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Stephanie Broersma and her husband Peter are the SWAP (Sharing with Appalachian People) Location Coordinators for the Eolia, Kentucky site. The SWAP program is a home repair ministry that serves low-income families in several counties of southeastern Kentucky and West Virginia.

Some of the best SWAP experiences can come out of an intergenerational group of volunteers.  

Neffsville Mennonite Church of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, brought a group to serve with SWAP in Eolia, Kentucky, this summer. The group was made up of families with elementary age children, plus a college student and two senior citizens. 

The skill levels varied from professional carpenters to children with no previous experience. What could have been a very challenging week, was instead a great time of connecting with local families and examining what it means to serve others in the name of Christ. 

Children were able to do painting, carrying and other tasks, while the more skilled volunteers tackled drywall and plumbing jobs. For our local speaker night, the group enjoyed some traditional mountain music played by students from the Passing the Pick and Bow program offered by Cowan Community Center.

Another day the group enjoyed God’s creation as they hiked to Bad Branch Falls Nature Preserve. The whole week was a beautiful example of families sharing God’s love by serving others.

- Stephanie Broersma

For more information about SWAP: swap.mcc.org