The spring and summer months are busy ones at ASP.
Our Fellows have been busy in March and April working on exterior home projects through several grants and in partnership with different groups of volunteers, including the National Civilian Community Corps (AmeriCorps NCCC’s).
Our staff and Fellows have also been conducting Initial Home Visits (IHV’s), inspecting homes and meeting families who have submitted applications for home repair, to see where volunteers can safely make repairs this spring and summer.
As a Communications & Marketing and Advancement fellow with ASP this year, I have been able to visit a few of these homes and project sites these last couple months to take photos and interview homeowners. Though the work has been slower and more complicated in these pandemic times than ASP is used to, the work has nevertheless continued.
In talking with homeowners, volunteers, and staff alike, I have been reminded of one of my favorite passages in the Bible, 1 Kings 19.
In this chapter, Elijah, a designated prophet of the Lord, is fleeing for his life in very not-ideal circumstances. He’s tired, he’s weary, he’s scared, and he’s not sure where the resources are going to come from– or if they’ll come at all.
However, at every step of the way, God provides. As Elijah keeps doing the next right thing in front of him, there is food, and shelter, and reassurance from God.
And what sticks out to me most is that this reassurance does not come in the form of grand occurrences like fire and earthquakes, as Elijah expected. Rather, the reassurance comes in the form of a low whisper, reminding Elijah who he is and why he is doing what he is doing.
I see similarities here at ASP this past year. The grand occurrences like summer programming had to be cancelled last year to keep everyone safe– and yet, the mission has continued in the small, consistent work of a few. We’re so excited to be welcoming volunteers back this summer to be able to serve more families in Central Appalachia— but I am encouraged knowing that God continues to work, regardless of what limitations or setbacks we face.
Jordyn Morel
Communications & Marketing Advancement Fellow
