415 Park Avenue, Newport, KY 41071 (859) 431-1818
BACK BAY MISSION
Each year since hurricane Katrina devasted the Gulf Coast, volunteers from St. John's United Church of Christ have traveled to Biloxi, Mississippi to assist in rebuilding projects. Generous financial support from the congregation has helped to finance renovation of the Back Bay United Church of Christ in Biloxi, as volunteers have worked to rehabilitate housing around the church. Our "Back Bay Mission Trip" during the summer of 2007 continued with the same inspiration and enthusiasm as in the past. Our St. John's missionaries: Walt Pavey, Pam Maloney, Randy Kitts, Scott Decker, Steve & Geri McLane, Jamie McLane, Wes Wright, Susan Fangman, Lisa Hitchcock, Becky Bleh, Steve & Debbie Hecky all reported about the tremendous need that still exists in Biloxi. Along with great need comes great blessings for those who answer God's call. Thanks to all who took up the cross!
The Harlan, Kentucky COAP (Christian Outreach to Appalachian People) housing ministry during the last week of July this year (2008) will include St. John's UCC missionaries Tammy Watts, Christie Watts, Steve Hecky, Debbie Hecky, Anne Hecky, Jeri McClane, Steve McClane, Sheree Derrick, Dick Straman, Mary Straman, and Anne Hecky's friend, Colin. The group expects to be working on a house for some fortunate Appalachian folks in that very needy area. More news and photos from the trip will appear in this spot right after Labor Day. Peace and blessings, good and faithful servants.
St. John's UCC and many of the churches in our SONKA association have long supported the new Teacher's College in Rubate Kenya. In 2006, Anne Hecky (Pastor Heckey's daughter) traveled to Rubate to spend time at the college. Anne brought back a wealth of stories, photos, memorabilia, and praise reports of the miracles at work in Rubate.
In May, 2007 a group of officials from the teacher's college in Rubate, came to visit us at St. John's. We received wonderful first-hand reports of how our contributions here are working to uplift the culture of Kenya, as new highly trained teachers are sent throughout the nation.
Then in September, 2007 Steve Hecky traveled to Rubate as part of a SONKA delegation to consecrate the new clinic to God's glory and as another glowing symbol of how God works through dedicated and spiritual people worldwide.
