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Project JOY is committed to helping families in the impoverished area of Harlan County, KY. Since 1999 the youth and members of Priest Lake Presbyterian Church, Nashville, KY have been going to Harlan in October or November and taking learning supplies, clothing, food and toiletries to those in need. The driving force behind our mission is summed up by the following words from one of the founders, Rachel Fields: |
"When we made our first trip in 1999 I was a member of the High School Youth Group that started Project JOY. That year we thought we were prepared when we went to Harlan, but we were far from it. It was about 33 degrees the day we were there, and most of the people in line didn't have coats. There were barefoot babies wrapped in threadbare blankets. People begged us for coats, blankets - anything to keep warm. We also had families begging us for everyday items - toilet paper, soap, shampoo, children's Tylenol. We later found out that food stamps do not cover these items, and so they usually go without. Imagine having a sick child and not being able to help them feel better. After crying most of the way home, we decided that we had to go back to Harlan and so Project JOY started. Nine years later I feel as committed to helping these people as I was then." |
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At Priest Lake Presbyterian we believe that we are commissioned to help those in need. Our commission we believe comes form Jesus words in the Gospel of Matthew;
"I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me ... I'm telling you the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me - you did it to me."
Matthew 25:36 & 40
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Considering the experience of the first group in 1999 and the continuing experience we have each year we believe God has called us to provide assistance to those in need in Harlan County. While we realize our one trip a year cannot change the situation in Harlan our goal is to make a difference and let those in need know that there are people who care about them and their plight. It is a small thing we do but we believe God will use our efforts to great effect. It is our aim to help people not only in their day-by-day struggle but help the children and youth get an education and so break the cycle of poverty. All of those involved pray that God will use us to help the many friends we have made in Harlan. |
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HELP US IN OUR MISSION BY OFFERING YOUR TIME, MONEY, OR GIFTS TO ENABLE US TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN HARLAN COUNTY, KY |
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