OUR STORY
Appalachian Mission Project began in 2005 as a response to the need of the children in southern West Virginia. After participating on a short term mission trip to the area, one man was deeply moved. He had met children there who would not have a Christmas overflowing with presents and toys like his children would have. Upon returning to his home in North Carolina he was moved to do something; to make a difference in those children’s lives. Within 10 days the community rallied and gathered three box trucks full of toys, blankets, and fresh fruit to take. That year 35 volunteers helped to bring Christmas and a bit of God’s love to the children of Appalachia. And so, Appalachian Mission Project began.

Since 2005, our organization has grown exponentially. We have made annual trips to Southern West Virginia in hopes of bringing Christmas and the love of Jesus to the children of Appalachia. Over the years we have been able to reach approximately 1,000 families with 2,400 children. The team has grown quite a bit as well. Starting with a small group of 35 volunteers in 2005, we have grown to over 100 volunteers in 2008 and continued that growth in 2009.

Our goal is to go where the need is; where God leads. We make a point of staying true to that. We try not to visit the same communities more than 3 years in a row in an effort to curb dependency upon our organization. We do what we can, with what we have, where we can.

As any volunteer will tell you, this weekend is like no other. You are surrounded by people you’ve never met, yet you share a common goal. We become a community. A community of believers there to share the love and word of Jesus. Often times we wonder who receives the biggest blessing over that weekend; the kids in Appalachia or the volunteers?

Appalachian Mission Project is a stand-alone mission. We began as a community of servants coming together and that is what we will always be. There are no denominational lines. There are no employees. We start out each year with $0.00 in the bank account and that is the way we end each year. We leave everything in Appalachia.