Bay United Methodist Church

What is the Appalachian Service Project (ASP)?

“ASP is a Christian ministry, open to all people, that addresses the housing needs of Central Appalachia.” The goal is to eradicate substandard housing in rural areas of Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia while creating relationships and experiences that transform volunteers and the families they serve.

ASP was founded by Glenn “ Tex” Evans in 1969. Most of the counties where ASP works have poverty rates of 25% or more!

ASP volunteers make a variety of home repairs, including: repairing roofs, building room additions, providing wheel chair ramps, installing or repairing plumbing, updating wiring, securing foundations, digging drainage ditches. Constructing front porches and steps, installing insulation and siding and weatherizing homes.

We at BUMC have been involved with an ASP mission trip for 10 years. For the past couple of years, we have sent 5-6 teams of 6-7 volunteers each. Five times a year, we enjoy lunch and a study session together as we prepare to leave for our Appalachian destination each June. We have fun-d raisers throughout the year to assist each individual with costs for the trip.