Stories of the Hope

About Stories of the Hope

Mission of Hope is a ministry that provides essential resources for students and families living with poverty across rural Appalachia through our Outreach Programs. This podcast will share stories directly from those served by and those volunteering with Mission of Hope. Learn more about our organization at http://www.missionofhope.org

Publisher

Benson Gregory, Mission of Hope

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Jan 2025

Latest episode

30 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

21 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Oct 2026

   Chrissy Blevins: Rising Above Challenges in Owsley County

   A heartfelt story of resilience, education, and family ties. In this week’s episode of **Stories of Hope**, we dive into the inspiring journey of Chrissy Blevins, a scholar from Owsley County, Kentucky. With her unique background and determination, Chrissy's story sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of growing up in one of the poorest counties in the United States. ## A Glimpse into Owsley County Chrissy describes her hometown as a quiet, small community with limited resources. "We have one grocery store and two dollar stores," she shares, highlighting the challenges of accessibility in her area. Despite these obstacles, she expresses a deep-rooted affection for her home and the good people who reside there. ## Family and Resilience Raised by her grandparents due to her mother’s struggles with addiction, Chrissy's life has been shaped by both love and responsibility. "I was raised by both of my grandparents... my mom suffered a lot with addiction," she explains. This dynamic introduced her to caregiving at a young age, as she took on the role of a big sister to her younger sibling. Her grandparents, whom she fondly remembers as a saintly influence, played a crucial role in her upbringing. "My granny made sure that I got to play volleyball and do theater," Chrissy recounts, illustrating how they prioritized her happiness despite their own hardships. ## Navigating Adversity The conversation touches on the weight of responsibility Chrissy bore while balancing school and family obligations. "It was difficult at times because... you're changing oxygen tanks in the middle of the night and trying to do school work," she admits. Yet, she finds strength in her experiences, viewing them as integral to her identity instead of mere burdens. ## The Impact of Mission of Hope Mission of Hope has been a significant support system throughout Chrissy's life. They provided essential supplies to students in her community, which made a meaningful difference. Chrissy reflects, "I was about to be thirteen... this whole big bundle of joy and she's never leaving my side." ## A Future of Possibilities As she pursues not one, but two master's degrees, Chrissy embodies resilience and ambition. "If it comes down to me having a better opportunity, I will move," she states, emphasizing her commitment to bettering her life and supporting her family. Her journey is not just about personal success but also about lifting those around her. Chrissy’s story is a testament to the strength of family ties, the importance of community, and the relentless spirit of overcoming adversity. As you reflect on her journey, consider the ways in which your own challenges have shaped you. **Listen to the full episode for more insights from Chrissy and her remarkable story.**

2. 

   28 Sept 2026

   God's Love in a Diaper Bag a visit with Bessie and Lester McPeek

   Benson Gregory talks with Bessie and Lester McPeak of God’s Love from a Diaper Bag, a Kentucky ministry that supports mothers, babies, and families with practical essentials and spiritual encouragement. They share how the ministry began, how it has grown over nearly three decades, and how Mission of Hope has supported its work.Bessie explains how a need she witnessed while working with families led to a ministry serving hospitals, hosting baby showers, supporting Christmas outreach, and working with local resource centers. The McPeaks also describe the mission house, where volunteer teams stay while serving communities across the region.About the ministryGod’s Love from a Diaper Bag provides diapers, wipes, baby-care items, clothing, formula when available, and other support to families in eastern Kentucky. Each hospital diaper bag includes a Bible and a homemade item. The ministry also hosts baby showers and helps connect families with local resources.Bessie and Lester say they serve several hospitals, including those in Whitesburg, Middlesboro, Hazard, and Prestonsburg. They also welcome volunteer teams who stay at the mission house and help with community projects and outreach.How to helpBessie says the ministry can use Walgreens gift cards, donations by check, diapers, baby supplies, and Bibles. The diaper sizes mentioned as especially needed are newborn, 1, 3, 4, and 6. Contact the ministry directly to confirm current needs before sending items.Mailing address shared in the episode:God’s Love from a Diaper Bag9757 Highway 805Jenkins, KY 41537Notable momentsBessie recalls deciding that every mother should receive a diaper bag, so no one has to disclose whether they can afford supplies.The McPeaks describe how the ministry grew from helping a handful of families to serving hospitals and communities across the region.Bessie shares a story about a young man who found John 3:16 in a diaper bag and began reading it.The couple reflect on how meeting practical needs can help people become more open to spiritual support.

3. 

   27 Aug 2026

   Reviving Hope: A Conversation with Ryan Martin

   # Reviving Hope: A Conversation with Ryan Martin > Exploring community impact through mission work and education In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Ryan Martin, a dedicated leader at Clear Creek Bible College and pastor in Hancock County, Tennessee. Ryan is not just a pastor; he embodies the spirit of community service through various initiatives that uplift those around him. ## Commitment to Service Ryan shares his daily responsibilities at Clear Creek Bible College, where he coordinates mission teams. The newly built facility can house 138 people, allowing them to engage in various community outreach activities. The college becomes a hub for domestic missions, bringing in groups who work directly with local schools and churches to address pressing needs in the area. > "We work with multiple ministries but also Mission of Hope. They send a lot of stuff up here to help these children." — Ryan Martin The needs in the community are significant, especially as the school year begins. Ryan highlights the struggle many children face just to have basic school supplies and clothing. ## Revitalizing Communities Ryan recounts the powerful impact of reopening a church that had been closed for seven years due to COVID-19. With the help of mission teams, they were able to restore the building and revitalize the congregation. This story reflects a broader trend of churches facing closure, making the revival of such places all the more crucial. > "We were able to send in mission teams to help them to reboot." — Ryan Martin His work extends beyond the college; through his ministry, Heart for Appalachia, Ryan organizes various camps, including basketball and archery, to engage local youth. ## Personal Journey and Giving Back Ryan’s passion for giving stems from a life-changing mission trip to Africa nearly twenty years ago. Witnessing children play with makeshift toys shifted his perspective on generosity and community support. > "I learned that if we lend to the poor, God will repay it." — Ryan Martin Today, he continues this spirit of giving by providing essential items to children who often lack basic necessities, transforming lives one backpack at a time. Ryan’s story serves as a powerful reminder that even small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on a community. As Ryan says, "We meet needs and we change lives." In our conversation, we also explore how organizations like Mission of Hope support these efforts, providing resources and assistance that make a tangible difference in the lives of many. For more on Ryan's inspiring work and how you can get involved, listen to the full episode.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

880

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 25 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

10

Social presence

0

YouTube

66

Engagement

32