What was remarkable about this experience was the poignancy of many stories that came out of our service. I will attempt to capture some of the more powerful moments so that you may be part of this wonderful encounter.

Our community of 78 people worked in four different ministries. Thirty five worked on five different manual labor teams assisting families whose homes were in need of repair. On Sunday afternoon, John and Mike visited the home of Judy and Cameron, recommended to us by Harlan Community Action (HCA). Since HCA’s guidelines precluded them from working on the house, they asked if we could help. A severe leak in the roof allowed water into their living room every time it rained. Judy had prayed for a year that someone might come to help them fix their home. It was a big project. John and Mike were reluctant to add it to the three significant jobs to which they had already committed us. As John was about to say a remorseful, “No, we cannot help”, he looked down and saw tattooed on Judy’s forearm “CAM”, a sign of love for her husband, Cameron. CAM also happens to be the abbreviated name we use for Capuchin Appalachian Mission. John took this as a sign from God that we were to work on their home.     Read more...