Transformation – The Mountain Spirit Spring/Summer 2019

IN THIS ISSUE

nn Living Miracle nn Embracing Change nn Repaid in Kind nn Grounded

Vol. XXXVI 2 Fall / SUMMER Winter 2017 Vol. XXXVIII No. 1No. SPRING 2019

Transformed Lives CELEBRATING 55 YEARS OF SERVICE

A Publication of Christian Appalachian Project

A Biannual Publication of Christian Appalachian Project

editor’s letter

L

ast spring, I watched my mother tending caterpillars.

She fed them milkweed leaves. She made sure they had water. She kept them in a cool space in her living room. Every day, she would take them out and measure them to see how they were progressing. Often, having begun to wrap themselves in a cocoon, they would be missing the next morning. It was once the caterpillars were in cocoons that things started to get messy.

That is when the transformation began.

It is at that point that enzymes go to work, and almost every part of the insect is digested. There is more happening in the cocoon than meets the eye – groups of dormant cells begin to reconfigure to create something new, and then the insect emerges. Spectacular! The winged insect is far more beautiful than the caterpillar from whence it came.

Within hours, the butterfly is ready to take flight.

It doesn’t take much imagination to understand why many Christians choose the caterpillar as a symbol of our journey. Spiritual growth can often be messy, yet it is something many of us need to wrestle with in order to access the grace that is offered to us by the resurrection.

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead.

The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.

1 Corinthians 15:42-44 (NIV)

Some of the stories in this issue will be dramatic, and some of them more subtle. They all have the love of Christ in common. It is that love that transforms us all.

With gratitude, Sarabeth Brownrobie Editor, The Mountain Spirit Magazine 2

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Spirit OUR MISSION

Building hope, transforming lives, and sharing Christ’s love through service in Appalachia.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sarabeth Brownrobie CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kim Kobersmith, Clay Lester Tina Bryson, Sarabeth Brownrobie CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jacob Wachal, Chris Radcliffe TedXCorbin, Kim Kobersmith Tina Bryson, Sarabeth Brownrobie CONTACT US

By phone: 859.269.0635 Toll-free: 866.270.4227 Email: publications@chrisapp.org Website: christianapp.org Mail: Christian Appalachian Project P.O. Box 55911 Lexington, KY 40555

SUBSCRIPTIONS

The Mountain Spirit is published twice a year.

The suggested donation is $20.00.

Subscription requests and other correspondence should be sent to: The Mountain Spirit Christian Appalachian Project P.O. Box 55911 Lexington, KY 40555 Copyright 2019. Christian Appalachian Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Christian Appalachian Project is a nonprofit Christian service organization operating throughout Appalachia. Christian Appalachian Project is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and is qualified to receive tax-deductible contributions.

Contents FAITH

6 Living Miracle

Willie Owens beats the odds and inspires those around him through his journey.

10 Embracing Change

CAP’s Summer Camp Program has always responded to the needs of Appalachian children.

14 Up

from the Ashes

After a fire and a flood, a participant rebuilds her life as CAP rebuilds her home.

SERVICE 18 Serving by Example

A former participant impacts the lives of people in need in Appalachia.

20 Sentimental Journey

A chance encounter with CAP inspires a volunteer and her husband to serve.

22 Oh, the Places You’ll Go

After serving as a long-term volunteer, Kelly Hicks instills a love of service in youth.

COMPASSION 24 Dream Believer

After 46 years, Kathy Kluesener continues to live out the mission of CAP.

ARTS AND CULTURE 28 It’s the Little Things

A photo essay from regional photographer Cris Ritchie.

30 Grounded

Ideas worth exploring are shared from unique perspectives in Eastern Kentucky.

32 Hope Emerges

Marlene’s Monarchs unifies a community through transformation.

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News

ELDERLY FOOD DISTRIBUTION

Every month CAP distributes commodity boxes to elderly participants. Through this essential service, Hannah Burdette brings basic pantry items to elderly members of our community experiencing food insecurity.

CAP’S TEEN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

CAP has signed a partnership agreement with Berea College to allow students to fulfill their labor requirements by serving as summer camp counselors at no cost to CAP. At Berea, all students work at least 10 hours per week as part of their tuition-free education.

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This is the first year that participants in our Teen Leadership Program took part in YouthFest. The teen leaders were able to give back to their community by participating in the weeklong alternative spring break program.

The students, many of whom were former participants, were able to build a wheelchair accessible ramp for the homeowner and complete demolition work on a dangerous front porch.

“I’m so proud of the work they did,” said Caitlin Speigle, coordinator at Camp Shawnee.

“They are showing real maturity by using their spring break to serve others.”

CELEBRATING VOLUNTEERS: 20 YEAR SERVICE AWARDS

Chef Volunteer Inspired

by Annie F. Downs

Sandra and Jay Dresser (left, pictured with Robyn Renner, director of CAP’s Disaster Relief) have defined their retirement years with service to others through their local church and CAP’s Disaster Relief efforts. For 20 years, they have also faithfully served the mission of CAP through the WorkFest and YouthFest alternative spring break programs. They have become a mainstay and inspiration to volunteer and staff crew leaders and students as Jay has led student crews and Sandra has served in the kitchen.

Rachel Hoffman (left, pictured with CAP employee Maria Hartz) was looking for a volunteer opportunity when a friend suggested that she listen to an episode of The New Activist podcast which was guest hosted by Annie F. Downs. Hoffman fell in love with CAP while listening and quickly called to see where she might best use her talents. She recently spent six weeks volunteering as a kitchen supervisor during WorkFest and YouthFest.

Don Miller (seated, pictured with WorkFest leaders and cooks) enjoys sharing his wisdom, both in construction and in life, with student volunteers. He has built strong relationships with many of the young people that he has worked with over the years.

When students return to WorkFest and YouthFest their first order of business is to find Don for a hug and conversation. The impact he has had on so many students’ lives is incredible. CAP has been blessed to have Don on our team for 20 WorkFests!

“I’m used to being in a kitchen where time is always crunched. Being in a more laid-back atmosphere taught me to step back and guide people. It was a great learning experience,” said Hoffman. She also appreciated the opportunity to live in community with CAP’s long-term volunteers. “The people I met changed me. They taught me to love and how to be loved back. We celebrated together and shared the tough days. The sense of family that I got with CAP made for an experience that I will always remember.”

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A LIVING

e l c a r i M

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t wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that Willie Owens’ life is a miracle. On June 16, 2018, just one day before Father’s Day, the 33-year-old father of two was putting up his riding lawnmower after cutting his grass. His wife, son, and mother were on the porch and watched as the lawnmower flipped while Owens drove it up a hill. He jumped off the mower, but when it hit the ground, the gas tank ruptured. Gasoline sprayed all over him, and he was quickly engulfed in flames from his ankles to his neck. Owens jumped in a creek behind the house to try to extinguish the fire. His mother feared that an ambulance would take too long to arrive, so she rushed him to the closest hospital.

“Do you want to know the power of God and what God can do? All you’ve got to do is look at me,” Owens said.

“None of my story is me doing miraculous things, it was God doing miraculous things, and I just happened to be there. They told me I had a 115 percent chance of death.

If you want to know if God is in control, I am here because He saw fit for me to be here.

He has more for me to do.”

“I was a Christian. You talk about leaning on God, I had to. I couldn’t leave the hospital at night because he could have emergency surgery at any time. I spent a month and a half living on the fourth floor of Cabell Huntington Hospital.” Jessica didn’t leave to go outside, or even to the cafeteria, because she never knew when she might be needed.

At the time of the accident, the Owens family had connected to Christian Appalachian Project through Jessica’s workplace. Jessica was working at Mountain Comprehensive Care Center and had referred many of her clients to CAP. Jessica and Willie also had a personal relationship with Ron Morrow, a crew leader in CAP’s Housing Program.

They all had attended a Bible study series on marriage at their church.

“Ron Morrow has a special place in my heart,” said Jessica, holding back tears.

“When you hear constantly that your husband may not make it, that can lower your spirits, to say the least.” She continued, “here comes this Owens remembered hospital man that I knew and loved staff telling him they were going to life flight him to already, and he was probably the very first glimpse of Cabell Huntington Regional Hospital in West Virginia, earthly hope that God showed me.” Ron changed all of and that was the last thing he remembered until four their “ifs” to “whens” and began helping make a plan for weeks later. The accident left Owens with burns over 60 home renovations that would meet Willie’s needs. percent of his body requiring a two-month hospital stay.

In that time, he had nine surgeries, lost both legs and a It wasn’t until work started on their home that the portion of his left arm, and was on a ventilator to help Owens’ family became fully aware of the scope of CAP’s him breathe. services or the impact it could have on transforming a family’s life. The community joined in to support this “Hearing every day that your husband is the sickest effort. There were 11 different groups and over 90 volperson in a hospital the size of Cabell can take you unteers that worked on the Owens’ family home. to a very dark place,” said Willie’s wife Jessica Owens.

“We partnered with our church, Highlands Church of Willie Owens (left) on the newly built ramp at his home. (above) Owens, his Christ, and they were on board from the start,” Morrow said. “We didn’t want to leave any projects that he had wife, and parents pose with a doctor at Cabell Huntington Regional Hospital.

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to worry about when he came home. We knew it was more than we could handle at CAP ourselves, but we wanted to give his family hope and make his life easier.”

Owens remained heavily sedated while in the hospital, so Morrow worked with Jessica to plan the remodel.

The home, given to Owens by his grandparents, was built after World War II and had solid double oak walls with narrow doorways. Owens had started on some remodeling projects before the accident, and he hoped CAP would add on a handicap accessible ramp so that he could get in the house. He was shocked to see the extent of the changes.

“They put three ramps on my house and a deck,” Owens said. “My house had never had central heat and air.

They put on a new roof, widened all of my doorways, and fixed a hallway I had made too small,” he added with a laugh. “When I came home, to be honest, I was speechless. I got to meet some of the volunteers. They didn’t know me, but they did everything they could; they put their heart and soul into it.”

Morrow reflected on the impact of the project for those that contributed to it. “Without donors, without money or the materials we need, it doesn’t matter how talented we are, we couldn’t do this work,” he said. “It was inspiring to see people come on their vacations, their day off, even on weekends. I never saw even one person who came to volunteer here who left without feeling blessed.”

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Adding a wrap-around porch and ramp, along with an accessible shower and bathroom, have made it easier for Owens to adapt to his new life.

The Owens family has had to get used to new routines and new ways of doing things. The remodel of their home gave Willie independence to navigate his surroundings.

“CAP changed the restroom and the bedroom and widened the halls,” Owens said. “It’s a whole new routine.

I had to get used to not having access to certain things.

Can I reach it? Can I get there with my chair? I have had to learn to slow down. It’s taking the time to do things, to not be in a hurry. I have to slow down to eat or to get dressed. I was left-handed before this, so I had to learn how to write. I had to figure it out. My faith is the only reason I made it.”

faith

Willie and Jessica Owens shared their story with CAP staff at the annual Day of Prayer celebration (above). The Owens family reconnects with each other after a long hospital stay (below).

But that wasn’t all. Owens also had to reconnect with his their home were all too difficult for Owens to navigate. young children, ages 6 and 3. Beyond his obvious physical Moving back into his own home, made accessible, was changes, he had been intubated for nearly two months, an important step in his recovery. so his voice had changed. And while he received round-the-clock “There were things that were taking care, the children had been living away some of his motivation bewith family, so they were cautious cause he couldn’t do those things,” around him.

Jessica explained. “These are basic things that we take for granted.

“It was hard on them,” Owens reWhen you go from being able to counted. “It was a shock for them, do basic tasks to not being able to and it scared them a bit because at do them, it really puts a damper on first they only saw me in the bed.” your spirits.”

Jessica echoed that sentiment. “The more he has healed, they see more of their Daddy. He’s mobile again.

Gideon just plops down on Willie in his wheelchair. Lilly helps him get in and out of the van. It’s been a tragedy, but it has made our family closer.”

Jessica concluded, “From the first shining light into our dark journey CAP was there. For us, CAP isn’t just an organization. You all gave me part of my husband back.” When he was first released from the hospital, the family stayed with Owens’ parents, who lived next door. Although moving in with family was a blessing, their home wasn’t wheelchair accessible. The kitchen, the shower, the bathroom, and the laundry room in

The changes that CAP was able to make to the Owens’ home, with help from the community, allowed Willie to continue to heal and grow into his new life. “I am seeing Willie continue to do firsts, things that he hasn’t done since before the accident to help the children and me,” Jessica said.

Willie is also thankful for the help that the family received. “I will tell anyone that will listen about how great CAP is and how great God is and how He is using CAP to do amazing things for people that are in desperate need. It was awe-inspiring to know that communities still come together. It’s part of why I love living in Eastern Kentucky.” n SPRING / SUMMER 2019 | christianapp.org/MtSpiritGive

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Embracing Change

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t just rained so much in such a short amount of time,” explained Pat Griffith, manager of Christian Appalachian Project’s (CAP) Camp Shawnee. “The ground became very saturated, and a continuous downpour of rain made the ground very unstable,” Griffith continued. “The least bit of pressure could cause the earth to move. There were mudslides throughout the county, even causing one major thoroughfare to close for months. In February, we discovered that we would not be able to hold our programming at Camp Shawnee this summer due to mudslides on the road to the site.”

The planning for Camp Shawnee had already begun in January, as it does every year. The staff needs that time in order to provide a great camp experience. Camp programming requires extensive preparation, from securing vendors to contacting families and recruiting volunteers. When staff learned that the mountainside road to camp was impassable, they knew it was a major setback for their plans. Without a way to circumvent

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(above) Long-term Americorps volunteers Alexander Pinarreta and Savannah Frank work with Camp Shawnee’s coordinator, Caitlin Speigle to create a portable version of Gaga Ball to bring to daycamp locations this summer. This game is a camp favorite for campers and staff members. (below) Campers at Johnson Central Elementary are excited to be able to play Gaga Ball at daycamp this summer.

faith the dangerous road, CAP’s leadership decided that for the safety of the children and staff, overnight camps at Shawnee wouldn’t be possible.

But Griffith and Camp Shawnee’s coordinator, Caitlin Speigle, were not deterred from their commitment to offer local children and teens a summer camp experience. “We never considered not providing programming. Our reaction, after the initial shock and disappointment, was ‘what now?’ We knew it was time for a plan B,” Speigle reflected.

This is not the first time the camps have had to adapt and respond to challenges. In fact, flexibility has been a One of the ways teen leaders build skills is through the use of a low ropes course.

The exercise builds trust, fosters communication, encourages risk taking, and hallmark of CAP’s summer camp programming. Most helps participants learn to support each other. of the sites began as daycamps before transitioning to overnight camps, and there have been as many as five we’re constantly discussing ideas about how we can different camp locations during CAP’s 55 year history. do things better. Even at the end of a great summer, we immediately evaluate the ways we can continue to Throughout its history, CAP’s summer camps have never improve upon the experience.” been tied to a single geographic location. The power and impact of the program come from the formation of rela- One of the most significant evolutions for Camps AJ tionships, not a particular place. CAP’s founder, Reverend and Shawnee in recent years has been an increased Ralph Beiting, created the first iterations of summer camp partnership with local schools. According to Liz Phelps, at Cliffview Lodge in 1958 to respond to the need of chil- manager of Camp AJ, this was in response to feedback dren and families in the area. In 1967, Camp AJ began from the community. “When I first came here, we went hosting daycamps for children and teens, expanding to into the local schools, told them who we are and just overnight camp programming in 1970. In 1986, Camp asked how we could help. We asked, ‘We want to help Shawnee became the second permanent location. During your kids, we want to support you – what can we do?’ its history, CAP also briefly operated Camp Rebecca And we’ve just never stopped asking that question.”

Boone and Camp Boone’s Landing.

And the answer to that question, at least currently, has been “I was actually hired as a teacher at Boone’s Landing,” to increase in-school support during off-season months Griffith recalled. “When CAP decided to shift its resources through tutoring programs, classroom aide assistance, and to AJ and Shawnee, Boone’s Landing closed, and my po- after-school homework assistance. Additionally, CAP has sition was moved. I’ve been at Camp Shawnee ever since.” expanded its Teen Leadership programming which focuses on equipping Appalachian teens with the tools to be sucCAP camps are constantly adapting and evolving, in cessful academically and personally. both their focus and the means by which they seek to achieve their goals.

Throughout the year, the students in this program are given opportunities to learn valuable life skills like writing Emily Dumont, community educator for Camp AJ, a resume, interviewing for a job, or preparing for college. explained, “I think some of the camp’s ability and ne- Eventually, these students are able to apply to become cessity to be responsive comes with the nature of work- Junior Counselors at the summer camps. It provides them ing with kids. It’s an environment in which you have a tangible goal and the means by which to achieve that to adapt. And I also think it comes directly from the goal, and they become role models for younger campers. type of people who are drawn to working in this type of programming. Anytime the staff are in a vehicle driving According to Mike O’Brien, coordinator at Camp AJ, somewhere, or anytime we’re in the office together, the ease with which the Camp Shawnee staff have been SPRING / SUMMER 2019 | christianapp.org/MtSpiritGive

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faith summer’s amended programming. While they prefer to maintain a low-tech atmosphere at camp, they hope to utilize tools like podcasting and livestreaming video to connect with students who are unable to attend in person.

Griffith is taking this summer’s challenges in stride.

“This is what we’ve been called to do this summer.

There may be a child out there with whom we wouldn’t have made a connection or impact had camp gone as expected. Things happen for a reason. We are going to make this a positive atmosphere and make these camp weeks as special for the kids as possible.”

While some things change through the years, some things never do. Leaping through a hula hoop has been a favorite challenge among campers since the invention of the popular toy.

able to adjust their plans and expectations for the summer is a testament to the ever-evolving and responsive nature of the program. “I think the biggest thing that keeps us on the right track is our commitment to our camp’s mission, which in turn is our commitment to our kids. Our mission at camps is ‘inspiring spirit and empowering Appalachian youth.’”

Griffith and her team have set out to offer a different kind of camp experience for the teens this summer, albeit not the one they originally envisioned. “We have been focused on the Teen Leadership program, and we didn’t want to lose the momentum that we’ve been building with our teens,” Griffith said. “So, the last two weeks in June, thanks to CAP’s amazingly supportive leadership, we will have one week of overnight camp for teen girls and a week of overnight camp for teen boys at the Foley Mission Center (a CAP facility used to host groups). We just want to keep that relationship and that bond with our teens going. All the rest of the weeks, we’ll be going to neighboring counties and schools to provide daycamps.”

Additionally, the staff of Camp Shawnee intend to integrate technology and social media into this 12

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For all their transformations, the camps have maintained their focus of serving children and teens. “For me, CAP camps are just a safe place for kids to be themselves and be appreciated for who they are. And we get to affirm who they are,” Speigle explained. “We want the kids to know that we see them, and we see something good in each one of them. I see that as our lasting legacy, one that we’ve inherited – a legacy that we’re trying to keep going.”

O’Brien, agreed with that sentiment, adding, “We value campers for who they are, where they are. So many of our older campers and former campers say that at camp they are allowed to just be themselves. At home, at church, at school, they may have to “conform” or follow the expectations set out for them, but when they’re here, they are only asked to be who they are and who they want to be.”

“I think it’s appropriate that this year’s word from our Bible verse is ‘love,’ continued O’Brien. “Above the door in our staff lounge is a sign with a saying from a former counselor and full-time volunteer that says, ‘love those kids with everything you’ve got.’ So long as we’re focused on that goal, it doesn’t matter what the programming looks like, because it will always be for and about our kids.”

As for Griffith, who is both optimistic about this summer’s version of camp and excited for the future of Shawnee, she maintained that when they are able to return to their traditional summer programming next year, it will continue to be a transformative experience.

Griffith’s constant refrain is, “2020 is going to be bigger and better than ever.” n

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Up from the Ashes

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n 2015, the Mullins family found themselves standing barefoot and muddy, with just the items they could carry, as flood waters washed away their rented mobile home, a car, and much of the community where they lived.

“It just happened so fast, we had to run,” said Bertha Mullins. This was not the first time they had started over.

The family had moved into the rented mobile home after a previous home they owned burned down. That had left them with very few worldly possessions. “The flood washed us completely out. We had just started over, and we lost everything we had. I was devastated.”

The mother of eight tried unsuccessfully to use her Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) money to buy a new home, but she was deceived and lost the down payment she gave to the realtor. Two other dwellings she found could not pass inspection with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development office. It was USDA staff that suggested she contact Christian Appalachian Project (CAP).

“They were in a desperate situation because they had no home that we could repair,” said Bryan Byrd, CAP’s Housing manager in Johnson, Floyd, and Martin Counties. “Bertha had done everything she could to work through the situation on her own, she even secured FEMA funding for this new home on her own. But without her down payment, Bertha needed CAP’s help to take the next step.” Although she qualified for services, she was put on the waiting list while she continued to search for a usable, affordable lot on which to build and while other homes on the list were being repaired.

Like many families in Eastern Kentucky, the Mullins family needed help. CAP’s waiting list for housing repairs at the time was nearly 350 houses long. And once a home was repaired and moved off the list, other homes quickly took its place. Additional volunteers and financial support are always needed to address the housing shortage in Appalachia.

“They just couldn’t seem to get a break,” said Jamie Conley, who was a Housing caseworker at the time.

Conley continued contact with the family over the two years that CAP worked with the family to get their worksite active. “I knew the fear and anxiety this family was living and going through,” Conley explained.

“They had to return to a rented mobile home in the same park where they had lost their previous home and all of their belongings to a flood, which was very CAP’s Housing Program assessed Mullins’ situation, in- stressful. And then one of Bertha’s daughters passed cluding the funds available from FEMA, and determined away. It was an overwhelming situation.” that the best course of action was to build a new home.

Casey Mullins, Bertha’s oldest daughter, tried to de(left) Former long-term volunteer Liz Kitumara and student Margaret scribe the devastation of losing a home for a second Morrell, from Fairfield University, took part in building a new home for the time. “After the flood, we didn’t have a toothbrush or Mullins family during WorkFest and YouthFest. anything. Everything we had was gone. Once again, “When my older children were little, if we needed help, CAP would help,” Mullins said. Her family was able to get items during Christmas distribution, and her husband later volunteered with the program to make sure other families could receive toys and needed essentials during the holidays. “CAP has been a godsend,” she added.

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faith my mama lost precious memories. The few pictures that had remained from the house fire were now caked in mud and water damaged. We were praying. Just hoping something would come through.”

Casey continued, “CAP extended a helping hand. I thought it was just too good to be true. Everything we had just kept being taken away. There were so many bad things happening, but then we realized there are a lot of good people out there.”

During WorkFest and YouthFest, CAP’s alternative spring break programs, students from across the nation spent a combined three weeks working on the Mullins home.

Bertha was excited to see work starting on her new house. “My youngest is seven and my oldest has a disability so having this new home is going to be a big burden lifted off my shoulders,” she said.

During WorkFest, she came out each morning to visit the students, pray with them, and bring drinks and snacks. “God was the one who sent these volunteers here.”

She was grateful for the service of these young volunteers and explained that the work they did went far beyond mere construction, it created a safe space to create new memories. Bertha dreams of watching her daughter play in the yard and is excited about the memories that will be created.

Holidays like Christmas and Easter will take on new meaning when they are celebrated in this new home.

Casey is also excited about everything that is in store for their future. “My little sister is finally going to have something that we couldn’t have before. She is so excited to have her own room.

These walls are more than walls. They will give my mama a place to put new memories.”

Volunteers who participated in WorkFest and YouthFest changed what seemed like a hopeless situation for the Mullins family into a future filled with promise. Casey summed up the experience saying, “It’s an amazing feeling. It’s like you don’t have to worry anymore. It’s yours. CAP gave us something we didn’t think was possible: a home.” n 16

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(top) Bertha Mullins and her children visit the worksite to encourage volunteers and see their progress. (middle, bottom) Flood devastation hit the region hard.

faith

IT’S ALL GOOD It’s been almost a decade since Jack Adams began his post-retirement life as a volunteer. He had put a lot of thought into what his new life would look like as he started this new journey.

“I’ve been given so much,” Adams said. “One of the driving verses in my life is Luke 12:48 which reads in part ‘To whom much is given, much is required.’ There’s no way I can pay back what I’ve been given.

When I retired, I knew I wanted to do something so that other people could have a good life like mine.”

Adams had been looking for ways to help in his community and he started out by volunteering with Forgotten Man Ministries.

It made sense that Adams, who wanted to help people create good lives for themselves, would choose an organization that helped inmates build new lives through the love of Jack Adams (above) is pictured on the Bertha Mullins worksite with Jackie Thelen who was on a team made up of former long-term volunteers.

Jesus Christ. Adams began to visit inmates in Michigan’s Huron County Jail to deliver books. “I was the book cart guy, kind of like in “Shawshank Redemption,” but I actually went in the cells,” he said.

as a couple. That year they worked on Disaster Relief projects for two weeks and spent a third week at WorkFest working on home repair.

This is the eighth year that they have participated in both WorkFest and YouthFest. Lynn is a popular kitchen It was a book written more than two crew leader at Foley Mission Center decades ago that first moved Adams known for her quirky songs and her to expand his volunteer life beyond sparkling personality. his community into Appalachia.

The inmates he delivered books This year, during WorkFest and to knew he was looking for direct YouthFest, Adams helped teams service volunteer opportunities and finish a deck on the Mullins’ home. a Kentuckian suggested a book he He appreciated being able to interhad read by Reverend Ralph Bieting. act and mentor the young people he When Adams read about the way met on the worksite. He is inspired Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) by their sacrifice and excited to share seeks to transform lives, it was imme- his knowledge and expertise. diately appealing to him.

“These young people give up their “I have no idea how that book got on break to make other people’s lives the book cart in the Huron County better. They are an impressive group Jail,” he said. “After reading it, I called to me,” Adams said. “Working with and said I wanted to come down. I CAP has been everything I hoped it made my first trip in Nov. 2011.” would be. I get to work with young people, which is grand. I get to talk The year that Bertha Mullins lost with them and offer a different perher home for a second time, was spective. I love talking about Jesus, the same year that Adams and his and I get to work with my hands. wife, Lynn, first volunteered at CAP It’s all good!” n SPRING / SUMMER 2019 | christianapp.org/MtSpiritGive

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service

Repaid

T

IN KIND

he Ousley twins, Jamie and Amie, were just six years old and had never spent the night away from home or away from their parents.

A year prior, volunteers from Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) had visited their valley and invited them to camp. The sisters were so excited that they packed bags a year in advance anticipating their week at Camp Shawnee.

“I attended Camp Shawnee for nine years. That was my only vacation every year,” she said. “Then there was a terrible time in our lives with nowhere to turn and nowhere to go. CAP made sure my family had what we needed to get a fresh start. I will never forget that.”

CAP continued to make an impact on Conley’s life throughout the years. After attending Shawnee, she became a participant at CAP’s Teen Center in Martin, Once boarding the bus that was taking them on the Kentucky. She also witnessed how the organization long winding road up the mountain to camp, the sis- helped several neighbors who needed home repair. ters wondered if they had made a mistake. Amie was anxiously Years later, it was Conley’s husbiting her nails as she and Jamie band Brian who told her about took the journey. Upon their a job opening with CAP. She arrival at Camp Shawnee, a was thrilled when she got the camp counselor from Chicago, position. “I was excited to show Illinois, saw their distress and the same love and compassion made them feel at ease. to other participants that I felt as a child,” said Conley. “It is “We grew up in a little holler important to me that people called Conley Fork of Spurlock, know that they are not alone in just outside Prestonsburg,” said whatever it is that they are going Jamie (Ousley) Conley, who through. I want to help if I can serves as a Housing coordinator make their burden lighter.” for Johnson, Floyd, and Martin Counties. “Growing up in our Brian, who works as a manager neighborhood, everybody was Amie (left) and her sister Jamie (right) looked forward to at CAP’s Operation Sharing poor. We were always outside, participating in the camp program every year. warehouse in Paintsville, shares playing barefoot in the summer her desire to help people in need. months. The only shoes we got in the summer were a In his role, he serves churches and nonprofits. When pair of jelly shoes to wear to church on Sunday.”

Disaster Relief responds in Appalachia, the warehouse provides needed items.

Conley’s stay at Camp Shawnee was her first introduction to CAP which would later play a pivotal role “I rode with Brian who was driving a tractor-trailer in her life. full of supplies to Joplin when it was demolished by 18

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service

I was excited to show the same love and compassion to other participants that I felt as a child.

JAMIE CONLEY an EF-5 tornado,” Conley recounted. “The people lost everything, but then they saw that truck coming. They knew it had supplies they needed. We could see their smiles, people waving, their hope was being restored. I heard so many heart-wrenching stories that day when we delivered the supplies to a church. I love that we can work in different programs and still experience the same outcome, which is helping people in need.”

After all of these years with CAP, Conley has never forgotten the impact of that first encounter at camp.

“David Moser was his name. He had to go home the night before camp was over, but he left us a two-page letter telling us that God pointed him in our direction that very first day of camp. He talked about the impact that we had on his life. That experience made a huge difference in our lives.”

Conley now impacts the lives of other families in need in Appalachia. “I have always had compassion and the desire to help others. CAP has allowed me the opportunity to live out my mission in life, to help as many people that I can whenever I can. It is a wonderful feeling to go home from work knowing that God worked through me to help make a family’s life a little brighter.

When you can be a part of an answered prayer, it is an awesome feeling.” n

NOW SEEKING VOLUNTEERS: ALL AGES Whether a person is 18 or 108, steaming clothing or climbing onto roofs, committing to a year of full-time service or devoting a few hours a week to serving our communities – each volunteer is necessary to the mission and ministry of CAP. We firmly believe that volunteers who serve with CAP are called

by God to do so. We know that each of them and all of their gifts are exceedingly valuable.

Opportunities are available for people of all backgrounds, experiences, ages, and availabilities.

Christian Appalachian Project

christianapp.org volunteer@chrisapp.org 800.755.5322 SPRING / SUMMER 2019 | christianapp.org/MtSpiritGive

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service

Sentimental

JOURNEY M

aggie Blodgett and her husband Tim were on a road trip to the Renfro Valley music venue in Mount Vernon, Kentucky when she saw a sign for Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) that piqued her interest. She immediately asked her husband to turn the car around so that she could stop into the offices. That was the beginning of her CAP journey. She had no way of knowing that traveling 820 miles from Orwell, New York, to Kentucky, to listen to music would lead to a closer connection to her husband and to a richer life.

After driving back home, Maggie and Tim went back to the business of raising a family.

They were enormously proud of their three sons, and they were very involved in their lives.

But Maggie couldn’t stop thinking about CAP. Kathy Kluesener from CAP’s Volunteer Program had kept in touch, and Maggie felt drawn to figure out a way to drive back down to Kentucky.

Six years after her first visit, Maggie began simplifying her life so that she would have the time to volunteer. “I had been praying about coming, and I thought, if I’m going to do this, I better clear my calendar. There was a preparation involved which took a couple of years.”

Four years later, she made the trip down to Camp AJ to volunteer.

Although Maggie was excited about her camp experience, her husband didn’t share the call to be a part of the Summer Camp Program. But then one of the counselors at Camp AJ mentioned WorkFest as a way to get him involved.

“I thought well, okay, I can make the sacrifice, and I can make the compromise. I can do the building thing. I just wanted to do something together,” Maggie recalled. But after coming down for WorkFest, she was hooked. “It wasn’t a sacrifice at all!”

Tim wanted to join Maggie in her volunteer work at CAP. “It was a way to bind our marriage while helping other people. When you get to empty nest syndrome, it’s like when you were first married. We wanted to find something that was more than just us.”

Maggie appreciates the different opportunities that exist even within the Housing Program.

“When we come down to CAP, we can have different interests; we don’t have to go to the jobsite together. I could stay back and work in the kitchen or clean if I wanted to.”

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service

Tim and Maggie Blodgett (top) on a worksite during WorkFest. The couple returned to Kentucky in the spring with members of Sandy Creek United Wesleyan Church for a Mission Group trip (bottom left). Church members pose with the participant on her completed porch (bottom right).

This year the couple was a part of WorkFest, and a month later they returned with 12 church members whom they had recruited from Sandy Creek United Wesleyan Church.

Before the group left to return home, they were already discussing plans for another trip to Kentucky next year. Tim also plans on showing a presentation about their Mission Group trip to other churches in New York to see if they will join them. “It’s kinda neat how it keeps growing.” n SPRING / SUMMER 2019 | christianapp.org/MtSpiritGive

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Oh, The Places You’ll Go

W

hen Kelly Hicks arrived as a Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) volunteer in 2000, she was a fresh-faced college graduate who didn’t have a career direction but had a strong desire to serve young people. For two years, she did just that at the Rockcastle Youth and Teen Center and at Camp AJ. It was a formational experience in her life. “My time with CAP directly impacted what was next for me,” she said. “It was a big part of defining who I wanted to be as an adult and set me on the path to a very fulfilling career.”

At CAP, Hicks realized she was passionate about working with teens and has found a home for that passion at Youth Go, a supportive community for youth in Neenah, Wisconsin. Now the executive director, Hicks has grown with the organization for 12 years.

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While Hicks has found her home and vocation in Wisconsin, her time in Kentucky left an imprint on her heart. “It is my second home,” she stated unequivocally. She has found a way to honor the importance of both places in her life and annually brings Youth Go teens to CAP for a spring break service trip. Hicks is thrilled to share her special place with the kids from Wisconsin; she also knows the possibility that many will have their own life-changing experiences.

Youth Go is a drop-in center for teens in grades 5-12 providing nocost recreation, education, support, and wellness programs. They provide dinner, tutoring, transportation, and activities. While the programs are important, Hicks believes the most important thing is that teens feel safe, valued, and supported. The foundation for that work is positive and encouraging relationships between staff members and the youth they serve.

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Ethen Emenecker, a recent Youth Go graduate shared, “My Youth Go experience has been truly life changing.

It has provided me with a home on days I needed one. When I look back on my Youth Go experience, I can say I have gone from going nowhere, believing nothing is possible, to developing a sense of self-belonging and believing I am capable of anything.”

While a special emphasis is placed on recruiting at-risk youth who are in most need of their services, the diversity among participants makes the center a unique place.

Youth Go celebrates the value of all youth. Because of that value, it attracts attendees from all family, socio-economic, neighborhood, and cultural backgrounds.

Hicks continues to bring Youth Go teens to CAP because she has seen transformations, including one that is similar to her own. James came to

service YouthFest for three years as a member of a Youth Go team. Kentucky left an imprint on his heart, too, and he returned after high school to volunteer at Camp AJ. It was a formational experience that influenced his own career path by confirming his desire to work with kids. He is now one of Hicks’ co-workers at Youth Go. Each year, the 8-12 Youth Go team works with staff to raise funds so that they can join Hicks on her annual trip to YouthFest in Kentucky. This year they celebrated their thirteenth year of participation. During this time, they’ve worked with food distribution, installed new windows, done yard work, painted, built wheelchair ramps, and cleaned up Camp AJ. “This is the best,” said Hicks. “We take a young person who is usually on the receiving end of services and give them the opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life.”

To date, Hicks has introduced 60 different young people to Kentucky and the power of serving with CAP. She continues to be impressed by the patience of employees and volunteers who help guide and teach the kids, giving them the opportunity to learn something new. She sees the increased confidence of the youth on the ride back to Wisconsin each year.

(top) Ethen Emenecker digs post holes at YouthFest. (bottom) Kelly with her housemates at the Rockcastle House in 2000. (opposite) Ethen, Dayton, Kelly, Bailee, Maggie, Stacy, and Amanda visit Jenny Wiley State Park during a service trip.

When Hicks reflects on her volunteer experience with CAP, its impact on her vocation, and the way CAP’s work continues to inspire and influence the teens at Youth Go, she sees it as no accident. She said, “CAP was definitely supposed to be part of my story.” n

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compassion

DREAM BELIEVER I

t was a dream that first brought Forty-six years later, Kluesener and I absolutely loved it. For the Kathleen (Kathy) Kluesener to remembers that summer like it was girls I worked with, the camp expeKentucky. “Reverend Beiting yesterday. “I started out at camp, rience was an opportunity for them had the dream, and he’s allowed each one of us to be a part of the dream,” she said. “During my time, I’ve witnessed countless people who have come to be a part of Christian Appalachian Project (CAP). They created new dreams that are lived out by all of us today.”

Kluesener began her own journey to CAP when she was called into service as a teenager. Her high school in Massachusetts brought in speakers to share their stories. “I saw their passion, and I thought maybe one day I could get involved. That’s why I felt drawn to ‘religious’ life as my faith was pretty important to me.”

When a mission group that returned from Kentucky relayed their story about working with CAP, Kluesener, then a college student, was inspired once more. She began making plans, and a year later she came to CAP to volunteer as a camp counselor for the summer.

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Christian Appalachian Project President/CEO Guy Adams presents Kathy Kluesener with her 45 year award plaque at a spring awards banquet.

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compassion to enjoy the outdoors and meet new friends in a place where they could feel safe. It was a place where they could discover their gifts.” When Kluesener returned to her home in New England, camp was all she could talk about. After finishing her associate degree, Kluesener took a temporary job at a local factory with the understanding that she would be leaving to return to Appalachia for a year of service.

that and realize that the unexpected can happen, there is a lot of good that takes place. And a lot of growth.”

parenting. “We’ve tried to provide our children opportunities that reflect the values of faith, compassion, and service.”

Kluesener is still awed at how different her life is from the one she Kluesener noted that her ideas about planned. “I didn’t realize what God faith, service, and compassion were had in store for me. When I em- something her family valued, but barked on the journey, I thought it her experiences at CAP really refined was going to be for a year. Some of those beliefs. “I came thinking I was my friends back in Massachusetts going to be the ‘do-gooder’ and make said that they could see in my eyes things better for everyone. Little did that I wasn’t coming back.” By the I know that God had something else Reflecting back on her experience, end of her year of service, she knew in mind, and I became the one who Kluesener believes that being sur- that they were right. was changed. I feel CAP took that rounded by a community that wove and allowed me to grow and brought prayer into daily life greatly people into my life to nurture “I didn’t realize what influenced her determination to that seed that was planted many return to the mountains. The God had in store for me. years ago.” relationships she built with other volunteers were compelling; and When I embarked on the Over her years of service, she still cherishes the volunteers Kluesener has seen growth both journey, I thought it was personally and in the organizashe met during that time. tion, but the thing that strikes her going to be for a year.”

Living in an intentional commumost is how often those changes KATHY KLUESENER nity helped Kluesener grow her aren’t immediately apparent. faith. She was raised Catholic Thinking back, she remembers and had not spent time with “I found something extraordinary a time that a woman came in and Southern Baptists before coming to that first summer that I volunteered wanted to talk to Reverend Beiting.

CAP. But living with, praying with, in Mount Vernon. That’s where my The visitor spoke to Kluesener about and working alongside a Southern heart was.” Kluesener agreed to an her struggles with an unexpected Baptist volunteer named Wanda additional six months and began to child and a life of turmoil. Beiting helped her understand that she search for opportunities to join a reli- also met with her, and afterward, could learn from people from other gious order. But that never happened. the staff gathered to pray for the traditions. She hopes that Wanda young woman. Two years later the also learned from her.

Kluesener’s trajectory was forever woman saw Kluesener and Beiting changed after a former volunteer and stopped to tell them how much “What she taught me didn’t make me named Tony asked her to attend a that day had meant to her. She said want to be Southern Baptist, and it banquet with him. Confused, she that her life was now in order. didn’t make her want to be Catholic. went to CAP’s founder, Reverend To this day, I thank God that we had Beiting, and asked for guidance. “I think about how often CAP emthe opportunity to share life together, He told her to pray about it, but ployees do things not knowing what as volunteers. CAP brings together that God would not send someone will happen, but simply because we people that you would never have like Tony into her life to hurt her. are inspired. It’s our mission. It’s not picked to live with, people that you Kathy and Tony married, and will about having a job. It’s not about didn’t imagine could become your celebrate 39 years of marriage this having to work every day for a paybest friends. God has that ultimate year. Children followed, and Kathy check. It’s because our founder was plan, and when people are open to says that CAP influenced their a model for us, and he set that faith SPRING / SUMMER 2019 | christianapp.org/MtSpiritGive

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compassion and vision.” Kluesener said that importance of that vision remains today. “I feel like Reverend Beiting wanted Christ to be the center from the very beginning, and that hasn’t changed. There have been peaks and valleys, but that hasn’t changed.”

“Responding to God’s call to service often requires much exploration and discovery.”

KATHY KLUESENER The impact of her journey alongside Reverend Beiting continues to guide Kluesener’s work in CAP’s Volunteer Program. He was an influential person, and his incredible belief and support of volunteers informs the way she works with volunteers today. She understands the incredible commitment that it takes to move thousands of miles away from home, and she doesn’t take that lightly.

“Responding to God’s call to service often requires much exploration and discovery. We hope that when volunteers go through the application process that it is not only for CAP’s benefit but for their benefit as well.

We want to give them a chance to reflect on what has drawn them to apply,” she said.

Kluesener is grateful for her time at CAP. “When I look back and think about Beiting’s legacy I am in awe and humbled by the experiences I have each and every day,” she said.

“Reverend Beiting and so many other people here at CAP have ‘breathed life’ into me. I can only hope and pray that maybe, along the way, I’ve had an opportunity to do the same for others.” n 26

Kathy Kluesener (center) and Kathleen (Ford) Leavell (top right) served at CAP’s Sunshine Center in the 1970s.

Kathy Kluesener (bottom row center) and her husband Tony (above her) pose for a photo at a family gathering with their children, son-in-laws, and grandchildren. They’ve added two more grandchildren since this picture was taken.

christianapp.org/MtSpiritGive | SPRING / SUMMER 2019

Considering a Special Gift?

Meet the team members who serve our donor partners across the nation to help you navigate special gifts, including: Large cash gifts • Charitable gift annuities Gifts of stock • Gifts through an IRA distribution Gifts of real estate • Other large charitable gifts Please call us at 1-866-270-4227 to speak with one of our team members about making a special gift.

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Please send me more information about special gifts to Christian Appalachian Project Name (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss) ___________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________ City_______________________________________________ State____________Zip_____________ Telephone (_______)________________

All information provided is confidential.

Please Complete and Return Form to:

Christian Appalachian Project, Planned Giving, P.O. Box 55911, Lexington, KY 40555

It’s the Little Things

PHOTOGRAPHER CRIS RITCHIE EXPLORES THE BEAUTY OF SMALL CREATURES FOUND IN CAP’S SERVICE COUNTIES

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GROU

he impact of new ideas isn’t really quantifiable,” said TedXCorbin attendee Merritt Conley. “Every little innovation resonates and moves the mind like music moves the soul. I wouldn’t begin to know how many ideas are rippling outward from the free and honest voices at TedX, but I’m very glad to have them heard.”

“T

her team selected Corbin because the energy and excitement of the area are indicative of recent growth in small towns across Appalachia.

It takes an enormous amount of planning to put together such a large event. Figuring out where to hold the talks is the first order of business, and it is an important decision because it sets the scene. Kinser and

The theme drew speaker Mae Suramek, owner of Noodle Nirvana and Hole & Corner Donuts in Berea, Kentucky, and allowed her to share her expertise as a small business owner and social entrepreneur. She has seen great success

“We have refocused the things that made downtowns the gathering hub of the 1950s era. By putting economy and community back into focus, Corbin has farmers markets, family events, and strong entrepreneurial leadership Why do people stay in economically disadvantaged areas? building great businesses that are welcoming and unique,” Why do they return? Crystal Kinser was so intrigued by said Aaron Sturgill, Downtown Corbin manager. Sturgill these questions that she approached the nationally recog- remembers that when he was growing up most of the nized TedX speaker series and pitched them the idea of downtown was made up of shuttered businesses. He’s hosting a series of Appalachian-focused talks. The event, excited about the changes that have happened over the held in Corbin, Kentucky this winter, sold out in a mat- last few years. “We went from 60 percent to almost 100 ter of days and watch parties, set up in adjacent cities and percent occupancy, and now, when you drive downtown locations, showed the live feed to even more people. any day of the week, you see busy streets, people walking.

You see life again.”

Kinser remarked that “this was the perfect opportunity to allow people to speak for themselves on a platform That sense of place and hometown pride also inspired that provides them more of a voice than they’ve ever the theme of the talks: Grounded. Musicians, poets, had. The work had been done, the people were there, education advocates, podcast hosts, scientists, chefs, and but using this well-known platform brought attention to goat wrangling artists were all part of the lineup and inthe region.” terpreted the theme in many different ways.

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NDED “Having an international renown titan of an event step into the foothills of the mountains of Appalachia is literally game-changing.“ DOWNTOWN CORBIN MANAGER, AARON STURGILL by using a business model that benefitted the community while taking care of her employees. “From my experience, I see a lot of like-minded people who are saying that their towns are worthy of having a vibrant downtown, good restaurants, coffee shops, an art scene, and a music scene. That doesn’t come about on its own.

People are reclaiming their towns and helping to make that happen,” she said.

Jonathan Piercy, a doctor from Hazard, Kentucky, believed that the variety of speakers is reflective of what is taking place in the area. “There are a lot of people doing interesting things in the region that are specific to Eastern Kentucky. Bringing people together to talk about what they are doing was really something.

I’m excited to see those ideas get out into the world.”

Piercy was excited to discuss the different ways that rural doctors balance community connection and Suramek also noted that one of the most exciting outchanges in the practice of medicine. comes for the speakers at TedXCorbin has been the sense of community between them. She says that she had never experienced such an immediate connection Dr. Piercy says that when he looks back on the event, between people so drastically different from each other, one thing is obvious. “The TedXCorbin event shows that something that never would have happened had they there are tremendous ideas coming from people within met in passing. “These movers and shakers are chap- Appalachia and that those ideas are worth exploring.” n lains, work in outdoor classrooms, are ukulele playing doctors – it makes me feel like I’m something more FIND OUT MORE than a noodle shop owner in a small town,” elaborated on the web: tedxcorbin.com Suramek. “It helped me feel more secure and validated on facebook: facebook.com/TEDxCorbin as an Appalachian.” photographs courtesy Jacob Wachal, Chris Radcliffe SPRING / SUMMER 2019 | christianapp.org/MtSpiritGive

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DISCOVER YOUR PURPOSE

SPENDING A GAP YEAR WITH CAP WILL BE A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE Create life-changing friendships, while living in intentional community, and serving people in need. Build your resume, while having a real impact.

Live out your faith, while surrounded with the beauty of God’s creation.

Make your plan today!

christianapp.org/volunteer-opportunities

Christian Appalachian Project

arts & culture

“I

HOPEEMERGES

n the last months of her life, Marlene Payne was in and out of the hospital. In a time when many things were hard, Payne found a surprising source of comfort. The chrysalides (cocoons) of monarch butterflies, raised by a neighbor in Berea, Kentucky went in and out of the hospital with her. Her daughter, Deborah Payne, said they were significant companions on her mother’s journey.

in challenging and painful ways. The monarch chrysalis reminds people that this transformation will bring new life, or entry into the wider life.”

Even healthy people are awed by seeing a monarch butterfly emerge from its shell after days of apparent stillness. When it is time, the pearlescent green chrysalis bejeweled with gold, turns transparent, revealing glimpses of the orange and black butterfly inside. When “The experience of watching a butterfly emerge from the husk cracks open, the butterfly emerges all at once, its chrysalis was tremendously transformative for my but is not yet ready to fly. Its wings are crinkly and its mother, particularly as she spent hours observing it from body has swollen; it must pump fluid from its torso to her hospital bed,” said Payne. “In a person’s journey form the wings for flight. For those transitory minutes, with cancer, his or her body starts to transform, often it is completely vulnerable.

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arts & culture

Chrysalides (cocoons) are distributed to numerous organizations including hospitals, hospice patients, addiction and recovery centers, and children in foster care.

They are given small containers to raise the butterflies until they are ready to emerge and take flight.

In the summer of 2016, Payne was still reeling from the recovery, and foster care. Staff members at Liberty death of her mother that spring. She kept thinking of Place Recovery Center for Women reported that the the power of the monarchs in her mother’s last months women at the center saw parallels between the life and wanted to share that metamorphosis with others cycle of the insects and the process of recovery. One in tender spots in their own lives. She began Marlene’s of the patients relayed that although her disease made Monarchs, a living tribute to her mother that shares her feel trapped, through recovery she was able to chrysalides with those amid their spread her wings and become the own personal transformations.

“Remembering my mother most beautiful version of herself.

Watching the butterflies evolve in such a living way is my Payne was inspired and encourwas a tangible reminder of the aged by other community membeauty that was to come. greatest blessing.” bers who were already raising DEBORAH PAYNE monarchs from eggs to butterNaumer and other butterfly “parflies. Some of them contributed to Marlene’s Monarchs, ents” had still more chrysalides after delivering them to including Nancy Naumer, a friend of the Paynes. She has organizations, so they began sharing them with individhelped raised chrysalides for the project all three years. uals all over Berea. Anyone who as much as breathed Naumer has seen firsthand the powerful way they bring the word “butterfly” found themselves hosting an iconic transformation. “Every single person who witnesses a plastic container with the suspended green jewel. For monarch emergence is just transfixed by the everyday a few weeks in Berea, they were everywhere: schools, miracle of it. They get a childlike sense of wonder,” said businesses, homes, and restaurants. “It unified a lot of Naumer. “It has the element of the divine.” people in the community,” said Naumer. “After all, we are all on a transformation journey.”

That first year, Payne reached out to the University of Kentucky’s Markey Cancer Center where her mother Facebook and Instagram feeds were full of pictures and received treatment for her pancreatic cancer. Payne and videos of homegrown butterflies. For some people, it her partners shared over 100 chrysalides with patients, was a tribute to their friend Marlene Payne. For others, caregivers, and staff from doctors to custodians at the it was the chance to have a small part in this everyday center. She believed that everyone there, not just the pa- miracle. In the emergence of so many butterflies, you tients, had been touched by cancer and were in need of could almost feel the increase of hope in the community. healing. It was a significant event, with patients naming their chrysalides. The doctors began to notice a marked “Marlene’s Monarchs has shown me that there is joy increase of smiles on their rounds. beyond the grief of cancer, pain, addiction, or loss.

Remembering my mother in such a living way is my In the summer of 2018, Marlene’s Monarchs gave over greatest blessing,” said Payne. “These small creatures have 300 chrysalides to those in hospice care, addiction no idea what grace they’ve brought our community.” n 34

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➼

buildUP

YOUR CONGREGATION WHILE BUILDING UP A COMMUNITY

Save the date for our one day BuildUP housing blitz on OCT. 26, 2019.

Volunteers will be provided jobsite crew leaders, safety training, tools, materials, and lunch.

Sponsors and volunteers are also needed to purchase or prepare lunch for the day.

Your church will grow together while making a lasting impact by reducing substandard housing in Central Appalachia.

Contact Betsie Carroll • 606.887.3114 groups@chrisapp.org

Christian Appalachian Project

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Christian Appalachian Project

P.O. Box 55911 Lexington, KY 40555-5911 The Mountain Spirit

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Christian Appalachian Project