Christmas in Appalachia is tender and complicated. Money is tight most of the year, and it stretches even thinner when parents start picking out gifts and planning Christmas dinners.

Christmas in Appalachia is tender and complicated. Money is tight most of the year, and it stretches even thinner when parents start picking out gifts and planning Christmas dinners.

Christmas in Appalachia is tender and complicated. Money is tight most of the year, and it stretches even thinner when parents start picking out gifts and planning Christmas dinners.

Out here we don’t always have the finest feast, the nicest clothes, or the fattest wallets. What we have is people. The kind you can call when you’re broke down on the side of the road.

Candace Litton, Women and Children Ministries Coordinator, says, “With the recent shutdown and the holidays drawing near, many families are feeling the weight of the season more than ever. Because of this generosity, they were able to feel seen, supported, and deeply cared for. Their gratitude was overwhelming, and it reminded us just how much these acts of kindness truly matter.”

Candace Litton, Women and Children Ministries Coordinator, says, “With the recent shutdown and the holidays drawing near, many families are feeling the weight of the season more than ever. Because of this generosity, they were able to feel seen, supported, and deeply cared for. Their gratitude was overwhelming, and it reminded us just how much these acts of kindness truly matter.”

Today, my Appalachian Studies class had the privilege of visiting Portal 31 in Harlan County, a historic coal mine that now stands as a museum preserving the story of Kentucky’s coal heritage.

Concern over hunger continues and the pace of response at Red Bird Mission Community Outreach is picking up. On Saturday, the good folks from Murfreesboro, Tennessee showed up to unload 3,500 pounds sweet potatoes coming through the Society of Saint Andrew.

Low income elderly residents living in isolated areas without transportation receiving home-delivered meals from Red Bird Mission Elderly Ministries can relax for a few weeks. Compassionate individuals and churches learning about the potential shutdown of vital meals have stepped up to make donations...

Jon North lauded Mr. Sizemore’s influence in his life on Saturday during his keynote address. Countless others have given unsolicited testimony of the positive impact Daugh made on their lives as a student, athlete, or dormitory resident.

The 2025 Annual Alumni Homecoming weekend started today with students from Red Bird Christian School (RBCS) travelling to the original Beverly Campus for a chapel service in the historic Beverly Church.

Red Bird Mission Work Camp does not schedule teams the week of Labor Day, but the north end of Queendale Campus was filled this week with lots of familiar faces, and some new faces, opening up the Fall Work Camp “season.”

Janet had a long history at Red Bird as a student (Class of 1980), staff member and beloved community member. Utilizing her post-secondary training in accounting, Janet worked various positions at Red Bird Dental Clinic and Red Bird Medical Clinic in the 1980’s and 1990’s. She took on the important role of Finance Director ...

On Saturday, August 2nd, Red Bird Christian School (RBCS) hosted its highly anticipated Archery Day Camp, bringing together 13 dedicated students ranging from 4th to 12th grade for a day of learning, connection, and growth.

At Red Bird, we believe in planting seeds that grow into something lasting, something meaningful. Whether it’s in the heart of a young archer picking up a bow for the first time or in the connections formed through days like this, it all adds up to something bigger than ourselves. The aim is clear: to keep building confidence, teamwork, and celebrating the unique bond between archery and the Appalachian spirit that runs through our kids, our coaches, and our community. Here

We've enjoyed two days filled with continuous fun and laughter at Red Bird Christian School (RBCS) during our Rev Up for Reading & Jesus Day Camp!

Over 100 people signed in (and even more who didn’t sign in) making the event an amazing success. With vendors, music, food, and door prizes, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

If you didn’t see our special appeal sent on Wednesday, Red Bird Mission Community Outreach received notification that meal delivery and in home services provided by our Elderly Ministries would not be funded the last six program days in June.

There were plenty of construction workers at the Florida team’s jobsite so a group of ladies joyfully jumped in to help this week at Community Outreach and at Red Bird Christian School cleaning; organizing pantries and classrooms; packing food boxes and school supplies goodie bags; and handing out fresh produce.

Nestled under the shade of ancient trees, the Cardinal Cafe welcomes locals and wanderers from afar. Here, every corner tells a story—from the Appalachian style food to the vintage antiques that holler old traditions. From its classic Appalachian-inspired roots to exciting new additions, there's always something to admire at the Cardinal Cafe. Whether you’ve never crossed its threshold or know its cozy walls like the back of your hand, I'm here to share why this place is a