💛 Helping Hands, Grateful Hearts | Faith in Action

Why Helping Hands for Hurting People Matters in Appalachia

When God calls, it’s not always loud. Sometimes it’s a quiet stirring—a burden you can’t shake. For Kevin, that calling became Helping Hands for Hurting People Ministries—a mission rooted in prayer, compassion, and a deep love for the people of Appalachia.

What started as a simple willingness to serve has become a movement of hope across state lines, hollers, and hurting hearts. And through it all, the message remains clear: go where God sends you, and let love do the lifting.

Called to the Mountains

When asked what inspired this ministry, Kevin put it plainly: “The gospel compels us to help others.”

Years ago, God placed a burden on their hearts for the Appalachian region—a place where families often face poverty, hopelessness, and the feeling of being forgotten. Helping Hands for Hurting People Ministries was born out of that burden and built on the belief that followers of Christ are called to reflect His love in both word and action.

Their goal? To remind coalfield families that they are not forgotten.

Over the past 17 years, Helping Hands for Hurting People Ministries has faithfully served thousands across Appalachia. With every box of food, warm coat, Bible, or medical supply, their mission remains the same — to bring help, hope, and healing in Jesus’ name.

In just the last year alone, they’ve reached over 1,000 families and partnered with more than 12 churches across the region.

Their outreach now stretches beyond Kentucky into Western North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia, serving more than 15,000 people in need through partnerships with ministries like Lend A Hand Center (Walker, KY), Lighthouse Mission Center (Pineville, KY), and Palmetto Patriots Home (Gaffney, SC).

Whether it’s a family in a flood-ravaged holler or a coal miner struggling with illness, Helping Hands continues to meet people where they are — with compassion, prayer, and the practical love of Christ.

“Just as Jesus came not to be served, but to serve, we feel honored to go where God leads us—offering both practical support and the eternal hope found only in Him.”

A Trailer Becomes a Testimony

Some of the most powerful moments Kevin has witnessed haven’t happened in churches or planned events. They’ve happened in parking lots, at gas stations, and rest stops—all because of two trailers.

One bears the name Helping Hands for Hurting People Ministries, and the other: Appalachian Coal Miners Missions (formerly Kentucky Coal Miners Missions). Wherever they go, those trailers spark something. People stop to share stories, ask for prayer, or simply say, “I know God sent you here today.”

“It’s amazing how something as simple as a trailer can become a witness. We’re humbled that even the tools we use are being used by God to shine His light.”

Landon’s Pantry: A Child’s Heart, A Family’s Faith

At the heart of the ministry is Landon—a 5-year-old boy who’s already teaching others what it means to serve with joy and perseverance. Diagnosed with significant health challenges and once believed to never speak, Landon’s life is a testimony to God’s healing power.

Through faith and prayer, he’s defied every doctor’s expectation. And today, Landon is right in the middle of the work—packing food boxes, loading trailers, and serving with the same determination that fuels the entire ministry.

“Landon has been a part of this since he was a baby, even before he could crawl. His joy in serving reminds us daily that God can use anyone—no matter their age or circumstances.”

How to Support the Mission

Kevin says the most powerful support anyone can give is prayer. Everything this ministry does is bathed in prayer—before they move, before they serve, before they speak.

But there are other ways to help too. Financial support allows them to provide food, supplies, and essentials to families in the Appalachian region and beyond. Every dollar goes straight to the mission.

“Whether through prayer or giving, your support helps us continue the mission God has placed on our hearts.”

Anchored in Faith

At the core of Helping Hands for Hurting People Ministries is a deep reliance on God’s direction. Their motto says it best: “Helping those that are in need through God’s people.”

And the scripture that keeps them steady? One we all know and love:

Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

“This verse keeps us anchored. We don’t trust in our own strength—we trust in God’s plan, His provision, and His perfect timing.”

Share the Story, Join the Mission

You can learn more about Kevin’s ministry or get involved by visiting: helpinghandsforhurtingpeople.org.

You can also support their monthly drives through Landon’s Pantry, partner with them on mission trips, or lift them up in prayer.

At Hearts of Appalachia, we believe these are the stories that need to be heard. Because even in the hardest places, hope still finds a way—and sometimes, it pulls up in a trailer with Jesus at the wheel.

📣 Know a Nonprofit We Should Spotlight?

We’re building a directory of nonprofits and ministries serving across Appalachia — and we’d love to feature more stories like this one. If you know of a group doing good in your community — whether it’s faith-based, food-related, recovery-focused, or simply neighbor to neighbor — let us know.

You can register a nonprofit here:

https://www.heartsofappalachia.com/sharing-appalachias-nonprofits

💌 Share a Story from the Mountains

Has your family, church, or community been impacted by a nonprofit like Helping Hands for Hurting People Ministries? We’d love to hear your story — and help you share it.

Send your story or nomination to: info@heartsofappalachia.com

Together, we’re telling the story of the mountains — one heart at a time.