Every year, the Dove Broadcasting Missions Department undertakes a mission trip to take food, toys, blankets, and love to children and families in the Appalachian Mountains.

---

After leaving Buckhorn, we visited with Ruth Woolum, Executive Director, of the Little Flower Clinic which is part of the Kentucky Mountain Health Alliance. The goal of this program is to provide quality healthcare and social services to the homeless and underserved citizens in Hazard Kentucky and Perry County. Under the direction of Ruth Woolum, The Little Flower Clinic provides so much more than healthcare. Ms. Woolum states, "If patients are hungry, we will feed them and if they need a blanket to keep warm and a place to stay for the night we will find it." Ruth herself is a true success story. She comes from a background of being a single mother, homeless and living on the streets to receiving a college degree and operating the healthcare for the homeless program. Ruth has first hand knowledge of the plight of homelessness. That is why she along with her staff serves each patient with compassion and dignity. During 2008 approximately 2,500 individuals were served through this program. The extraordinary health services provided by The Little Flower Clinic and staff make this one of the most highly respected programs in the state of Kentucky.

On the second day of our outreach we began our ministry to the children and families. As we drove down the winding roads into the hollows snow began to fall the beauty was overwhelming but also the stillness and quietness of the moment. In this special moment created by God I thanked Him for the opportunity of service for these precious little ones who know so very well poverty, a poverty so crushing. I cried as I remembered stories from previous trips to Appalachia, but soon tears turned to joy as I remembered the smiles of the children when they realized that God loves them with an everlasting love and that viewers of Dove Broadcasting love them in the Name of Jesus! For that one day, they too would receive gifts like other kids and families - things they had longed for.

I want to introduce you to a very special family, James and Eric Martin. James Martin is a single father raising his young son. Eric's teacher talked with me before our departure to Kentucky. She was very concerned because this family was running low on wood which was used to heat their home. Mr. Martin did not know how he could get money to purchase wood and was concerned they would have to look for another place to live. I shared this concern with our staff and told them to be on the lookout for someone selling wood when we arrived in Hazard. WE SERVE A MIGHTY GOD!! When we arrived at our motel I looked up and in the parking lot I saw a red truck, fully loaded with wood, and a sign which read: FOR SALE. I began praising God. He not only provided the wood, but the truck and a driver! The man selling the wood stated he would accompany us to the Martin's home.

When we arrived at the Martin's, Eric began jumping, laughing and saying "I knew you would come, I knew you would come!" Mr. Martin invited us in and we quickly realized the struggle. He has no income due to chronic illness. There was very little food and the home was in great need of repair. Their home is located in a hollow with unpaved roads which makes travel impossible during bad weather. The day before their car quit running. Mr. Martin was trying to find someone to help him, but that is rather difficult when you don't have a telephone. Mr. Martin began his story by telling us that his wife left when Eric was just an infant. Things had really been hard. He began to cry stating that they would have nothing for Christmas. He was overwhelmed with all the daily problems that confront him.

Eric was amazed at the production equipment and cameras. He pretended he was a TV anchor. Eric could not wait for the presents to be brought in. His joy was contagious! Now, for the big surprise we asked Mr. Martin to go to the porch and look out. When he opened the door and saw the red truck loaded with wood he could not imagine that anyone would do this for his family. Would you believe the man selling the wood, not only accompanied us but also stayed to unload and stack the wood for Mr. Martin. This family truly received a blessing because of the generosity of our supporters. When we left, the family had enough wood to last through the remaining winter months. The pantry and the refrigerator were full of food. Eric and his dad had new clothing, shoes, jackets and coats! Thanks be to God!

Next Page