As the foliage turns and the weather cools, the thoughts of one youth group in Greenville turn to the mountains, but not as tourists or sightseers, but rather as missionaries.
The creative ministry team at Rocky Creek Baptist Church.The creative ministry team at Rocky Creek Baptist Church has participated in the Swappin’ Meetin’ Festival, a ministry opportunity in the Appalachian region, for more than two years. The festival features a variety of teams such as face painters, puppeteers and clowns who come to rural Kentucky to minister to a much different culture.
“Everyone doesn’t live in subdivisions, drive fancy cars and wear designer clothes. There aren’t malls or restaurants on every corner – . It is definitely a coal mining area without much industry to bring in revenue,” said Janet Ledford, Creative Ministry director at Rocky Creek.
Despite the differences in landscape from Greenville County, the youth have adopted the area and the festival as their own. Last fall, the youth brought a puppet show and made bracelets and balloon animals. The team presented its program every hour for two days, witnessing to countless people.
“Our students love the area and the people. The people are kind and gracious without any pretentiousness,” said Ledford.
This year, the Swappin’ Meetin’ Festival will follow the Walking by Faith Renewal Opportunity, in which Lonnie Riley, co-author of LifeWay’s “Doctrinal Study on Faith,” will talk about his experiences in the Appalachian region. Both events are scheduled for Oct. 4-8.
The festival, which is free to all participants, will clearly present the gospel to anyone who attends.
And in a church with multiple ministry opportunities, Ledford understands the draw of the Rocky Creek youth to the Appalachian area.
“I have to say, those are some of the dearest people I have ever met. They have a special place in my heart. That is one of the reasons we are looking so forward to going back this year. God is so gracious to allow us to join him in his work there,” she said. For more information on the Walking by Faith Renewal Opportunity, Swappin’ Meetin’ Festival, or Appalachian ministry, contact Jean Rabon at (800) 723-7242, ext. 5626.