Sharing the faith as well as history

The great outdoors

FLEMINGSBURG

As they quietly wait, the young people hidden in the woods are experiencing a highlight of their lives. They are on an adventure called Hunt for the Gospel. 

This faith-based mission teaches kids about safe hunting, fosters life skills and introduces faith. Perhaps most importantly, it provides adult mentors to model these skills for young people. 

Josh Hawkins and his friend, Jake Ratliff, founded Hunt for the Gospel. Josh is the son of Jamie Hawkins, crew leader for Fleming-Mason Energy for 31 years and an active guide and mentor for the group.

Jamie Hawkins, center, Fleming-Mason Energy crew leader, a mentor and guide for Hunt for the Gospel, is shown here with youth, Caleb Hackworth, left, and Braden Thayer. Photo: Josh Hawkins

“We camp out the night before,” says Jamie Hawkins. “We have scripture and Bible study and then go hunting.” 

Tristan Watson went on his birthday, declaring it his “best birthday ever.” 

Each young person has a guide with him through the hunt and the life lessons that invariably arise.

“It is amazing to see the smiles on their faces,” Jamie says. “They never forget it.”

Decades of good deeds

SOMERSET

David Piercy doesn’t count his volunteer work in days, months or even years. He counts his good works in decades.

The lineman for South Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation is active in his church, New Charity Baptist, where he serves as a deacon, as well as a member of the finance and cemetery committees. He is also on the board of the Wayne County Baptist Association, and volunteers with the Emmaus Walk, a nondenominational spiritual retreat. 

David Piercy, South Kentucky RECC lineman, says he tries to do his part by volunteering with the Wayne County Historical Society as well as a variety of church-related activities. Photo: David Upchurch

David chairs the Historical Committee for the Wayne County Historical Society. He was on the Wayne County Fair and Horse Show board of directors for 30 years. 

He sums it up with humility: “I just try to do my part in my community.”