The Orbisonia United Methodist Church has always been a mission minded church but sometimes just supporting a mission financially isn't always enough to fully understand the ministry taking place. We recently took this statement to heart when 5 of us went down to Red Bird mission in Beverly, Kentucky. This church has supported the mission for years and yet had not participated in the mission itself. We decided to go and what a true blessing it turned out to be.

Red Bird Mission is an outreach to the people in the Appalachian mountains. At Red Bird they consider their mission area to be a 20 mile radius around the mission. This may not seem like much until you see the need that is there. We were told the average income of the area was around $9,000 a year. Red Bird is a major employer of the area with schools, maintenance, doctor offices, dental offices, pharmacy as well as acting as an outlet for the many products produced by the people of the area. We found ourselves ready to work and weren't disappointed. The projects we did started with a bridge that needed the end repaired as it was crumbling where the bridge and asphalt met. This bridge led to a home where people who served the mission could stay, we like to think of it as a bridge to meet Christ through those who stay there. We also worked on other residences in the mission itself to keep those who are at the mission in a good home. Before you get the idea that Red Bird only works for itself let me share with you the different projects that went on that week. There were decks placed on homes, roof repair and replacement, handicap ramps and outreach to many people.

The people there are dedicated to the mission. One of those people was Aaron our crew leader. He was a product of the Red Bird mission school. He had worked in the coal mines in the area but as the economy goes so goes coal and he was laid off in December. Red Bird hired him and what a blessing to our group. He was not only working at the mission but he was working to help people he knew and grew up with, people who are very much a part of his life. As we worked with Aaron we realized that the mission was giving hope to many people. Through Aaron we were able to meet his family, a wife and two little girls who are awesome. We were also able to meet the community. During our stay there was a car accident and a mother lost her life. I will never again complain about our roads. She left a husband and a 7 year old who was in the car with her at the time. We met Jerry her husband and in the most meaningful project we did that week we were allowed to build a cross in her memory and place it where the accident took place. This young lady worked at the coal mines with Aaron and also worked at Red Bird Mission. The one thing you will notice quickly is how close this community is to each other. If you go there, go expecting to work and pray and maybe you will be allowed in to this community briefly. We were able to do this through Aaron and found a wonderful store that served ice cream and I was told a great hamburger. (I need to go back to test this) The people welcomed us as if we had been there all the time.

In case you were wondering there were other groups there. Belemont Mississippi UMC what a great group. The youth group was there with their leaders Byron and Kristi and Brian. What a great group the fellowship around the campfire at night really brought out the meaning the family of Christ. We shared s'mores, stories, songs and perhaps more important Christ as we sat and watched the flames at the end of the day. The kitchen is always open as well as the coffee pot on. This group was a way of showing us just how well Red Bird is set up for youth groups. Belmont did a deck and roof project for the week, it seemed that for every day of work the more energy the group had. During talent night the youth presented a skit that showed the struggle that people have staying with Christ and how Christ is always ready to embrace you and will fight to keep you his own. They did a great Job. By the end of the week we felt we were ready to go and share this mission as well as go back next year.

In concluding all of this, if you support a mission such as Red Bird Mission you might find it more meaningful if you go and participate. You might just find a ministry that will work in your mission area.