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Hinton Rural Life Center is a mission agency of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. Inspired by Jesus Christ, Hinton Rural Life Center’s purpose is to engage individuals, congregations, and communities in transformation through retreat ministry and missional outreach. Learn more at www.HintonCenter.org.
Hinton Center received a grant this month from The Duke Endowment for $5,000. These funds allow CEO Jacqueline Gottlieb to attend Leadership North Carolina, a competitive leadership training program that only accepts 60 individuals per class.
Gottlieb has served Hinton and the surrounding areas for five years. During this time she has exhibited leadership, motivation, commitment to the area and state, and volunteerism, which are just a handful of the requirements of applicants to Leadership North Carolina. Gottlieb revealed what this grant means to her and to the Hinton Center as a whole:
“To me, being granted funds to participate in Leadership NC means that The Duke
Endowment truly believes in the value of rural communities. Long-term
programs, like Leadership NC, provide individuals with the opportunity to
form lasting relationships. These relationships grant access to professional expertise as needs arise.”
This grant will allow Hinton Center, through Gottlieb, to make connections vital to the future of a community pillar like Hinton, and will further equip her to lead staff, volunteers, and other Hinton visitors.
Based in Charlotte and established in 1924 by industrialist and philanthropist James B. Duke, The Duke Endowment is a private foundation that strengthens communities in North Carolina and South Carolina by nurturing children, promoting health, educating minds and enriching spirits. Since its founding, it has distributed more than $3 billion in grants. The Endowment shares a name with Duke University and Duke Energy, but all are separate organizations.
Hinton Rural Life Center is a mission agency of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. Inspired by Jesus Christ, Hinton Rural Life Center’s purpose is to engage individuals, congregations, and communities in transformation through retreat ministry and missional outreach. Learn more at www.HintonCenter.org.
Hinton Rural Life Center welcomes another group to its campus this week to begin much needed home repairs in our community. You will begin to see tell-tale signs of Hinton work trucks being followed by church vans each and every weekday morning and evening as they criss-cross Clay County providing free repair service to your neighbors in need.
Hinton Center receives around 200 requests each year for home repairs. With nearly 1000 volunteers coming from across the country to help out with these repairs, Hinton hopes to be able to reach each of these requests. The manpower is ready to work; however, portions of the Center’s vehicle and tool supply is aging and in need of replenishment. Gently used power or hand tools and lawn equipment are needed, as well as pick-up trucks in running condition.
If you have a friend or relative who has been helped through the years by the Hinton volunteers, or if you are simply looking for a tax-deductible donation, Hinton Center welcomes your assistance as they work to improve the lives of those in need. Please drop donations at the Center at 2330 Hinton Center Rd., or call 828-389-8336 for more information.
Hinton also is looking for local volunteers to help out in our office and on the grounds of the Center. Please stop by the office or call 828-389-8336 to offer your time so that Clay County residents may continue to receive the Center’s services.
Two Young Adult Missionaries, Whitney Peters (North Texas Conference) and Diamond Pate (Southwest Conference), were recently assigned by Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church to work at Hinton Center. Whitney is a current Mission Intern and served her first 1.5 years in Nicaragua. Diamond is a US-2 and previously worked in New Jersey with Hurricane Sandy Relief. The two missionaries will work with Hinton as Development & Communications Coordinators for the next year and a half, as well as, helping with the volunteer missions program in the summer.
Whitney Peters
McKinney, TX (North Texas Conference)
Mission Intern
1. What are you really passionate about right now?
I am passionate about learning more about different populations and different cultures. I really want to listen to people’s stories. Also, I want to continue using and improving my Spanish.
2. What is a saying you say a lot?
“I know! Right?”
3. Tell us about a challenging moment as a Mission Intern.
Living within a culture that honors being close to family always and then living far away from my own family members. I’ve truly learned to cherish my family even more. Also, living in solidarity with others in very rural, impoverished areas and then having to leave.
4. Tell us about a rewarding moment as a Mission Intern.
Traveling 6 hours on horseback to stay two nights with a young family with three little girls and finally no longer thinking of people as “poor people” but more as fellow brothers & sisters who happen to face the issue of poverty.
5. After living in Hayesville, NC for a few weeks now, what is something that surprised/impressed you about your new community?
Leaving Nicaragua, one thing I knew I would miss is the easy access to fresh, unprocessed produce. I was happily surprised to find out about all the farmer’s markets that will be available this summer. I love that this community honors their farming communities.
Diamond Pate
Las Vegas, Nevada (Southwest Conference)
US-2
1. What are you really passionate about right now?
Right now I am passionate about developing relationships with people. I want to hear people’s stories and take the time to be present in their lives because some people just need to know that someone cares.
2. What is a saying you say a lot?
I often think of the part in Psalm 46:10 that says “Be still and know that I am God”. Whenever I feel stressed or overwhelmed, I remind myself to be still and not worry because God is in control.
3. Tell us about a challenging moment as a US-2.
My first placement site was doing Superstorm Sandy Relief work in New Jersey. One of the most challenging moments I have had as a US-2 was leaving before seeing the houses I worked on completed. I miss the homeowners, volunteers, and staff I worked with, but I know the work is in good hands!
4. Tell us about a rewarding moment as a US-2.
I get to meet so many new people! It is so rewarding to experience new cultures and meet new people.
5. After living in Hayesville, NC for a few weeks now, what is something that surprised/impressed you about your new community?
I love how close knit the community is. Everyone seems to know each other or they are friendly enough to quickly accept you as a friend! I have felt very welcomed.