Ministry ( 8 am to 1 pm)
• Food Distribution
• P.M. Ministry (2 pm to 5 pm)
• Construction
• “Holler” Day Camps
• Community Ministry
• 6:00 p.m.-Dinner
• 7:00 p.m.-Community Worship Experience

Sunday, October 16

• 7:00 a.m.-Breakfast
• 9:00 a.m.-Worship with local churches

12:00 p.m.-Cookout in local park

3:00 p.m.-Afternoon Ministry & Planning

Monday, October 17

• 7:00 a.m.-Breakfast
• 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.-Ministry Sites
• A.M. Ministry ( 8 am to 1 pm)
• Construction
• Children’s “Holler” Day Camps
• Distribution- Food, clothing, etc
• P.M. Ministry (2 pm to 5 pm)
• Construction
• “Holler” Day Camps
• Community Ministry

Tuesday October 18

• 7:00 a.m.-Breakfast
• 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.-Ministry Sites
• Construction
• Working with children in public schools
• 3:30 p.m-Return to Franklin TN

Posted in Kentucky by Jason Hale No Comments

It is amazing that in less than five hours, you can jump on a van in Franklin TN and be in a part of the United States that has such pronounced needs. Along the same lines, it is amazing to only have to travel five hours to encounter such beautiful scenery, rich culture and hospitable people. This is exactly the experience for our group from Rolling Hills as we traveled to Leslie County Kentucky to work with Big Creek Missions.

While in Leslie County, our team of twenty-seven was both humbled and blessed to be a part of such significant ministries. Our first day took us right into the community as we were part of a monthly food distribution for Big Creek. Throughout the day we were able to provide food to 226 families while getting to hear stories, meet children and discuss life. In addition to food distribution, our teams worked on two separate construction projects, with a clothing distribution center and hosted a rural day camp.

As I have continued to reflect on this experience, I am thankful for the many things God taught me about Himself, serving others and how we are commanded to serve.

• The beauty and simplicity of “being the church”- Serving others in the name of Christ leads to joy filled living. Journeying with those who are hurting, meeting the needs of the disadvantaged and sharing about Jesus to those who do not know Him are our primary responsibilities as followers of Christ and being a part of this trip renewed and refreshed how simple and fulfilling serving really is.
• The power of serving inter-generationally-This trip was also unique in that our team consisted of a two-year old, some more “seasoned” adults and everyone else in between. What a beautiful picture. One of our team members Susan Allen, served with her husband Nic and their two children ages 2 & 3, and during conversation one day, Susan commented on how God was using her children to impact others even when they didn’t know it.
• The importance of availability- When we show up with only an expectation for God to work, He always does. I am guilty of placing a series of expectations on what I would like to see happen or what I hope God will do specifically, but this trip was a great reminder that God will use broken vessels and unlikely characters when they submit to his authority and realize the rest is just details.

I hope you will consider joining our work in Kentucky in the future, praying for our friends and ministry partners Big Creek Missions and above all make yourself available for what God wants to do in and through you today.

Posted in Kentucky, UncategorizedTags: Appalachia, Big Creek Missions, Kentucky, missions | by Jason Hale No Comments