Why go on a short term missions trip to Appalachia? There are really two parts to this question. “Why go on a short term missions trip” and “why Appalachia”. Let’s first answer “why go on a short term missions trip”. A short term missions trip is a way to fullfill the Great Commission. Before ascending to heaven Christ said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28: 19-20). The reason to go on a short term missions trip? Christ asked us to share the gospel with all world. All nations. This includes our nation. A short term missions trip allows those who are not called to be full-time missionaries (truly we are all missionaries though, right?) to answer this call not just in their home town, but within their own nation.
Acts 1:8b says, “… you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Not only is clear that Christ asked us to share the gospel with all nations, He gives us a clear map of how to do this. Our Jerusalem at First Southern Baptist of Grandview is the Shady District. When you come on a short term missions trip to Southern West Virginia, you are helping us fullfill Acts 1:8. You are fullfilling Acts 1:8. As we continue to partner with missions teams, we want to grow to serve the surrounding counties- our Judea and Samaria.
We have partially answered the first part of the question, what about the second part of the question, “why Appalachia”. Appalachia is one of the most unchurched areas of the United States of America. In some parts of Appalachia, up to 90% do not attend church. Many do not know the gospel. Furthermore, familiarity with the the message of salvation is growing smaller with each generation. It is imperative that the disciples of Christ spread the good news of the gospel throughout Appalachia. Here in Southern West Virginia, many are struggling with broken families, drug addiction, and poverty. While we all may not share the same struggle, we know true healing can only come through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. By choosing to go on a short term missions trip to Appalachia, you are helping to meet both physical and spiritual needs. You may not know exactly what the people you are ministering to are struggling with, but God does. He simply asks us to serve and He does the rest. Join us in answering the call of the Great Commission today.
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Source: Appalachian Regional Ministries