Secondary Spotlight

POWER Po

Power Outreach, a Highland and Madison Academy local mission trip to Appalachia, KY, is a wonderful ministry that started in October of 1989 by two great men (one of which I know personally). These two great men are Don Keele, Jr. and Alan Craig. Alan Craig is my late grandfather, whom I love and miss very much. I immediately signed up when I was given the opportunity to go on this trip! Obviously, I heard many stories about this trip many times and how much fun it was, the work you did, and the different ways you could be a blessing to others. I looked forward to the trip, although I did not look forward to the long car ride. 

When we got to the church where we would be staying, we unpacked, ate supper, had worship, and went to bed. The next morning, we woke up and were split into different working groups. My group went to a property that was badly affected by a flood. At this property, there were two houses we would be working on. In one we installed insulation and drywall on the bottom half of the walls. The other house’s condition was much worse. When the flood waters had come in, it swept the house away about one hundred feet and wrapped it around a telephone pole. The house was then almost in an L shape. It was devastating to see that a place a family once called home, was now completely ruined. We did our best to get most of the remains torn down and up to the road so that the state could come get it. It was hard work, but we pushed through. 

Getting to connect with the family was so special. We had the pleasure to meet Ms. Joyce, who was so positive even though she had many reasons not to be. She was such an inspiration. I loved getting to do the work we did, but most importantly, I loved getting to help those people spiritually.

-Samantha Roddy