“This is where we’re sleeping?” I didn’t say the words out loud, but they seemed to be very loud in my mind. I was accustomed to cold floors and less-than-ideal conditions (by the standards of many). I remember ice on the inside walls of our house growing up. But this? Let’s be clear. I didn’t have a choice. This was where we would be staying. There were no other options. But I wasn’t sure if I could sleep with one eye open. It didn’t take me long to realize that something much bigger than I could see with my eyes was happening here.
Wanda Beery and her husband, Josh, are resident hall parents, administrators, teachers, bus drivers, and a dozen other titles at Mountain Mission School in Grundy, Virginia. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Grundy isn’t a place you generally end up in by accident. The same could be said for Wanda and me.
Although the memories are sketchy, I distinctly remember, year after year, sitting in our small country church and hearing about the kids at Mountain Mission School. Through God’s divine plans and purpose (almost 80 years ago), He had connected a local Rush County businessman to the school. That businessman birthed an annual reunion of people to travel from Rush County to Grundy each year for Thanksgiving. Our church was one of many that participated in these efforts by donating money, food, clothing, washers and dryers, shoes, and even being part of the traveling group.
At some point, my dad began to make the trip to the school. He was an integral part of putting together a team of Rush County guys who would play a basketball game against the Mountain Mission high school boys. When this tradition began, Ernie Hertzog labeled dad a “legend”.
My first solid memories of making the trip came in the early to mid-1980s. One year, I even traveled with other families while the rest of my family stayed home. I couldn’t explain it. To this day, I’m not sure that I can. But I was drawn to the school, the students, and the staff. I suppose that’s just what happens when you encounter holy ground.
In those early years, the accommodations were less than modest. Fancy wasn’t to be found. But none of that actually mattered. The reason for being there was to show the love of Jesus. That’s what really mattered.
Countless friendships have been forged over the years: Ernie and Patti Hertzog, Cesar Navas, Yodit Kifle Smith, Amina Kiki, Yony Kifle, Nathan Rodda, Cindy Rodda, and Wanda and Josh, just to name a few. Each of these people has tattooed my heart in ways they could never understand.
Over the last few decades, the school has been blessed with the resources to complete radical upgrades to the entire campus. But as you can imagine, maintaining supplies, food, housing, etc., for over 150 students, in addition to staff, who live there full-time, is no small feat. A few years ago, Kenny and I made the decision to sponsor the senior class each year. Shortly after, Nathan and Erica Adams joined us in that venture.
This year is no different. The needs are many. At times, the list even includes a few “wants” in addition to the needs. We’ve always managed to pull together and provide.
It takes a special heart to serve the way that Wanda and so many others do. Day in and day out. Long hours. Little privacy (especially as the dorm parents to 20+ teenage girls). Selfless living in the truest sense. I thank God for her often in my prayers. I’m so grateful that God had a plan for Mountain Mission School all those years ago. Thanksgiving Day each year, as I step onto that sacred ground, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for so many blessings. To be a small part of changing the world one child at a time is pretty incredible.
Mountain Mission School | Mountain Mission School – Grundy, VA
Hebrews 13:16 ~ Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.