The Friday Finish - Class of 2025 Spiritual Preps - Red Bird Continues Tornado Relief - Back to School Needs You

May 30, 2025

Class of 2025 Closes with Spiritual Emphasis

May 18th was a joyful day for the 25 graduating seniors at Red Bird Christian School (RBCS), but tears also flowed with the realization that they would be leaving a place that has prepared them for the next phase of life.

Friends and family packed the church Sunday morning on the historic Beverly Campus where Red Bird graduates have begun final graduation ceremonies over the last 100 years with a Baccalaureate service worshipping through music and spoken word. Five seniors participated by leading prayer, reading scripture and introducing their chosen speaker for the service, Mr. John Lundy, Science and Bible Teacher at RBCS. Mr. Lundy began by welcoming those gathered in both English and French (coached by a couple of the international students) and continued with humble, sincere counsel to prepare the graduates for their lives ahead with a spiritual foundation.

“Your Initial approach to this next step of life is one of the most crucial decisions you will ever make.  It doesn’t matter which direction you plan or have chosen to go after today - whether college, trade school or straight into the work force. What is important is that you enter that decision with Christ leading your life.”

The commencement program began after seniors, their families and school staff were served a full “Sunday dinner” prepared Mrs. Rachel Saylor and her food service staff in the school cafeteria. Energy was high as Mr. Mark Smallwood began playing at 2 pm and the graduates marched into the gymnasium to cheers and horns. Student leadership of the service was rendered through prayer by Salutatorians Arraya Salyers and Leah Ray while the traditional valedictory addresses given by Sydney Nolan and Justicia Masengo brought tears to all as they expressed appreciation and reflected on their journey at RBCS that prepares bright visions for the future.

Reverend Mike Addison, Pastor of New Hope Church of God in Corbin and the Chief Operating  Officer of Appalachian Children’s Home, delivered an affirming message that included his story of humble beginnings in poverty giving hope to all present and continuing to encourage graduates to maintain a faith perspective in the future.

 “Your graduation today is not just an academic milestone; it is a spiritual mile marker.”

“Don’t chase success but chase faithfulness. Don’t live for the applause of other people, but live for the approval of God.”

“Always be the voice of hope in a world that is dreadfully confused right now. Be the voice of hope. Use your gifts to speak life, to serve well, and to pray without ceasing, but above all, keep a surrendered spirit that says, ‘God, whatever you want me to do for your glory. I will do anything.’”

Support student achievement at Red Bird Christian School

Red Bird Community Continues Tornado Relief

On what seemed to be just an ordinary morning, two Red Bird Mission employees, Kelton Adams and Cody Asher, embarked Thursday on a mission to deliver crucial relief supplies donated by the Red Bird community to families affected by a severe EF4 tornado in London, Kentucky just two weeks ago. Behind every headline is a family, a story, a life turned upside down. As they navigated through the valleys of grief and sorrow, they discovered that a disaster doesn't just destroy--it reveals strength, resilience, and humanity.

Kelton recalled a recent visit with coworker, Kayla Smith, where they distributed donations at the Faith Assembly Church of God in London, Kentucky. The heart-wrenching stories heard there echoed in their minds, but the true extent of the devastation was still hidden beyond the church—a reality that Kelton and Cody were about to encounter firsthand.

Upon arriving at the Command Post, Kelton and Cody checked in, eager to gather more supplies and receive instructions. The seriousness of the situation became clear as they loaded the supplies into their vehicle. Each box and bag represented a lifeline for someone in need. As they stepped into the heart of the disaster area, the harsh reality struck them: numerous homes had been demolished, leaving only concrete slabs to indicate where families had once resided. In a community that was once lively and vibrant, empty fields now served as a haunting reminder of what used to be.

The impact starts as Kelton and Cody met a local for the first time. The man was attempting to clear debris from his partially collapsed house and initially, he politely declined their offer of food and water, grateful for the little he possessed. After a while, he admits that he could really use some totes to organize the remaining pieces of his life. On a purposeful mission, Kelton and Cody committed to bringing the requested totes back to this resident.

The emotional impact of those encounters was immense. Kelton, clearly moved, shared the stories with tears in his eyes,

"every single person, despite their loss, had this deep gratitude and peace about them." 

It was a quiet reminder that showing up for each other, even in the smallest way, can create ripples of healing.

The aftermath of the tornado in London, Kentucky, has left a lasting impact that is hard to measure. The road ahead will require ongoing support for one another as we rebuild in the months and years to come. Every contribution counts, no matter how small it may seem. All supplies are needed, however, Kelton states that tote boxes and baby food are particularly needed.

This journey was a powerful reminder of the positive impact that compassion can have, especially in the face of disaster. Empathy matters. Each small act of kindness, whether it's providing supplies or offering a listening ear, gives immediate comfort and helps build a path to healing.

Support regional community relief at Red Bird

Read more stories on Kayla's blog post - Delivering Hope and Humanity

Back to School Program Needs Your Help

The Red Bird Mission Community Outreach Back to School Program provides 100 children living in low income households with a new backpack, school supplies, a devotional, requested classroom sanitation supplies, and shoes and clothing to start school on equal footing as the others. Many families are undergoing reductions in benefits and will struggle providing these basic needs especially when they have several children to buy for. It is disheartening for a child to enter a new classroom and not have what is needed nor be able to share in collecting the classroom supplies being requested.

Last week, we highlighted the need for in kind donations of backpacks for middle school and high school students, scientific calculators, and construction paper needed to prepare for the July distribution. Funds are still needed to fund clothing vouchers of $25 for each student.

Support Back to School & Backpack Assistance at Red Bird

This was found at the Community Water Kiosk by the Farmers Market Pavilion this week. It's a note of affirmation that Red Bird is meeting real needs in the mountains.