Category: 2025, Kentucky

The team was up bright and early this morning, cleaning and packing up the volunteer house before hitting the road by 8:00 a.m. After a full week of hard work, long days, and countless blessings, we were all excited to begin the journey home. As we drove through the beautiful Kentucky hills one last time, we couldn’t help but reflect on everything God has done this week—how He provided safety, good weather, and the materials we needed; how He opened doors for us to serve and to share His love; and how He strengthened our team through challenges, laughter, and prayer. Each home we worked on—each family we met—reminded us that mission work is not just about fixing houses, but about building hope. We are returning home tired, yes, but also filled with gratitude and renewed faith, knowing that the seeds planted here will continue to grow long after we’re…

This morning began with a meaningful tour of St. Vincent’s Mission led by Executive Director, Erin Bottomlee. While our team and many others across the country partner with St. Vincent’s through their Home Repair Program, it was inspiring to learn about the many other ways they serve their community. They run the Grow Appalachia Program—helping families garden for healthier, more sustainable living—along with a food pantry, thrift store, emergency assistance program, Christmas outreach, and career readiness internships. Their mission and dedication to meeting both physical and spiritual needs deeply moved us. After the tour, we jumped right back into our final day of work, determined to make every hour count. House 2 – Carolyn’s HomeAt Carolyn’s, the finishing touches were made on her son’s bathroom, and we’re thrilled to report that the stairs and new garbage bin are complete! In the master bathroom, we repaired the air duct, installed drywall…

Our fourth full workday in David, Kentucky, was another busy one as we pressed forward on both Carolyn’s and Dennis’ homes. House 2 – Carolyn’s HomeProgress continues at Carolyn’s house. Today the team finished demoing the master bathroom, removed the old water heater, and installed a new subfloor. In her son’s bathroom, everything has been completed except for closing the shower access panel—we’ll do that tomorrow once we confirm there are no leaks. We were also able to lay down new carpet padding in the areas where we had repaired the floors and then reinstalled the carpeting. On the exterior, the stairs were finished and temporary rails installed to test for proper height for Carolyn and her son. The final step will be rebuilding the garbage bin, which had rotted through. Carolyn’s sister and brother-in-law shared that the new stairs were an answered prayer—they will allow them better access to…

Our third full workday in David, Kentucky, brought both surprises and steady progress as we hit the mid-point of our mission week. Some of the team broke off to haul several trailer loads of trash and debris to the dump and make a much-needed supply run. On that trip, God gave us a special gift. While at Lowe’s, we literally ran into Gary—the homeowner we served last year. The reunion was filled with immense joy and gratitude, a reminder that God’s timing is perfect. Gary shared that he has kept our team’s card on his refrigerator and thinks of us often. What a blessing to see how God continues to work long after our tools are packed up. House 3 – Dennis & Teresa’s HomeWhen flooding struck Dennis and Teresa’s home, they had 14 inches of water throughout their entire house. Much of the home has already been repaired, and…

Our second work day in David, Kentucky, was full of both challenges and blessings as we continued serving two families and wrapped up an important milestone. House 1 – Joe & Pam’s HomeToday one team finished Joe and Pam’s house! In the back bedroom and master bath, the walls were patched, sanded, primed, painted, and trimmed/caulked. The hallway also received a fresh coat of paint, bringing new life and warmth to their home. The day wasn’t without setbacks, however. The team loaded a trailer full of garbage left behind by previous work crews and drove it to the dump, only to discover it was temporarily closed. The delay was disappointing and cost us valuable work time. Yet even with this hurdle, the crew completed the house by day’s end. More importantly, deeper connections were built with Joe and Pam. We realized once again that sometimes the most meaningful work isn’t…

Today was our first full day of work here in David, Kentucky, and God gave us plenty of opportunities to serve! We arrived expecting to work on two homes but learned that we’ll actually be working on three. The plan was to finish one house completely today (Joe & Pam’s), allowing that team to move on to Dennis’ home next. House 1 – Joe & Pam’s HomeThe goal here was to finish the work in just one day: laying a new linoleum sheet in the bathroom and completing drywall repairs in the bedroom and bathroom (mudding, sanding, priming, and painting). However, a delay in receiving the right materials until after lunch slowed our timeline. With each step requiring drying time, it became clear we’ll need to return tomorrow to finish the job. Before arriving, we were told this couple could be difficult to work with due to past challenges with…

After the early service at Calvary this morning, our team gathered with the Elders of the church for a special time of anointing and prayer. Their words of blessing and encouragement set the tone for the journey ahead and reminded us that this trip is all about serving in God’s strength and for His glory. Immediately after, the 11 members of Calvary’s Renew Crew loaded into two church vans packed to the brim with luggage, bedding, groceries for the week, and—of course—plenty of tools. With hearts full of anticipation, we departed for David, Kentucky, ready for the work God has prepared for us. The Lord truly went before us: the weather stayed clear, traffic was smooth, and our caravan made excellent time. After a long day of travel, we arrived safely at the St. Vincent’s Mission volunteer house around 10 p.m. Though the day was long, spirits are high. We’re…

From September 28 – October 4, Calvary’s Renew Crew will be returning to Floyd County, Kentucky, to lend a hand in rebuilding lives affected by devastating floods. For five days, we’ll focus on home repairs for two families who have been hit hard by the natural disasters that have repeatedly struck this region. Our team this year includes: Bill Baillod Jeff Barton Andy DeGraaf Kim Hildebrand Julie Klynstra Karl Klynstra Breese Stam Joe Van Holstyn Rachel Van Schooneveld Jeff Werkema Rick Willinger As we embark on this mission, we are reminded of the tremendous need in Eastern Kentucky—a region still recovering from the heartbreaking toll of natural disasters. In July 2022, torrential rains led to catastrophic flooding in Eastern Kentucky, taking 45 lives, displacing thousands, and leaving 14 counties severely damaged. Nearly three years later, communities like Floyd County are still grappling with the aftermath, with many families waiting for…