Appalachia Service Project is excited to share our 2025 theme with you—Be the Light.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. –Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
This verse and the larger context of Matthew 5:13-16, encourages us to be the presence of Christ for others through our good works. Jesus and his followers describe these as acts of service for people in need and generosity to the poor. Our shared story as God’s people is full of images of light and God’s call for us to be light for others, helping to make visible the power and presence of Jesus.
The story of God’s people in Matthew’s gospel is full of hope that assures us of God’s unconditional love for each of us, challenges us to live as service-minded disciples of Christ, and encourages us to love and serve our neighbors. When we let our light shine, it is not to draw attention to ourselves, but rather we help to make God’s love visible to others.
ASP’s 55-year history of making homes warmer, safer and drier for families in Central Appalachia will not change, and we continue to work to meet the needs that existed before Hurricane Helene while we also seek to Be the Light as we serve our neighbors who have lost so much.
On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene came through eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina with devastating flooding, winds and landslides. The damage was unprecedented, and our neighbors are hurting and suffering loss. Yet even as we mourn what has been lost, we are looking for the ways God is at work around us, providing comfort and strength in the aftermath of this disaster.
Light comes from the resilience of our neighbors, the outpouring of support from our communities and the larger ASP family, and the small acts of kindness we witness each day. Each small sign of light reflects Christ’s love made visible through good works. We hope you will join us to Be the Light as service-minded followers of Christ in this season of rebuilding and recovery.
At ASP, we are guided by the belief that God calls people to serve others as volunteer partners in ministry and we encourage their growth in faith as they answer this call. Our theme verse is a call to you—to come and serve, to be our partner in helping our neighbors, and to join us in lighting the way as we work together to provide warm, safe and dry homes for families in our region.
We invite you to share your light with others, to shine brightly with love as you come to serve. Together, we will Be the Light for our neighbors in Central Appalachia.
Jane Cheema
Director of Spiritual Programs
