July 27, 2010: This summer, Pastor Ron Neff brought a missions team from Grace Covenant Church in Pennsylvania to bolster the efforts of Hope Force in West Virginia. The city of War – population 657 – is the location of the initiative underway to help bring hope and a better future to the “hidden poor” here in our own nation:  
 

Going to War was an interesting experience.  McDowell County is a beautiful place, rich in scenery, nestled deep in the Appalachian Mountains. The people are warm and friendly, hard-working, and good hearted, but the need is great.  McDowell County is one of the poorest regions in the Nation; the estimated per capita income in 2008 was $12,480 and a shocking 40% of the residents have a fourth grade reading level or lower. 
 

One of the locals, Denny, explained to me, “When the coal mines pulled out, everything went down-hill”.  And the social and economic problems have had a devastating impact.  Unemployment, healthcare and often drug and alcohol abuse are both symptoms and causes of the despair.
 

Craig Snow of Hope Force is beginning to see goals accomplished one nail at a time, one relationship at a time, and we were honored to be the first team hosted in the Hope Force base camp house. Our team of eight (4 adults and 4 teens) under the direction of Craig and his right-hand man Big Jake set joists, assembled decking, and reset porch posts for a local family. Albert and Della purchased their place just a few years ago for only $3,000 and began to fix-up the house into a home. Then Albert suffered an accident that not only limited his income but also had him bed-ridden. 
 

When Craig Snow heard about Albert and Della’s need, Hope Force mobilized to help, and Craig has been building relationship with them since.  Albert’s health is still limited, but he is back on his feet and was working along-side us as we began to restore their front porch. Della said to us as we could hear hope rising in her heart, “I can’t wait until I can get a porch swing”.  Hopefully Hope Force will be able to do more for Albert and Della.  For example, the previous homeowners had two house fires that Albert believes were due to faulty electrical wiring. 
 

You see, mission outreach doesn’t have to be in a foreign land, there are desperate people everywhere looking for hope and longing to experience grace.  We can “Go to War” with the enemy that desires to kill, steal and destroy by sharing the abundant life that Christ has given each of us (see Jn. 10:10).  Those of us that have encountered God have the joy and obligation to express compassion and enrich relationships. After all, Jesus didn’t come to be served, but to serve and give His life a ransom for many (see Mk. 10:45).
 

Let’s be in on it; each of us sensitive to opportunities becoming a servant to any and all for Jesus; in West Virginia, overseas, or in your neck of the woods!