For 22 years, I have lived in the Appalachian region. I realize that this is one of the poorest regions in the country. I personally love this region that I call home. I know that jokes and comments that often surround the Appalachian mountains and the people that inhabit it. The comment that bothers me the most when I hear it is “Why don’t you stay in Appalachia and help with the poverty there.”
The answer is simple, Jesus. Christian principles are so tightly woven into the tapestry that is Appalachian culture. I would say that most of the people that live in the area have heard of Jesus and know the gospel, even though they may choose to ignore it. Most roads in my hometown have more than one church on them. I am going on the race because I feel a call from GOD to take His word and love to people that don’t know Him. Matthew 28:19 tell us to “go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Yes, there is poverty in Appalachia, but even the people here live better than those in other places of the world. It is almost unheard of for children here to go hungry, or loose both parents to AIDs. Most families here have food, indoor plumbing, running water, electricity, and air conditioning, this puts us above the poverty line when you look at us compared to the rest of world.
When it all comes down to it, it really matters about the souls of these people, not how much money or what they own. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” Mathew 6:19.
