This week I am speaking to teens at the Kentucky Mountain Mission near Beattyville, Kentucky. The camp is on a mountain only a few miles from where Lois was born. (Folk from these parts have an endearing way of saying the name of their county when they are asked where they are from). The camp is in Lee County. Lois was born in Wolfe County just a few miles away. They are in the mountains of eastern Kentucky just on the edge of the Daniel Boone National Forest. The Natural Bridge State Park and the Red River Gorge are nearby.
Chapel is packed. I speak twice a day. Some of the campers are from Covington. Most of them are from the counties of eastern Kentucky. The mountain counties. Some of the campers come from Campton and Wolfe County, where Lois was born. My friend Sam Judd, who we met when he was traveling from Michael Card, lead the worship. A number of the campers have become followers of Christ this week already.
The camp is situated in a beautiful place with horses, a pool, a gymn, and a pond, but it only costs about a hundred dollars a week.
Food is good and simple. There are always fried apples at breakfast. I would say, other than those made my Lois’ grandmother Carley Banks, they are the best I’ve ever had. When they serve green beans they came from someone’s garden not from a can. Green beans from a can and green beans from a garden are just not the same thing. This morning they served biscuits and sausage gravy for breakfast. That’s a good way to start a day.
I walked this morning before breakfast to meditate. A thunderstorm brought cool air to the mountains last night. I slept well. the hills and forest were fresh and fragrant and the woods were alive with the chatter of birds, even a brief liquid trill of the Wood Thursh. Worship, thanksgiving, and humble dependance wash over my soul here.
Later this summer Hope and a couple others girls from Evangel will come here to serve in their Sunshine Week–camps for folk who have developmental challenges. It’s good place to serve.
Evangel allows me a few weeks a year to speak at camps and conferences. I’m grateful for that. I think it refreshes my soul and makes me a better pastor. God has been very kind to me to allow me to do this. He has given me the desire of my heart.
“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)
Pastor Ken Pierpont
Kentucky Mountain Mission
Beattyville, Kentucky
June 16, 2016
That was so beautifully written. When reading this I felt like I was there. Thank you so much for sharing your walk with us. Blessings. to you.
Pastor Ken,
Thank you for spending the week ministering to the teens at Youth Haven Bible Camp. Ralph and I truly enjoyed getting acquainted with you and listening to your sermons.
The Gideon Testimony of Bishop Ron Archer can be found on You Tube by googling Ron Archer Testimony. The Gideon International logo will come up on it.
Jill. I wish you could visit. It is a wonderful Christian ministry with sincere, humble Christ-followers doing a very good work. I’m so honored to have been a small part of it.
God bless you. Great to meet you. I will check out the video.
I every time spent my hawlf an hour to read thi
weblog’s articles everyday along with a cup of coffee.