If you are looking for a meaningful and rewarding experience, a mission trip to Appalachia is an excellent choice. Appalachia is an area rich in history, culture, and beauty.
Appalachian Culture and History
The Appalachian Mountains of Southeast Kentucky and Northeast Tennessee are rich in history and natural beauty. With hundreds of years of Native American and European settler heritage and culture. In these beautiful mountains you can white water raft, zip line, hike, and learn about quilting. You can hear pick-up original mountain music and enjoy the friendly people whose families have lived in the hollows (pronounced “hollers”) and bottoms for generations. Bringing a mission team to Appalachia is an unforgettable experience.
Hardship
However, a mission trip to Southeast Kentucky is not a vacation. The needs and spiritual darkness are real. This is a region with a great Christian heritage that is quickly disappearing. Churches tend to be small and family-oriented struggling to help those in their communities. As the coal industry has downsized over the last 60 years it has drastically impacted the economy in this region. Many in the region are among the 4th and 5th generations to receive government assistance and struggle from a lack of employment and regional infrastructure. Drug addiction rates are among the highest in the nation while salaries and employment are among the lowest. Additionally, the percentage of the population that participates in evangelical churches is dwindling every year. There is a great need for the light and love of Jesus Christ in this place among these people.
Mission Trip Opportunities
Bring a mission team of any mixture of ages and engage the people of Appalachia through ministries such as VBS, sports camps, door-to-door ministry, outreach, and evangelism. There is also opportunity to minister through specific skills like landscaping, carpentry, construction, roofing, electrical work, and plumbing. In the summer of 2022 Southeast Kentucky was hit hard by major flooding. Over 6,000 homes were destroyed or damaged. Just about anything your team can do will be greatly appreciated by local churches and ministry partners in the area.
A mission trip to Appalachia is an unforgettable experience. You will gain an understanding and appreciation for the people, places, and culture of Appalachia, and you will make a difference in the lives of the people who live there. So, come join us and spread the love of Christ in Appalachia.
If you want to serve in Appalachia and you want Thirst Missions to handle the logistics so you can focus on ministry and relationships click here to register or contact us to learn more.
