Mission Focus – Red Bird Mission
Red Bird Mission, guided by Jesus Christ, empowers individuals and advocates justice by providing spiritual, educational, health, and community outreach ministries in southeastern Kentucky. The need is great in this isolated, rural area where chronic poverty, lack of jobs, poor housing and rugged terrain create obstacles to a fuller life. Red Bird Mission strives to meet the needs of their neighbors through ministry in five areas: Education, Health & Wellness, Community Outreach, Economic Opportunity, and Community Housing Improvement.
Education: Red Bird Christian school serves students in grades K-12 and centers on developing the full potential of its students in a Christian atmosphere, regardless of their ability to pay.
Health & Wellness: Red Bird operates Community Health Services which provide over 3000 health education and direct services in a 3-county area and includes over 300 home visits annually. They also operate a Dental Clinic that provides complete services for 600 patients each year.
Community Outreach: Aid includes emergency support services, a clean water kiosk, and assistance with clothing, food, and transportation needs.
Economic Opportunity: The Craft Marketing Program provides economic opportunity for craftspeople within a 75-mile radius of the Mission, purchasing crafts directly from the artisan and marketing them locally and throughout the U.S. The Red Bird Community Store provides 11 full-time jobs for community residents.
Community Housing Improvement: Volunteers provide home repairs for low-income residents such as roof replacement, painting, building porches or ramps, and grounds keeping.
Click here to give and find out more about Red Bird Mission by visiting their website.
How can you help?
Serve at Red Bird
October 26-31, 2025
Pray for the families
Red Bird Mission Trip: Oct 26-31, 2025
Deadline to register is September 1.
Have you been thinking about serving on a mission trip but without leaving the country? Interested in working on a mission project in an atmosphere where participants grow spiritually and gain a personal understanding of mission? Red Bird Mission Work Camp, in the Appalachian Mountains, is just what you’ve been looking for!
Work Camp strives to provide home repair for low-income community residents and maintenance for Mission buildings and grounds. All ages and ability levels are encouraged to join the team – there is something there for everyone! The work, enthusiasm and love shared during the work camp experience has a profound effect on the lives of the participants, staff, and community. The cost is $500 and will be due mid-September. Please prayerfully consider joining the team and contact Jack Benson at jack.benson86@gmail.com if you are interested. Sign up here.
There will be an informational meeting on Sunday, June 29 @ 10 AM in the Living Room (Cornerstone Commons).
Help purchase a new van for Red Bird Mission!
Would you like to support Red Bird Mission but aren’t able to participate in Work Camp? Donate to St. Mark’s special “Red Bird Van fund” anytime between now and October 20. Help St. Mark’s and other local Methodist churches gift a new van to Red Bird so that they can continue their mission of serving those in need in their community by providing high quality home repairs and improvements. Go to stmarkscarmel.org/give and select “Red Bird Van” from the pull-down menu, or use the offering envelopes in the blue attendance pads on Sunday (please note “Red Bird Van” on the envelope or your check).