🎧 Stories of the Hope – Serving Appalachia with Henderson Settlement

Guest: John D. Newman, Executive Director of Henderson Settlement
Host: Benson Gregory
Organization: Mission of Hope

In this episode of Stories of the Hope, we welcome John D. Newman, Executive Director of Henderson Settlement in Frakes, Kentucky. Nestled deep in the mountains near the Kentucky–Tennessee border, Henderson Settlement has spent nearly a century providing not just food, clothing, and housing support — but also dignity, education, and the hope of Christ.

John shares the story of Henderson’s beginnings as a church and school in 1925, its evolution into a full-scale ministry meeting physical and spiritual needs, and the unique challenges of serving one of the most isolated regions in Appalachia. You’ll also hear how Mission of Hope steps in to bridge critical gaps — from diapers for newborns to food boxes for families and school supplies for hundreds of children.

• 📍 Remote Ministry Roots – Henderson Settlement was founded to serve families so rural they nicknamed the region “South America” because of its isolation.

• 🏫 From Schoolhouse to Full Ministry – What began as a pastor’s vision for education has grown into programs serving children, youth, and seniors alike.

• 👶 Meeting Everyday Needs – Through its “Moms and Infants” program, Henderson Settlement supports around 70 young children with diapers, baby beds, strollers, and more.

• 🥫 Feeding Families – Each month, the ministry distributes food boxes to more than 450 families and seniors, while providing 150 USDA-supported senior commodity boxes — with many more on the waiting list.

• 🛠 Volunteers at Work – Over 1,200 mission team members travel to Frakes each year, building ramps, repairing homes, and even constructing new houses for families in need.

• 🤝 Mission of Hope’s Role – MOH provides essential supplies, school support, and emergency help — ensuring Henderson Settlement never comes up short in serving the community.

• 🙏 How You Can Help – Food, clothing, school supplies, and financial gifts all make a tangible impact in this rural corner of Appalachia.

• “Food sustainability is a true issue that’s not going away.”

• “Mission of Hope has taken a tremendous burden off of us — filling the gaps when we didn’t have diapers, food, or school supplies.”

• “If you’re here, you’re very young or very mature. And those are exactly the people Mission of Hope helps us serve.”

• Henderson Settlement: www.hendersonsettlement.com | (606) 337-3613

• Mission of Hope: www.missionofhope.org

✝️ Stories of the Hope is a podcast by Mission of Hope, highlighting how God is working through partnerships and volunteers to bring hope to rural Appalachia.

Episode SummaryKey TakeawaysQuotes from John NewmanResources & Links

👤 Guest:

Sheila Fuson
Title: Coordinator – Family Resource and Youth Services Center (FRYSC)
Organization: Lone Jack School Center, Bell County, Kentucky

In this deeply emotional episode, host Benson Gregory sits down with Sheila Fuson, FRYSC Coordinator at Lone Jack School in Bell County, Kentucky — a woman whose persistence and compassion have literally changed lives.

Sheila shares her 34-year journey serving the children and families of her small Appalachian community. From taking kids to dentist appointments and helping parents apply for jobs, to delivering Christmas gifts in the snow on her own time, Sheila is more than a coordinator — she’s a lifeline.

The episode builds to a heartbreaking but redemptive story: two young girls found in heartbreaking conditions after their mother passed away. Thanks to Sheila’s persistence and Mission of Hope’s support, those girls were given warmth, furniture, education — and a new life. One of them, now a high school senior, still remembers the moment everything changed.

• What FRYSC coordinators really do

• How poverty, addiction, and family loss affect kids in Eastern Kentucky

• The real-world impact of Mission of Hope’s school partnerships

• Why volunteers are urgently needed — and how to get involved

• A story of loss, love, and redemption that will stay with you

“If you don’t have a heart for a kid, then this is not a job for you.” — Sheila Fuson

• Mission of Hope: missionofhope.org
  → Donate, sponsor a child, or sign up to serve a school like Lone Jack.

📝 Episode Summary:🔑 What You'll Hear:💬 Quote of the Episode:🔗 Resources:

🎙️ Stories of the Hope – August 2025 Episode
Title: Mentorship That Changes Lives: John Koch & Connor Blevins

Host: Benson Gregory
Guests: John Koch (Mentor) and Connor Blevins (Scholar)

Episode Summary:
In this powerful episode of Stories of the Hope, host Benson Gregory sits down with mentor John Koch and scholar Connor Blevins to explore the life-changing impact of Mission of Hope’s mentor-scholar program. John shares why he chose to get involved after retirement and how his weekly calls with Connor have become a rewarding, faith-filled connection. Connor opens up about his challenging childhood, his family’s path to recovery, and how the Mission of Hope scholarship and mentorship helped him envision and pursue a future he never thought possible.

Key Topics:

• How John Koch got involved with Mission of Hope after retirement

• What mentoring looks like when done remotely

• Connor's personal story: from instability and early exposure to addiction to academic achievement

• The critical turning point in 8th grade that sparked Connor’s pursuit of excellence

• How Mission of Hope’s scholarship and mentor program changed Connor’s life path

• Connor’s aspirations: law, business, and eventually politics

• The importance of thank-you notes and staying connected with scholarship organizations

• Advice for students and potential mentors

• A closing reflection from Ephesians 2:10 and the call to serve others

Notable Quotes:

🗣️ “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” – John Koch quoting Ephesians 2:10

🗣️ “Knowing I’ve got somebody I can go to and just talk—that’s a pretty big thing for me.” – Connor Blevins

🗣️ “Don’t just get the money and run. Send thank you letters. Stay in touch. Step out of your comfort zone.” – Connor’s advice to fellow scholars

Take Action:

💙 Learn more about becoming a mentor or applying for a Mission of Hope scholarship: https://missionofhope.org
📣 Share this episode to help spread the word about how mentorship changes lives.
🙏 Are you retired or looking for ways to serve? Mission of Hope and find your place to plug in.