We have had wonderful responses from the communities in which our Supporting Church Teams held events for Spring Resurrection 2004. The Lord has set us on the paths of amazing opportunities to bring Hope to these rural communities in Appalachia through some fun outreach events and to share the Gospel with these folks. What an impact this makes on these often forgotten communities; to have people they don’t even know come and spend their time just reaching out to them and their families. Our Teams were blessed with great locations, wonderful weather, faithful volunteers and God was glorified by at least 5 salvations at these events.

SPRING RESURRECTION 2007

We are in the middle of several of our Mission of Hope program teams doing some wonderful outreach events. Some had Valentine parties, some had Easter programs and some of our teams are even doing parties and cookouts for students and staffs at different schools. We are very grateful for all who have taken part in these special events of our ministry.

The Mission of Hope began Spring Resurrection in 2001 to provide another opportunity for our church teams to partner with our Ministries and Schools in the rural Appalachian areas. The Ministry Centers are most grateful for this interaction and for our Volunteers coming to “help them help their communities.” It is also a fantastic opportunity of outreach for a fun-filled community-wide event.

If a spring event will not work, perhaps a Summer Missions Trip would be another outreach for a church team. If your group is interested in more information on this wonderful program or have questions, please call the Mission of Hope office or e-mail us at info@missionofhope.org.

SUMMER MISSIONS 2007

Through Summer Missions, the Mission of Hope offers another opportunity for your Church or Ministry Team to partner with the wonderful Ministry Centers and Schools that we work with in rural Appalachian Communities. This is a fantastic opportunity of outreach for fun-filled community-wide events as Volunteers interact with the people who come to participate.

An excellent example of an Adult Summer Missions project is the Hope Academy sponsored by the Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church the week of June 4-7 at Black Mountain Elementary School in Kenvir, KY. Their goal is to bring hope to the families in the rural Appalachia area through educational opportunities.

The Hope Academy will offer three classes: Money Management, Literacy, and Hygiene Basics. Attendees will be required to sign up for one of these classes. Elective classes will be Intro to Computers, Sewing, Scrap booking, Small Engine Repair, Fly Fishing, Archery, Cooking, etc. On the last evening of this Academy, the attendees will have the opportunity to shop in a store set up in the gym of gently used items.

The following are other suggested program formats for Summer Missions, depending on the level of participation:

One Day Backyard Bible Club or "Carnival Type" Events:

-      A light lunch (hotdogs, chips, cookies, drinks, cotton candy, popcorn, etc.)

-      Activities (face painting, balloon creatures, chalk art, games, inflatables, etc.)

-      Special music, Puppets and/or Clowns

-      Treasure hunt or Progressive type activity

-      Share a gospel story and Distribute tracts and/or Bibles to those present

One Day Construction Events:

-      Basic home repairs and maintenance, handicap ramps, etc.

One Day Healthcare Events:

-      Basic Health Screenings and Education with Medical, Dental and Vision Professionals and Volunteers – Sometime with Mammography Van

-      Can be coupled with backyard Bible Club or Carnival Event

Weekend Events or Week Long Events:

-      Extended and expanded period of ministry and outreach within a community with emphasis on Backyard Bible Clubs, Construction, Healthcare, Community Service and/or a combination of these areas

-      Special Finale Event for community such as a Carnival, Concert, etc.

-      Combined ministry partnered also with a Local Church

-      Distribution of Food, Hygiene, Clothing, etc. collected as part of your local ministry outreach, church support and/or Mission of Hope resources.

If your Church or Ministry Team is interested in Summer Missions opportunities in Appalachia with the Mission of Hope or if you have questions, please Call the Mission of Hope office at 865-694-4673 or e-mail us at info@missionofhope.org