Mountain Movers

Richard Roth is an energetic gentleman with a warm laugh and a kind heart. One of the first things I recognized about him during one of our few opportunities to visit was that he takes every opportunity to honor two special women who helped shape him. Richard’s mom was the stabilizing force in his dysfunctional family during his childhood. He describes his dad as a hard worker with an ability to sell anything” but also had his issues. Richard’s mother led him to the Lord.

When Richard speaks of his wife, Bobby Louise, he does so in glowing terms. She passed away six years ago, but it is obvious that the love has never died. “She taught a neighborhood Bible study and led many neighborhood children to the Lord. She was a wonderful mother who was extremely protective of her two sons, Ricky Jr. and John. Bobby put her education on hold until the boys were finished and then completed her high school degree.” The boys have been successful, both professionally and personally. Ricky Jr. teaches at a local college, and John is in higher education administration. They have provided four grandchildren who are followers of Christ and all pursuing college degrees.

Richard has always valued education; he attended Arizona State after finishing six years in the Air Force; he worked at night and took classes during the day. “I always had a hunger to study engineering.” His career in engineering began in San Diego at Convair before joining Motorola in support engineering. He describes himself as “not a very good engineer” so he got into the marketing side of engineering.”

In 1970, he and his partner, Gene, started a company that he says “only God could have made successful.” It was called Engineer Systems Inc. (ESI). The equipment they provided allowed companies like Shell and Exxon to get paid quicker from oil tanker transactions. They owned the facility and employed as many as 150 people. They sold out to a company in Chicago, and Richard stayed on to help. He eventually bought back a portion of the company and is now working a few hours each day.

CAP is one of the numerous charities that Richard supports. He provides both his financial resources and his time. His relationships in Phoenix and the surrounding communities provides him opportunities to pass out Bibles with Gideons where others might not have access. Sharing God’s word is something that will undoubtedly drive Richard for as long as he lives.

When asked why he supports CAP as well as other charities, Richard gives a beautiful response: “I am a Christian and I have more than others. I don’t expect anything in return from my giving. If I give a thousand, another bald-headed guy comes along and gives $5000, it takes a lot of people. If lots of people don’t give a little there won’t be a mission. I do the things I think God would have me do.” --Larry Pelfrey

When Nancy Horn Barker, Pharm. D., was asked if she would be interested in serving on the Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) board of directors in 2012, she jumped at the chance to be a part of an organization that provides so many meaningful services to the people of Appalachia. Nancy grew up in Inez, KY and is a 2002 graduate of the Univ. of Kentucky College of Pharmacy. She is the director of the Bluegrass Pharmacist Association Executive Council. She also serves as the director of the Kentucky Retail Federation Board, the director of the Kentucky Retail Federation Insurance Agency Board, and a volunteer for The Nile Ministries.

The more Nancy learned about all the incredible programs and services CAP provides to its participants, she began to want to give and support their mission. Nancy shares, “CAP allows me to give back to the area I grew up in and continue to work in. I am a giver by nature and nothing blesses me more than to give to such a worthy organization.” As someone who was born and raised in Eastern Kentucky and continues to work in the area, Nancy is so proud to be a part of an organization that does so much for her neighbors.

“Right now I am really excited about the Moving Mountains campaign and my involvement with it. I feel honored to be the Vice Chair of this campaign and serve alongside the Chair, Bob Hutchison.”

Because of this campaign, Nancy has been able to get to know many of her fellow board members, while also discovering new things about herself. She never in her wildest dreams thought she would get the chance to ask fellow board members for contributions to the Moving Mountains campaign. “During my meetings with fellow board members, I was able to allow the Holy Spirit to work through me and ask them to prayerfully consider giving a donation.” Nancy views these requests as not asking for herself; instead, on behalf of all current and future participants who benefit from the many programs and services CAP provides. Nancy strives to live in a way that promotes the Gospel of Jesus Christ through all of her actions. She says it’s important to remember that by meeting the needs of people living in poverty in Appalachia, we are able to develop a relationship filled with trust.

To Nancy, all of the programs at CAP have their own significance and each plays a role in improving the quality of life for participants. “I am so proud that we serve people of all ages, from the children who attend the summer camps to the elderly who take advantage of the services we provide for them.”

One annual event that particularly inspires her is WorkFest, during spring break. The number of college students who participate each year never ceases to amaze her. Nancy loves to hear the stories from students of how their lives are forever changed after spending such memorable time with our participants.

Serving on the CAP board of directors is one of the most fulfilling experiences in Nancy’s life, and the generosity of her fellow board members continues to astonish her. “Since I have been a part of CAP’s board, there has been a 100% donor participation from the organization’s board members.”

The board’s generosity demonstrates both their commitment to and belief in CAP’s mission. “The staff are some of the most dedicated people I know and they work tirelessly and make sacrifices as they serve those who may otherwise be overlooked.”

Each day, Nancy feels as though the people at CAP are truly “the hands and feet” of Christ. “As a board member, it is both a privilege and a responsibility to be a good steward of the mission of CAP as we endeavor to lovingly serve and minister

to the people of Appalachia.” • --Elizabeth James

The Family Financial Foundation is a nonprofit organization that started five years ago in Lexington, Ky., with the mission to raise awareness and to enhance and financially support other nonprofit organizations that share the Foundation’s core values. Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) was selected as one of these organizations because of its commitment to improving the quality of family life within the state of Kentucky. Family Financial Foundation works hard to impact the lives of Kentucky families as well. The more they learned about CAP, the more they wanted to be involved and show support.

David Smyth, a longtime supporter of CAP and a Senior Partner at Family Financial Firms explains his personal admiration for the organization. “Having one of the largest nonprofits in the country right in our backyard is just amazing. It’s wonderful to be able to consider an organization, with the scope and reach of CAP, as a local charity.”

In 2013, Family Financial raised $6,000 on behalf of Christian Appalachian Project at it’s “A Good Walk Spoiled” golf tournament. Through this charity golf match, Family Financial helped other nonprofit organizations further their missions in changing the lives of families in Appalachia. Last year, the foundation held their first-ever fundraising gala on behalf of Christian Appalachian Project’s 50th Anniversary and raised nearly $10,000 through a silent and live auction.

When the folks at Family Financial Foundation read stories of how families have been touched, and they look at the photos of smiling children, they are reminded that all the hard work they put forward to help CAP is worthwhile. David Smyth shares, “We particularly love the summer camps CAP offers to Appalachian kids. Many of us have wonderful memories of going to camp when we were kids, and we love seeing our children making those same memories. We love that CAP provides these wonderful experiences to children who otherwise might not be able to attend summer camp.”

Family Financial Foundation believes that the families who share our communities need support and encouragement. “CAP continues to open our eyes to the needs in Appalachia that we don’t always see. We are so grateful for their tireless work on behalf of Kentucky families. It’s truly inspiring.” • --Elizabeth James

Richard Roth

Nancy Horn Barker