Working hard in Kentucky
by Brian Vander Wel
Thirteen intrepid souls from Christ Church Accokeek in Accokeek, MD, ages 11-65, went on mission to serve the people of Paintsville, KY from August 4-10. On its third, short-term mission trip to Kentucky, Christ Church removed rotting wood, rebuilt joist work, hung, mudded and painted drywall as well as plumbed and wired two trailer homes for two separate families with young children. We partnered with Good Neighbors, Inc. a local organization dedicated to building and rebuilding homes for the working poor of Appalachia who "have been mugged by life."
Aside from the hard work in the summer heat, our mission team enjoyed cliff jumping and swimming in Paintsville Lake, drinking in the beauty of the Appalachian landscape as well as making strong connections with the area's simple, honest people. A highlight of the week -- as it had been on the two previous trips -- was singing and dancing at the famous "Highway 23 Country Music Museum." Above all, the Lord blessed us by building our team of servants and strengthening our commitment to Him and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Christ Church has worked with Good Neighbors, Inc. since 2018 and expects to be on mission again the summer of 2026.
The Rev. Brian Vander Wel is the Rector at Christ Church Accokeek (Accokeek, MD).
