On Sunday, February 27, TFH Appalachia Regional Vice President, Keith Stillwell, joined First Baptist Church of Corbin, Kentucky in worship to commemorate a partnership. FBC Corbin and TFH Appalachia signed a covenant agreement. TFH Appalachia is proud welcome First Baptist as a “Friend of Together for Hope Appalachia.” The church was presented with a candle holder created by Appalachian artisan, Teresa Cole of Berea, and the children’s book, A is for Appalachia: The Alphabet Book of Appalachian Heritage to commemorate the partnership.

FBC Corbin is an important partner for TFH Appalachia. They are geographically connected with three TFH counties: Whitley, Knox, and Laurel. FBC is an Encourager Church for CBF Field Personnel, Scarlette Jasper, who is their Missionary-in-Residence. Located in Appalachia, the church provides three ministries which relate directly to the mission of Together for Hope: The Cold Weather Relief White Flag Ministry provides housing for individuals and families who are without housing when the temperature drops below 29 degrees. The Food Pantry serves groceries to around 1100 families a year who are hungry and economically disadvantaged. The Mustard Seed Garden is a resource for educating their community about gardening, healthy eating, creation care, and human-land interconnectedness, and provides food to the community.

In addition to recognizing the church as a TFH partner, TFH Appalachia and FBC Corbin Community Missions also signed Memorandums of Understanding which include these three ministries: White Flag, Food Pantry, and Community Garden.

Alice Tremaine, chair the church missions team, represented the church in the presentation and signing of the covenants.

February 27, 2022 was a momentous day for Together for Hope Appalachia with much thanks to First Baptist Church of Corbin, KY and there mission endeavors.