God Will Make a Way

BY BRIANNA STEPHENS

The echo of an engine hummed through the holler as a car rolled across the twisting road. It was the 1980s, and behind the wheel was a young Michelle Ault who, at the time, was a new volunteer with Christian Appalachian Project (CAP). She was on her way to visit an elderly participant. When Michelle first came to serve with CAP in the Elderly Services program, the organization was in its early years of operation, but it was already making transformative changes in the region. Now, after nearly 40 years, Michelle has made her way back to CAP for a year of service, this time alongside her husband, Steve.

“I didn’t know what to expect coming back, but the core of CAP hasn’t changed at all,” said Michelle, who served under CAP’s founder, Rev. Ralph W. Beiting, during her first volunteer experience. “There are different programs now than when I was here before. I like that CAP grows and changes to meet the needs of the area.”

As one-year volunteers and AmeriCorps members, the Aults serve as facilitators of CAP’s Foley Mission Center, a lodging facility for volunteers and mission groups who travel to Appalachia from across the country to serve with CAP. In their facilitator role, the Aults stay in the center and offer hospitality to volunteers, help prepare meals, maintain the facility, and assist in administrative duties as needed.

“Michelle and I consider it an opportunity to meet and greet new friends,” Steve said. They also acknowledge the importance of taking care of volunteers so the volunteers can take care of CAP’s participants.

Like many others who come to CAP, the Aults have a heart for service and adventure. While Michelle was fulfilling her first service commitment with CAP, Steve was serving as a missionary in England. Once they were married, the couple became involved in their church’s activities and missions.

The Aults found their way to CAP after they retired. After deciding to combine their love of service and adventure, they invested in a square-drop trailer and hit the road, traveling to 25 states together. When it came to finding a volunteer opportunity, the Aults found it challenging to find an accommodation where they could stay with their trailer, which is not self-contained, meaning it lacks a toilet and shower.

While driving through Eastern Kentucky, they passed a sign for CAP and prayed about the opportunity to serve with the organization. Within a few weeks, they were accepted into the Volunteer Program, parked their trailer, and began their next adventure in service in Appalachia.

“CAP has always been a part of me even when I’ve not been here,” Michelle said. “Today, I see the positive influence CAP has been on this area, and we are excited to be a part of it.”

For more than 50 years, thousands of people like the Aults have joined CAP’s community as volunteers. These individuals have tirelessly given their time, prayers, sweat, talent, and so much more to carry on the legacy of CAP and serve children, their families, and seniors in need in Appalachia.

“The kind of person that serves is the kind of person who has a compassionate heart. I would encourage anyone interested in serving to try it,” Steve said. “At CAP, we have been building bonds between people and bonds between people and God, and it has been life changing. If it is your time to serve, God will open those doors for you like He did for us when we thought there was no way we could. If it is something God wants done, He will make the way for you.”

For more information about opportunities to serve with CAP, visit christianapp.org/volunteer.