The latest from Pastor Dave and the mission crew at Henderson Settlement -
In just a few minutes we'll be heading into an evening program of "mountain music", so I thought I'd try to squeeze in a quick update for Day Two of our Henderson Settlement mission trip.
Actually I'll start with last evening's program, which was a rather sobering look at poverty and survival in the Appalachian Mountain region. Over 40% of the population in this county in Kentucky are below the poverty level, and with the economy being what it is, that doesn't look to get better anytime soon. Later last evening, after sunset, we had a meaningful devotional time led by Steve Beghtel out on the back porch of the mission dorm (see photo #002).
This morning we had another good devotional time outside, and then after breakfast we hit the projects hard again. Mary Marty, Kathy Cary (of Seminary UMC) and Allie Spillman stayed on grounds to work in the greenhouse moving plants (photo #003) and in the office cutting Campbell's labels. Meanwhile, out at the Gibson house Bryan Frehse (Urbana Yoke Parish) and a crew of others spent some time "mudding" drywall, while several others worked on installing new vinyl skirting around the base of the double-wide home (photo #003). The crew working on the new addition made lots of progress today, too, doing wiring, insulating, roofing, drywall, windows and more (photo #004).
Mike Gibson (the dad) and his son, Michael, have also been helping out quite a bit; and it really made us feel good when, as we were leaving today, Michael summarized his feelings about all that's being done when he said, "This is absolutely mind-boggling!"
By the way, please pray for the mother of Donna Gibson (Mike's wife), who was just diagnosed yesterday with Stage One lung cancer. They're thankful that it's just Stage One, and therefore quite treatable; but they're also concerned that she's facing chemotherapy and radiation.
Well, gotta get to the music program. Have a good evening!
Pastor Dave
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