For the past ten years we’ve engaged in a Missions Week ministry while pastoring Northgate Church in Pittsburgh, PA. then moving on to full time work in WV for the past 4 years. Over those ten years, over 100 significant home improvement projects were completed and so far, 4 tiny houses have been given away. We also seek to provide community assistance to both Clay County schools and local businesses throughout the year.
“Let your light so shine before men that they might see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Jesse Boggs received his bachelor degree from Appalachian Bible College, a M. Div. from Grace Theological Seminary while also engaging in post graduate studies at Grace. Having been in pastoral ministry for over 35 years, Jesse served as an adjunct pastoral studies professor at Calvary Bible College in Kansas City, MO.
Both Debbie and Jesse Boggs were born and raised in West Virginia and continue to have a deep love for the people in the area. Family roots in the region are one of Jesse’s strongest passions. He bleeds blue and gold when the Mountaineers are on the field in Morgantown, WV. Their history with the Appalachian lifestyle makes it possible to come alongside the area’s kin proclaiming God’s love and aiding in the needs of others.
The two have been together for 48 years, giving life to three children and being the grandparents of 11, and great grandparents of 2. Their entire family has joined them on numerous occasions to fuel Vision Appalachia’s mission of bringing help and hope to Central Appalachia.
God’s gift, grandchildren.
To continue bringing hope and help to central Appalachia, we need to raise the physical and financial resources required to address our operating expenses for the year of 2019.
In July of 2018 Vision Appalachia was able to bring major improvements to the Clay County High School cafeteria and to a home site in Clay/Maysel. During a 2-day eye clinic, over 300 people received free eye exams while 250 individuals were given new prescription glasses with the gift of improved spiritual and physical sight. We were greatly appreciative of the generosity of Dr. Robert Prazer of Pittsburgh, PA and Dr. Frank Villa of Lynchburg, VA who helped make this ministry possible.
In addition to our six years of service in central Appalachia, successfully completing nearly 70 significant home improvement projects, and our community assistance initiatives in both Clay County schools and local businesses, Vision Appalachia has conducted Sports Camps with hundreds of kids each summer who have responded to the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Our “Picnic in the Parking Lot” is an annual event we put together so the whole community can enjoy free food, live music and activities that meet spiritual and physical needs of those who are in need.
With our focus on “doing what he did” and sharing the care and compassion of Christ, we have built a food pantry in cooperation with the area’s high school to stock food and dry goods for the community on a yearly basis.
In 2016 we diligently assisted in disaster relief during the flood that affected Clay and Kanawha Counties. Through networking with local businesses and generous individuals, Vision Appalachia was able to provide food, supplies and a semitrailer used for much needed storage. Without the devoted groups who moved hearts and MUD during this disaster, we were able to aid in clean up and reconciling what was lost in so many of the lives affected by this tragedy.
We are in need of a warehouse structure for housing construction materials and nonperishable food items. This will allow us to function more efficiently on the ground and serve more members of the community with urgent needs.
An enclosed trailer will play a pivotal role in moving supplies and traveling to work sites, which at the current moment in time can be a very difficult task.
