U.S. Trip Locations
Commission Encounter has several stateside places where we go and serve. These locations include White Mountain Arizona, Barbourville KY, Artemus KY, and other locations throughout Appalachia. A “typical” mission week with Commission Encounter will consist of meeting both the spiritual and physical needs of the community we are serving. We strive to have a work project such as repairs to a building, cleaning for the elderly, serving in the local food pantry, etc. In addition, we will also have various outreach events such as: a Vacation Bible School, a revival, a block party, evangelism outreach, etc.
White Mountain Apache Reservation- AZ
Matt and Karen McLean have been married for over 30 years and are originally from southern Indiana. They have been full-time missionaries to the people of the White Mountain Indian reservation since 2010. Their mission is called Without Reservation Ministries. Matt and Karen live about an hour from the reservation. This proximity allows them to be close enough to minister to those on the reservation while also being removed enough for them to provide a retreat for more prolonged care or rehabilitation. They are in the process of adding additional housing to their property in order to provide a safe place for whoever may need time away from the reservation. Currently, Without Reservation Ministries works alongside the people of the White Mountains to bring hope and second chances to thelost and hurting and those who are in need to be shown Christ’s love.
We usually take 1-2 trips a year to this area. The team(s) work alongside Matt and Karen McLean and the people of White Mountain Apache Christian Church with both physical and spiritual projects throughout the week.
High Desert Healing, White Mountain, AZ
Clay and Kailey Cecil
High Desert Healing is looking to serve the people of the White Mountains, healing the sick and telling them the kingdom of God has come near. This is not a medical mission but a mental mission. Reservations generally have much higher rates of suicide, depression, substance abuse addiction, and other mental health disorders. We are called to serve these people through recovery ministries, to help lead them out of their darkness and into the light and faith in Jesus Christ. Through structured programs like Celebrate Recovery and, most importantly, Jesus Christ, we are looking to help restore and heal the people of the White Mountains to live the life God has called them to.
In Luke chapter 10, Jesus sends out the 72 followers in pairs of two. Jesus sends them out to proclaim the Gospel. He says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into the harvest.” In verse 9 of that chapter, Jesus tells them to “heal the sick and tell them the kingdom of God has come near to them.” That is the mission and vision statement of High Desert Healing. To heal the sick and tell them that the kingdom of God has come near.
Appalachia
Although this area is known well for its vast natural beauty, it also carries with it a striking amount of poverty. Not often do we think of America as being a poor nation, but some areas such as this are in great need both physically and spiritually.
In Artemus, KY, we serve alongside Artemus Christian Church in various outreach events around the area. We’ve helped in food pantries, hosted a community movie night, and in December we host an event called, Christmas for Kids. This is a program in which we partner with social workers, individuals, churches, and schools to help provide Christmas presents and other household necessities for families in the area. We do this event at all of our Appalachian locations!
Still Waters Youth Ranch
Still Waters Youth Ranch is located just outside of Barbourville, Ky. Steve Smith is the Executive Director. He manages the farm as well as the facility’s day-to-day operations. Steve was an attorney for many years. However, after seeing the devastating effects of the drug epidemic in Eastern Ky on the innocent children involved, God placed it on his heart to get involved. When completed, the ranch will serve as an alternative housing placement for children whom the drug epidemic has orphaned.
One house has been constructed already. It has space for up to 15 children as well as a host family. Each family will have the opportunity to garden, farm, and “…experience a life more closely connected to each other and the environment.”
