PEOPLE ARE TREASURES Melody Keller (Unit 218) Big Creek, Kentucky The setting is the Mount of Olives. The risen Lord is giving last minute instructions to a small group of followers. Jesus commissioned them to go, to tell the good news, to baptize, and to instruct the people of the world. He sent them and they went...and His promise to us..."I am, with you always, even to the end of the age." What a promise! What a God!!! Sacrifice is part of that command. Ministry is part of that commission. Serving is part of that call. It was August of 1995 that I left my home in Wales, Maine to begin my year of Brethren Volunteer Service. My destination was Big Creek, Kentucky. After an orientation at Rocksberry Holiness Camp in Pennsylvania, I arrived at my post in the mountains. Thus, I began to pen a new chapter of my life. That has been over five months ago and I have experienced much. People are treasures, worth very much to God. I have found some beautiful treasures that I hope will be in my heart for a long time to come. During my term, I have met many people and have gotten into many homes. I have spent hours talking to, reading to, and relating to these "Mountain people." They too, are walking through life. It has not always been an easy journey for them: a mother tells me about the murder of her son, a daughter grieves over the death of her father, a teenager suffers from diabetes, a woman learns to maneuver with one leg, a child is burned in a house fire. No, it is not always easy. However, I hear testimonies of God being with those who are suffering. There are joys as well: a teen is baptized, a baby is born, children sing praises, a fall social is held, and youth help an elderly couple with yard work. One neighbor helping another. In addition to my visitation in the community, I direct a church choir, play the piano, and give music lessons. I also teach a girls Sunday School class, decorate bulletin boards, and lead a Thursday night children's ministry. As I travel through this year, I hope I can encourage, uplift, and help the people I encounter. May they catch a glimpse of Jesus, the greatest servant, through my life. I am blessed to have this chance to serve here in Kentucky. What will the rest of the year hold? I do not know, but HE does...and that's WONDERFUL!