What does the future of missions look like for the West Virginia Conference in the southern coalfields of the state??  Part of the answer lies in a clear understanding of the region's history.

People in the southern Appalachian coalfields live with the reality that the wealth they produce for the nation often leaves them behind.  Evidence of better times - when coal mining and railroads were growing in the first half of the 20^th century - is in the handsome architecture of the county courthouse and  churches in downtown Welch, W.Va.  It’s hard to believe that Welch peaked at nearly 100,000 residents in 1950.

Since the ‘boom years’ industry has declined, and the population has followed the same direction, down to about 27,000 residents, according to 2000 U.S. census data. The unemployment rate is more than 11%, nearly 38% of county residents live below the poverty line.

A vision for missions can also be found in current ministry projects already doing work to meet the needs of people living in the region.  “Churches are mobilized and out where they need to be. Several ministries and programs have emerged after the flooding in the area several years ago and people are working to help one another,” said The Rev. Bob Wilkins, recently appointed Southern Initiative Consultant by Bishop Lyght.  “Our Conference has a wonderful opportunity to support needed and exciting ministry in an area that seems to be burdened with more than its share of economic distress.”

Rev. Wilkins says his focus now is on listening and facilitating a solid strategy for ministry in the area.  “I want to help church leaders visualize a problem and develop an action plan for addressing it,” he said.

Last month, Loaves and Fishes, a ministry based in Kimball and directed by Bobby and Linda McKinney distributed more than 29,000 pounds of food to 708 families.  “We supply 14 pantries in McDowell, Mercer, and Wyoming counties,” said Linda McKinney.  She says working with Bob Wilkins has been a blessing.  “His experience has really helped us think about things we hadn’t before,” she said.

Another ministry, The Isaiah Project, has also stepped up, providing food and other resources to people in the communities of Welch, Pageton, and Gary.  “Our model has been based on using the local churches we pastor as a place to distribute items to folks in need,” said Pageton UMC pastor Vance Leach.  The McDowell county native says he loves the area, “I can’t imagine being anywhere else, I love it here,” he said.  “We are still here, and people need to know that.”

As these ministries move forward, Wilkins says it’s important to remember the efforts are “a response to and continuation of many prayers.”  He says it’s important to remember the eventual outcome is not pre-conceived and will evolve to fit the needs of those being assisted. “Ongoing guidance from the Holy Spirit is essential,” he said.  The day will come, he says, when we can claim Psalm 107:41: “He lifted the needy from their affliction…”