Finding our place…..

We found ourselves spending a decent amount of time with Fr Beiting this first week, just visiting the various ministries. Fr Beiting has his fingers in so many ministries here in eastern Kentucky! Right now there are three small churches he runs, four large thrift stores, the Point of Hope, Padre’s Place and so many other ministries.

The Point of Hope is a homeless/addiction center with approximately a dozen families living in small trailers around a central community center. There are several Sisters which help him run the Point. He has a brand new 45,000 square foot warehouse/thrifty store/office complex, plus a number of other buildings and small houses which house the many temporary volunteers which come all year round. He is able to house close to 50 volunteers at once!

A large ministry which is in the early stages is the collection and distribution of food and toys for Christmas. Fr Beiting's varies volunteer groups are putting together 800 baskets for distribution! He is also collecting food and toys for another 10,000 people who will be provided to other local organizations for their final distributions. Yes, I said that right, 10,000 people will be served through Fr Beiting. Needlessly to say, there will be an army of volunteers over the next few weeks unpacking, sorting and re-packing all that food and toys.

Elaine and I are not certain what exactly we will be doing as of yet. We have talked with both Fr. Beiting and Phillip, the new Administrator for the “Fr. Beiting Appalachian Mission Center” on what talents we can bring to AMC. That discussion will continue over the next week to finalize something. Until that time, Elaine and I are just open to the Holy Spirit. She has done a wonderful job leading us thus far, so we are open to the movement.