In what has become known as the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus looked at His disciples and said, “You are the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14a). It was not a question. It was a statement. He was declaring to his followers, based upon your relationship to Me, you are the light of the world. He went on to say, “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). In other words, if you and I are followers of Jesus we are the light of world. That is just who we are. We are to let our light shine by doing good works and when others see those works all glory is given to our Father whose light we reflect!

Thus far, in 2025, God’s Appalachian Partnership has hosted 19 mission teams. That means that a total of 270 volunteers, from 6 different states, have been a shinning light in eastern Kentucky for Jesus! There has been a wide array of ministry events that have occurred this year, all pointing our communities to Jesus!

• Teams have boldly proclaimed the Gospel to children this summer! During four weeks of Day Camps, kids were engaged in fun activities, but most importantly, the Word of God.
• Several teams came equipped with hammers in hands and servant hearts ready to be Jesus’ hands and feet by meeting several families’ desperate need for home repairs.
• Weekly ministry at multiple senior citizens’ centers allowed teams to encourage senior adults by sharing God’s love through His Word and hands-on projects.
• Christ’s Light shined brightly as teams embodied Christ’s love while ministering to some of the forgotten in our region (the residents of the Group Home) through music, craft, snack, and God’s Word.
• And finally, as our GAP families came into a new building, miraculously provided by God, teams warmly greeted them, served them a hot meal, shared Gospel conversations and prayed with them during distribution ministry.

The three of us, who are full time staff at God’s Appalachian Partnership, consider it an honor and an absolute privilege to serve the Lord here. We are so very grateful for those who have served alongside us this year, so far, and we look forward to those who are still to come. Thank you for being a shining light for Jesus in eastern Kentucky! Praise be to God for what He is doing to open the eyes and hearts of the people in our region to the Gospel.

Our mission statement at God’s Appalachian Partnership is: Helping people know Jesus by meeting spiritual, physical and personal needs, collaborating with others, and unleashing potential in communities. One way we seek to “unleash the potential in communities” is through various educational classes. Since moving into our new distribution/office complex, God is expanding what we can offer our families. So far this year, we have held three card making classes and one sewing class. Our families have been so excited about these opportunities.

Card making allows our families to discover their creativity and create cards they are excited to bless others with. Our last card class, Christmas in July, attendees made beautiful Christmas cards. It was such a special time of fellowship filled with much laughter. The beginner’s sewing class was limited to 5 and filled up immediately. For most of the attendees it was their very first time at a sewing machine.  Each did a wonderful job making their own tote bag. Basic sewing machine skills were taught, and one or two more beginner classes are scheduled this fall as well as another card making class. It has been an exciting adventure seeking God’s direction as to how He wants to use this amazing new facility.

During each of our classes, we teach skills to our families and share Scripture with them.  It is hard to express, in words, the joy felt when we see the pride and excitement on their faces once they have completed a project. It gives so much self-confidence when you complete a project you never thought possible. Please pray for the classes we will be offering this fall and for future classes such as cooking, baking and canning.