We have a responsibility as Christians to respond to human needs and injustices. we are told to preach good news to the poor, to set at liberty those who are oppressed. This does not mean to preach to people. Instead, we are to demonstrate by example in our daily lives, to attempt to right the injustices we see. In doing so we show the love of God instilled in us by doing instead of speaking. In putting our faith into action with the ASP, we are responding to a specific need: Housing. In most cases we do not work on empty dwellings, but rather on homes where real people live. People who may also need love, a sense of ownership, an avenue for creativity, and a desire to belong. Also remember that lack of adequate housing does not necessarily indicate that a person is disadvantaged in any other way. As we are responding to the call to address the substandard housing needs in Appalachia, we are opening the door for one beautiful opportunity-sharing Christian love.
We come to serve the people of Appalachia with humility and sensitivity. We enter into the communities as guests. it is not our purpose to condemn or judge, nor to change or convert lifestyles nor to rearrange value systems and customs. Our purpose is to extend a helping hand out (not down) to our fellow human beings in the spirit of love and acceptance.
We come to serve in the Christian sense of the word. when we commit ourselves to service, we are making a contract with God to put our own needs and desires aside in order to share our talents, love and concern with our sisters and brothers. If we come with our own selfish desires (i.e.to be appreciated, to erase guilt, to show off our ability to "rebuild a house") we may as well stay at home. The most important aspect is giving freely and honestly with no expectations of reward or thanks. If we encounter a family who seemingly does not appreciate the work we have done, this should not hinder our ability to give totally, unselfishly. In doing so, we are living out the Gospel through the example of Jesus Christ, the most humble of all servants.
ASP's founder, Tex Evans, pointed out in one of the theology points that we consider ourselves to be fortunate for the opportunities we have and as a result need to be mindful of how we deal with those opportunities. We need to be responsible in all that we do, whether it be related to our own health, our possessions or our fellow humans. This certainly pertains to ASP in that we all need to be good stewards of all our resources - the funds raised, the building materials used and especially each other. Each person, whether coming for the first time to serve through the ASP or returning for the fifteenth time, should be open to whatever the experience may offer, open to new ideas, new friends and possibly a new cultural experience. Persons returning should work to stretch their wings, realizing their experiences will be different year to year. Every home and family will be special and relationships developed will be unique.