This is a year round program to help repair and make necessary improvements to homes and facilities in the region.  This program is  through the Mennonite Central Committee which the Hindman Methodist church agreed to partner with for this ministry.  SWAP steps up the program during the summer by bringing in other churches from the US and Canada for work weeks. The church provides the groups with a place to stay and have meals while the work is being done. One part that makes this program unique is that it incorporates the people whose home and/or buildings are being worked on in hands on situations with the workers.  This gives the workers and those being served a chance to connect and bless each other while accomplishing the task at hand. Keep checking this page for pictures of current projects.  Click here for words from the Farquarsons, full time staff family in Hindman and see pictures of on going projects.

The Caring Committee is responsible for assisting low-income, poverty-stricken families with emergency needs. We assist families in times of crisis with needs including food, utility and rent assistance, transportation, medical needs or any other identified emergency need.

The Caring Committee has an established "Policy and Procedures" regarding the disbursement of funds. The Committee is currently funded by the United Way and individual/personal donations, with volunteers administering the Program.

The Caring Committee’s activities are coordinated with the local Community Action Agency (LKLP) to assure services are not duplicated. A monthly report of activity is provided to the Hindman United Methodist Church Administrative Council.

In the aftermath of the acquittal of Los Angeles Police Officers for the beating of Rodney King, people took to the streets to vent their frustration. The destruction from that event, coupled with years of poverty and neglect, called for a response. The United Methodist Church, at its 1992 General Conference, committed that we in solidarity and consultation with indigenous persons and local churches in a selected neighborhood would commit ourselves to the creation in Los Angeles of a Shalom Zone… with the hope that the Shalom Zone concept become a prototype for proactive ministry in other places. The word Shalom means "Peace".

As Communities of Shalom developed in Los Angeles, it became clear that there was a need for the development of Communities of Shalom across the country. The concept enables the necessary help, hope, and healing which congregations and neighborhoods need to address the internal and external pressures of poverty, racism, lack of vision, limited resources, and demise of the spirit. In light of this need, a training program was developed to provide the skills to neighborhood residents, initiate contacts with business and civic leaders, and exchange information between Communities of Shalom.

The Hindman United Methodist Church has formed a Shalom Zone. It calls together residents, businesses and civic leaders, clergy laity and community leaders to help develop and utilize resources to reach a common goal, to improve lives and communities. It is a holistic approach to life involving spiritual renewal, economic prosperity, health and healing, and strengthening race and class relationships. It is the transforming of a community by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through work and deed.

The mission of the Knott County Community of Shalom is to bring together the leaders, organizations and concerned citizens to plan and implement strategies to address the spiritual, physical and economic needs of our citizens. Our vision is that the hopes and dreams of our people will flow from the streams of the mountains into a reservoir where every spiritual, physical and emotional need is met.

Our Shalom Program is currently active in supporting the Upward Basketball Program, the JUMP Wednesday Night Program, the Caring Committee and the Living Free Lifeline Program.

Lifeline

The Lifeline program is a ministry that is now in operation throughout the 27 counties of the UNITE Program.  Lifeline itself is a Biblically centered program for drug and alcohol abusers and those who support them.  This 12-step program is dedicated to seeing the chains of addiction broken in Knott and all other counties in which its ministry is in operation.  If you need assistance, please contact the pastor at the church. The number  is (606)785-0836.  With God's help, Knott county can be Drug-Free.

Right To Life

The Hindman Methodist Church has joined with other local churches and organizations to create a Right To Life organization here in the Knott county area.  This group is growing strength and numbers from around the area, and it has held various events, such as, candlelight vigils at the church and put up the crosses that are on the front lawn of the church.  The practice of abortion has become an increasingly cruel, callous but still accepted form of birth control in this country.  The Right to Life organization seeks speak against abortion by educating people about the harsh realities of abortion, and also offer other alternatives to abortion. To learn more about the organization visit the website at www.rtlseky.org