CHRIS came to Good Works through an overwhelming desire to serve. Faith allowed him to leave an unfulfilling time in corporate America, and to re-connect with his deep Appalachian roots. Chris said, "While building a log cabin, it became increasingly clear that more was required of me than merely enjoying the beautiful land and countless relatives that this region offers me. I prayed that the way would be made clear, and this prayer was answered in the form of Good Works."     

As an Americorps VISTA, I spent the last year serving my neighbors struggling with poverty in Appalachia. It was through this service at Good Works that I glimpsed what it means to truly live a Christian life, and began to realize how to make every moment an act of constant prayer. My desire to serve grows not only from an understanding of the desperate situation of so many of my neighbors, but also from my intense desire to fulfill the Greatest Commandment of Matthew 22:37-39, “Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your mind and with all your soul.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (NIV)