Connection Pointe has had the blessing of visiting Mountain Mission School in Grundy, VA on several occasions including two separate week-long mission trips. The most recent trip was during the first full week of Brownsburg Schools fall break, October 12-19.
Mountain Mission School was founded in 1921. Since that time, God has brought thousands of at-risk youth out of their distress and into the land of promise that is Grundy’s Mountain Mission School. The school serves as a home, church and school to more than 200 kids in need. The kids range from around a year old all the way up to high school seniors. They come from Appalachia, urban inner cities as well as from more than 60 countries worldwide. MMS provides each child with the foundation of first-rate academics, a loving family environment, positive social support, and a firm commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The kids live in three different buildings. There’s Toddler Hall. Hurley Hall has 3 floors of girls divided by age. And Parker Hall has 4 floors of boys also divided by age. Each floor has up to 4 residence parents. They consist of families, couples and single adults.
One of the highlights for our team was getting to spend time with the toddlers for several hours each day.
On the first day, our group hosted a movie night for the elementary aged students and toddlers.
Sunday, we were blessed to lead junior church.
On Monday, our team did a craft and devotion with this sweet group.
During each school day, we got to hang out and play with the toddlers.
On the last day, some of our team performed a play directed by a member of our family team, 4th grader Lucy Arkanoff.
Psalm 127:3 “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.” The toddlers at Mountain Mission are definitely a gift. They are incredibly precious. They are a joy to be around. As are the other children at the school.
There are eleven kids in Toddler Hall. ELEVEN. Imagine a life with 11 toddlers; several still in diapers.
Mr. and Mrs. Ferrante are the residence parents for Toddler Hall. They have each been at Mountain Mission School for several years. They met at the school, got married and then took on the responsibility of the toddlers. This amazing couple loves each of their kids like they are their very own.
The same story can be said about every teacher, staff member, residence parent, etc. at Mountain Mission.
PROVIDING A SAFE PLACE…
I’ve had the honor and privilege of going on 4 trips to Mountain Mission. I have been able to forge wonderful friendships with several staff members but also many of the children. One of my best Mountain Mission friends is a 3rd grader named Keyone.
“Where I lived wasn’t a very safe place. It was just me, my mom and my sisters. My dad is in prison for doing a very bad thing. We didn’t have a lot of food, and my mom said it wasn’t safe at home, so she brought me to Mountain Mission School.
It is a whole lot better here than I imagined it would be. The food is really good, and I have learned about Jesus and how He watches over me. When I grow up, I want to go to college and then into the Air Force so I can protect people.
Right now, I am here at MMS, but that’s OK because it is a very beautiful and safe place.”
-Keyone
The majority of the children at Mountain Mission have come from situations that we cannot even imagine. Proverbs 22:6 “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” Mountain Mission breaks terrible cycles. They love the kids onto the right path. Because of Mountain Mission, they are able to leave their bad situation and God gets all of the glory. There is no doubt when on their campus that God has His hand on every part of daily life.
OUR TEAM
God put this team of 25 people together for a purpose. Throughout the week, God made His presence very clear. Our teams go to MMS to work and show love to the staff and students. Every person in this group was used in amazing ways to bless the Mountain Mission School. But we were even more so blessed by the school. MMS has a way of doing that. Our teams leave changed in an awesome way.
HOW YOU CAN BE A PART…
Connection Pointe will be continuing our amazing partnership with Mountain Mission School for many years to come.
Anyone can help by:
- Praying for everyone at Mountain Mission School
- Prayerfully consider going on a Mountain Mission School Mission Trip (2020 Trip Information HERE.)
- Donating to/praying for the October mission trip (Online Global Giving)
- Donate snacks during the Snack Attack in Kid City and the Student Center (these are taken to Mountain Mission in February)
- Donate school supplies that will be provided every other year to Mountain Mission by Connection Pointe’s Project Classroom
- Collecting Coke Rewards and entering them for Mountain Mission
- Collect and wash like-new clothing to be donated to the children
Please feel free to reach out to me HERE with any questions or comments.
Jeff Skaggs
Well done, Jeff! Proud of you.
Jeff, what a wonderful report! You do MMS a great service by your leadership and love of these kids and educators.
We could have all been at a place like Grundy, but by the Grace of God we weren’t. As you know, I too love Grundy and God’s provision for those there. So glad and proud of you for continuing to serve them. IHS, Greg Byington
Well done fellow Mountain Mission friend. Appreciate your insight into the care and pride young people learn there. Both those who serve and recipients who call this home.