Impact Missions Adventure first joined Impact Appalachia in 2008 with 19 people. In 2009, we added a site in Virginia and took 59 kids, teens, and adults. This year, we added a third site in West Virginia and took 96 life-changers from the ages of 5 to 70. Impact Appalachia – Mission Accomplished.
Pineville, WV: Pineville, West Virginia is a beautiful little town nestled in the Appalachians. While the scenery is breathtaking the obvious need of many families is heart-breaking. It was our inaugural trip to Pineville for our team. We had a warming time of connection as we brought Christmas for the local families to the junior high gymnasium. Songs, games, laughter, supplies, presents and JESUS where all shared with this community. It was amazing to see the transformation of hope and joy brought to the faces of the children in Pineville in just a few short hours.
Hazel Green, KY: This was IMA’s third consecutive year to join the Kentucky District at Red River Valley Elementary School. What a joy it is to return to this location! It is literally a family reunion. We count it an honor to be the “bearers of good news!” Hundreds of miles are traveled to prove to generations (young and old) that Jesus Christ is the Savior and He is our provider. We laugh, play, giggle, hug, give dozens of high-5’s, paint faces, sing, pray, and hand out gifts, blankets, gloves, hats, coats, shoes, toys, candy, food, and home care products that was collected from our PCG team across America. We believe it is more blessed to give than to receive. When you see a little boy or girl’s face brighten with a smile, or a mom and dad’s demeanor change from sadness to gladness just because somebody is “doing their part,” then you know we are being God’s messengers.
Saturday morning opened with a Christmas Program for the Elementary students and their families and then that night the Hazel Green Fire Department opened their station for us to serve 200+ at the community free chili supper where we once again, gave food and care boxes to families. Way to make an Impact, Team Kentucky!
Craigsville, VA: There is nothing better than helping children, teens, and families that are just miles away. Though the trip was over 1000 miles one way, for me there is not one second that any of us on the “Blue Bird” would have traded. The evening we arrived, the churches and Home Missions team had already had boxes ready and unloaded. The team pulled together and got all the gym set up in no time and there was no complaining. When the doors opened on Saturday morning the families rushed in. The smiles on their faces, the joy in their eyes, and the tears that filled our eyes from their stories made us all realize we are REALLY blessed. Everything from the toys, blankets, clothes, shoes, balloons, and songs brought excitement and even to some their only Christmas. But the biggest part for some of us was the Chili supper where we shared Jesus and the greatest story ever told. The burdens were lifted and the smiles so big as not only us but God came into all their lives that day.
PROJECT CHRISTMAS/IMPACT APPALACHIA was a TOTAL TEAM EFFORT! The PCG Women's Ministries department and The National Missions department joined with Impact Student Ministries, PLUS a tremendous team of local volunteers from PCG Churches met us at each location!
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