Appalachian Immersion

Appalachian Immersion

     Good Works offers an internship that is an outlet for Christians looking to put their faith into action and are looking to heed the radical call of Jesus to take up our cross and follow him daily. Each internship offers flexibility around the individual with the understanding that each of us has different strengths and weaknesses, different gifts and, different areas in which they are seeking to grow. We seek to find a balance of ministries opportunities and responsibilities that will energize and empower you as well as encourage you in various areas of growth.
     Our philosophy of ministry states: "It is the vision of Good Works to create a loving COMMUNITY OF HOPE where the homeless and poor of SE Ohio can sense God's love and presence through us. It is the intention of Good Works to improve the quality of life through meeting felt needs, building and promoting trust, strengthening human dignity, providing and promoting education, providing employment opportunities and encouraging feelings of self-worth. We seek to nurture those we serve in an atmosphere of love (both tough and tender), compassion, and responsibility." We take seriously the example of Job who worshiped the Father by making the widow's heart sing, being a father to the fatherless, and taking up the case of the stranger. (Job 29:12-17)
      In your year as an intern you will be given a diverse experience of ministry and immersion into the culture and the issues of poverty in rural Appalachian Ohio by being plugged into, and many times taking leadership in, the ministries of Good Works. You will also become a vital part of the Hannah House Community by sharing a household with a diverse group of people and taking on responsibilities within the community.
     "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Ps. 133:1) We believe that living in community with other believers is a gift and a privilege that very few get to experience. This is a catalyst for growth, and will give you a glimpse of what fellowship in the body of Christ was meant to be.
     The Hannah House is a large, barn red, six bedroom, farm house, a mile outside of Athens, Ohio and in the middle of some of the most beautiful rural scenery southeast Ohio has to offer. Part of the first floor is dedicated to administration of some of Good Works' ministries and hosting volunteer work groups, but the upstairs area is completely dedicated to the Hannah House residential community.
     During the months of June-August the Hannah House undergoes a transformation as it becomes the epicenter of the "Good Works Summer Service Program." This is a program in which volunteer worship teams (work for the Lord= worship, Romans 12:1) come live with us in the Hannah House and come along side us in our service to the people of Southeast Ohio. This includes Samaritan Projects, Kids Club, property maintenance as well as group spiritual development. During this final stretch of your internship you will be asked to implement what you have learned in your focus areas by taking leadership in the Summer Service Program. This would include discipleship of the college aged interns that come just for the summer to be a part of implementing these additional summer programs.
     This has been home to a diverse group of people over the years and we pray that it continues in this tradition. Over the years students, professionals, young and old, internationals, veterans, long term visiting volunteers, missionaries in process of going overseas, and formerly homeless have called Hannah House home.
     We at Good Works have a special place in our hearts for those in crisis of homelessness and those recovering from recurring homelessness. The Hannah House Community is also host to The Life in Transition Program which seeks to provide support, accountability, as well as housing for those who struggle with homelessness. He/she may be your new roommate. Most of these individuals come through the Timothy House, our shelter for the rural homeless; however, some have come from incarceration and other treatment centers. Each person involved in the LIT program goes through an extensive screening process and psychological evaluation to ensure the safety of all those living within the community.

What can I hope to gain from this experience?

     We want to give people the opportunity to experience what full time ministry is like, to test out their their spiritual gifts, calling, and discern what God may be leading them to next. You can expect to grow in your understanding of God's design for living and working within a community of fellow believers and the reality of poverty in Appalachia and around the world. You can expect to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ and better understand how to multiply your life into others through relational outreach and evangelism. You can expect to study what the Bible says about hospitality, simplicity, the full gospel, conflict, reconciliation, the poor, and justice. It is our hope that you will leave saying, "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us." (1 Thess. 2:8)

What does the Appalachian Immersion Internship include?

8 Each person, depending on his or her gifts and interests, will be asked to choose a major and minor focus area. (see section below)

8 Hannah House Community: This includes "Hosting" the house a few times a week, potentially mentoring and building into those involved with the LIT program, taking leadership on ways to strengthen and build trust and unity, and sharing dinners together as a community.

8 Hospitality: Welcoming overnight guests into the house, giving tours and explaining the vision/ministry of Good Works to visitors.

8 Work Groups: Providing hospitality to student and adult "Worship Teams," leading devotionals, and investing in the individuals.

8 Teaching/Discipleship: Participation in the weekly house meeting, weekly meeting/discipleship with house manager, Curriculum study including outside reading and outside speakers/training, weekly GW staff meeting. All meetings include a combination of worship through music, prayer, discussion, and bible study.

8 Relationships: Time set aside for relational evangelism by building friendships with individuals in the Athens community from the Friday Night Supper, the Timothy House, or clients of the Samaritan Projects.

8 Leadership: You will be asked to take leadership of many aspects of the summer service program. (see section below)

What are the areas of focus?

8 Timothy House: The Good Works emergency shelter for the rural homeless. Your time here would include supervising the house, spending time visiting and building relationships with the residents.

8 Samaritan Projects: Volunteers work on homes of elderly and disabled residents of Athens County. This would include supervision of work groups, conducting site visits, assessment and caring out of projects, and follow-up with homeowners. We view visitation as important as work that gets accomplished. It is a ministry of presence.

8 Senior Care: This could include either overseeing the senior care program or simply being one of the volunteers that agrees to weekly visit an elderly member of the community.

8 Friday Night Supper: This could be a minor focus area for an intern. It may included running the large community dinner, giving a Good Works overview talk to the volunteer group, running the shuttle, organizing food distribution, and/or building relationships with community members that attend.

8 Kids Club: Organize the weekly program with "at risk" kids during the Friday Night Supper. This may include meeting with volunteers, planning activities and games, and building relationships with the children and their families.

8 Small business: Work in and develop our Fair Trade products store called Good Gifts, or the Good Works Country Bed and Breakfast.

8 Leadership: You will be asked to take leadership of many aspects of the summer service program. (see section below)

8 Property Management: Help with the upkeep of the two Good Works properties. This will include overseeing, and building into volunteers.

8 Job Training: Assist the coordinator of these programs with organizational and administration tasks. This may also include recruitment of participants and businesses as well as relationship building and encouragement of those already in the program.

8 Administration: If you are task oriented or enjoy administration you could participate in this area of Good Works ministry. This may include grant writing, mailings, or fundraising.

8 Transformation Station: Provide leadership to this unique context where needy citizens from Appalachia volunteer to serve others and obtain the things they need in exchange

8 Create your own: Do you have special or unique gifts that you feel would benefit one or more of the ministries of Good Works? Do you work on computers, build websites, advertising or promotions, public speaking, enjoy gardening, etc… We want to gear this year as much as possible around your interests, desires, and gifts.

Is there a cost for this internship?

   Good Works’ ability to offer the Appalachian Immersion internship depends on its participants utilizing their resources and raising financial support and is an expected part of the internship. This allows us to provide housing, utilities, food, support staff, curriculum materials and a monthly living stipend to you. You are encouraged to raise this through support letters and meetings with your friends, relatives, churches, or social organizations. Good Works, Inc. is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization and your supporters will receive a tax-deductible receipt. We are committed to walking with you as you trust God to provide the funds needed. If you have questions about the specifics, please contact us.

How do I apply?

     Call us at 740/594-3336 and ask for Paul Richard, or e-mail us at goodworks@good-works.net and set up a time to request an application for the internship. We will ask that you return this to us by a certain date. You will be contacted for a formal interview with several of the staff. This may include staying overnight at our Hannah House, participating in some part of the Good Works community, coming to a staff meeting, sharing a meal with one of the staff, etc. You are encouraged to come into this interview asking questions about Good Works. Although we are interviewing you, you also are interviewing us. We will then contact you after careful consideration and prayer to discuss the result of the interview.

When does this internship start?

      While the internship is flexible enough to welcome you at any time during the year, we do formally begin the internship the first of September and go through the end of August the following year. Much of the first nine months will be preparing you and building you up to become summer staff. During the summer you will be leading much of the Summer Service Program.

What about time off?

     We allow for 10 vacation days per year. We prefer that those are not taken during the summer due to the heightened intensity of ministry and community at the Hannah House.

What is included in the curriculum?

   Along with your experiential learning we want to equip you and challenge you academically as well as spiritually with a curriculum including studies of social justice, spiritual development, community, hospitality, servant leadership, evangelism, God's heart for the poor, worship, and Appalachian culture. This includes various books and discussions, speakers, trainings, and Bible studies.

What do I do about my Student Loans?

   Because you have no income but a stipend, you may qualify for a deferment. Talk to us for more info.

What about... ?

   We have tried to come up with a bunch of questions, but realistically, you probably have more. Please do not hesitate to contact us via e-mail or phone and we will try to answer any you may have.

Paul Richard
PO Box 4
Athens, OH, 45701

740/594-3336

8	Each person, depending on his or her gifts and interests, will be asked to choose a major and minor focus area. (see section below)
8	Hannah House Community: This includes "Hosting" the house a few times a week, potentially mentoring and building into those involved with the LIT program, taking leadership on ways to strengthen and build trust and unity, and sharing dinners together as a community.
8	Hospitality: Welcoming overnight guests into the house, giving tours and explaining the vision/ministry of Good Works to visitors.
8	Work Groups: Providing hospitality to student and adult "Worship Teams," leading devotionals, and investing in the individuals.
8	Teaching/Discipleship: Participation in the weekly house meeting, weekly meeting/discipleship with house manager, Curriculum study including outside reading and outside speakers/training, weekly GW staff meeting. All meetings include a combination of worship through music, prayer, discussion, and bible study.
8	Relationships: Time set aside for relational evangelism by building friendships with individuals in the Athens community from the Friday Night Supper, the Timothy House, or clients of the Samaritan Projects.
8	Leadership: You will be asked to take leadership of many aspects of the summer service program. (see section below)

8	Timothy House: The Good Works emergency shelter for the rural homeless. Your time here would include supervising the house, spending time visiting and building relationships with the residents.
8	Samaritan Projects: Volunteers work on homes of elderly and disabled residents of Athens County. This would include supervision of work groups, conducting site visits, assessment and caring out of projects, and follow-up with homeowners. We view visitation as important as work that gets accomplished. It is a ministry of presence.
8	Senior Care: This could include either overseeing the senior care program or simply being one of the volunteers that agrees to weekly visit an elderly member of the community.
8	Friday Night Supper: This could be a minor focus area for an intern. It may included running the large community dinner, giving a Good Works overview talk to the volunteer group, running the shuttle, organizing food distribution, and/or building relationships with community members that attend.
8	Kids Club: Organize the weekly program with "at risk" kids during the Friday Night Supper. This may include meeting with volunteers, planning activities and games, and building relationships with the children and their families.
8	Small business: Work in and develop our Fair Trade products store called Good Gifts, or the Good Works Country Bed and Breakfast.
8	Leadership: You will be asked to take leadership of many aspects of the summer service program. (see section below)
8	Property Management: Help with the upkeep of the two Good Works properties. This will include overseeing, and building into volunteers.
8	Job Training: Assist the coordinator of these programs with organizational and administration tasks. This may also include recruitment of participants and businesses as well as relationship building and encouragement of those already in the program.
8	Administration: If you are task oriented or enjoy administration you could participate in this area of Good Works ministry. This may include grant writing, mailings, or fundraising.
8	Transformation Station: Provide leadership to this unique context where needy citizens from Appalachia volunteer to serve others and obtain the things they need in exchange
8	Create your own: Do you have special or unique gifts that you feel would benefit one or more of the ministries of Good Works? Do you work on computers, build websites, advertising or promotions, public speaking, enjoy gardening, etc… We want to gear this year as much as possible around your interests, desires, and gifts.