A Friendly Reminder to All

The following note came from a friend who has dedicated his life to helping people in a rural area of east Kentucky. Perhaps we could pause in our journey long enough to read what he has to say. You can check out his work at www.bigcreekmissions.com.

Today, I have been doing some planning for one of the mission groups coming to Big Creek in just a few weeks. One of the things that I enjoy the LEAST about this ministry is the home visits I have to make. You see, homeowners will send in an application for home repair and I will have to go look over the house and see if we can help the resident.

Sometimes, you can tell the people are just looking for a free handout. Other times, you know the people are in serious need of help. Often, the problems are so serious, we can only do a temporary patch job that will hopefully help the residents.

Yesterday, I was overwhelmed after looking at one home in Wooton, Kentucky. The man living here (I'll call him Will) was without running water. His plumbing was useless due to years of neglect. The home had electricity, but no heat and no air conditioning. The old man (probably around 70 years old) was sitting in a house that was probably 80 degrees, wearing a jacket because he was cold.

Gnats, Fleas, and Roaches were everywhere, and a rodent infestation was obvious. The place was filthy - huge cobwebs hung from the ceiling, floors and counters were disgusting, and the smell was overpowering. It was also evident the man had not bathed in quite some time. Trash was strewn through the house.

He only received $600.00 per month in Social Security payments. His only food was delivered by the local Cutshin Senior Center "meals on wheels." Unfortunately, because of cutbacks, they've had to decrease food deliveries from five days per week down to three days per week.

His home had large holes in his floors and very little insulation. The director of the senior center who went with me was doing her very best to convince Will to move into assisted living - but this was his home. He just wanted it fixed.

Where was his family? He only had a nephew and Niece - both of which charged him to drive him anywhere. Will said they required him to pay almost $40.00 to take him to town - which was an 8 mile drive. His nephew mowed his yard - but Will wouldn't say how much he had to pay for this service. Will had little trust for people, as through the years, he has been taken advantage of, and was a witness to his brother's murder - at home.

Where were his friends to help? The lady who was with me asked, "Will, does anybody come visit you?" He responded, "the trucks go by all day long." His chair was positioned to have a clear view of the roads - and you could tell, his eyes would follow each and every truck. He had no visitors, and his only entertainment was the roar of the coal and gravel trucks coming down the mountain.

In all reality, his house should be demolished. But, Big Creek Missions can't afford to build him a new one. So, we will attempt to patch this home the best we can and hopefully seal it up to keep out the cold this winter.

So, why do I hate those home visits? Because it's another reminder of the fact I'm spoiled rotten. I have more than I could ever need. My fridge is stocked, my house is clean. I have friends. My truck runs, and I have enough money to live "frugally" in great comfort.

But here's the kicker . . . Even with Will's seeming "poverty" - his meager $20.00 per day government check - he is RICH according to the world's standards. Almost HALF the world lives on less than TWO dollars per day. Will lives on 20.

I think we, as Americans, need a reality check. Considering our current "economic downturn" - we may be in for it!