The purpose of the Appalachian Christmas Outreach is to minister both physically and spiritually to people in some of the poorest areas of our nation. Teams serve in the states of West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina. Projects include week-long service in children's ministry, sports clinics, music, and construction, to name a few. Mission opportunities may also include the collection, delivery, and distribution of items such as food, school supplies, clothing, etc., which can be done in the course of a few days or over a weekend.

Click here for more information on how the Baptists on Mission are reaching out with the Appalachian Coalfields Ministry.

2023 Appalachian Christmas Outreach Mission Trip Recap

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Twenty-nine mission volunteers traveled to Mallory, West Virginia to shine the light of Christ into the darkness. This team had the joy and privilege of giving backpacks to school-age children. Many of our Bladen Baptist Churches helped in this ministry. A total of 361

backpacks were collected. Our goal was 325. Praise the LORD for exceeding our goal! To those who took part in this ministry, “Thank you”! As each backpack was given out, so was the gospel of Jesus Christ.

This mission team was made up of members from 10 different Baptist churches, eight from the Bladen Baptist Association. Most of our team traveled on Friday, December 1 – Monday, December 4. Mallory is about an eight-hour drive when making the necessary stops along the way. This year we had to rent a U-Haul truck to carry the backpacks. The enclosed trailer simply was not big enough. There were three buses/vans and two personal vehicles loaded with precious cargo (the mission team).

The Bladen Baptist Association theme for 2023-24 is, Together As One. This comes from Jesus’ prayer found in John 17:20-23. I can say in all honesty that our mission team lived out the truth of this theme and was an answer to Jesus’ prayer. While in Mallory, we served together as one. Twenty-nine people from ten different churches came together and shined out for God. There was no hint of tension or drama, no complaining or bickering, or hurt feelings. Our focus was on serving the LORD together as one. Our focus was on shining Jesus’ light. When you put His agenda and plan first (and not your own), being as one is possible. Here is a great way to explain our serving together as one. The truth is found in this line of a hymn, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”

Consider having some of our team come and give an account of how they saw God at work in Mallory. Contact the BBA office if you are interested in hearing more about our serving together as one.

Click here to read the BladenOnline article for our 2021 trip!