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| Father Beiting street preaching in Garett, KY. Something he's been doing in Eastern KY for 40+ years! |
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| Did you notice what the sign says above Father Beiting's head? That's what he's been about all his life; telling others about the beautiful people in eastern KY and about God's amazing love and plan for all of us. He came to eastern KY, as a preist, some 50 years ago. He started the largest outreach in Appalachia (Christian Appalachian Project). When most people would be thinking about how they would rest during their retirement, he decides to start a new non-profit at the age 76. Alive in the Mountains (what MC is under) came out of the hope to not just reach a child, or repair a home, but reach an entire family and even an entire community. He has already purchased 4 abandoned schools with the hope of bringing new life to communities that have lost hope. |
| To Contact Father Ralph Beiting: Rt. 5 Box1083 Louisa, KY 41230 (606) 638-0219 |
| One night I got a call from a lady in Maytown, Kentucky. For those of you who are not familiar with Maytown, it is a small town in Eastern Kentucky. It is about 12 miles from Prestonsburg, the county seat of Floyd County. The school, that once had been a grade and high school for the children of the section of Floyd County, was now closed by the Board of Education. Decreasing population made the school board close two or three of the old schools and build a new one. The people, to whom the school was their whole life, were in a state of hurt and anxiety. What was going to happen? The center of their community was deserted and slipping into decay. They came to me in their hurt. I was a priest who had spent 50 years in Appalachia. I cared about people and their hurts. Could I bring new life and vitality into the empty shell of the school and the whole community as well? I was deeply moved by their love and concern. “Yes,” I said, “I will join you in rekindling the flame.” I purchased the buildings and land for $25,000. I had to go to friends all over the country. “Would they help me assist these wonderful people in bringing hope back into the community?” Slowly but surely they responded. Some came and gave their labor in the rebuilding. Others donated materials of all kinds. Others sent money. The local people chipped in. A new day began. Hope replaced despair, enthusiasm did away with lethargy. Maytown is beginning to be a sign of the New Appalachia. The people only ask for the opportunity and support to make the dream come true. It is exciting. I pray each day that others will join me and the people to rebuild and renew the face and soul of Appalachia. It is better to light a candle rather than curse the darkness. Come join with us to dream the impossible dream and reach for the unreachable stars and march into hell for a heavenly cause. Let us show that the spirit of America is alive and well in the mountains of Appalachia. 3.18.02 |
| Thoughts From Father Beiting |