You may have seen a post about Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) volunteers on social media and scrolled on by. You may have been interested enough to reach out to the Volunteer Program. You may have been holding out from applying because you aren’t certain. We want you to know that you are not alone in your uncertainty, and that this is the perfect time to start down the decision-making path. Discernment isn’t a decision and applying is just the first part of the admission process.
Why is there a process? Because sometimes God is knocking down the door, and sometimes the message is more subtle. It can take time and prayer for that calling to come into focus.
As you speak to those who guide the admissions process, you’ll also get a look into CAP’s focus on relationship. Our relationships with each other, with the participants we serve, and with God. Our founder Rev. Beiting once said, "Don't focus on the work. If we needed work done, we'd hire carpenters. Focus on the relationships."
Timing is also a factor. It took Maggie Blodgett ten years to join CAP as volunteer after a visit to Kentucky. Six years after her first visit, she began simplifying her life so that she would have the time to volunteer. “I had been praying about coming, and I thought, if I’m going to do this, I better clear my calendar. There was a preparation involved which took a couple of years.” Four years later, she made the trip down to Camp AJ to volunteer. Maggie is an incredible volunteer, and she knew that her journey would take time. We are lucky to have her with us.
So fill out that application. Build those relationships. Know that time and prayer will be part of the process. We look forward to hearing from you!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
