Photo Album: 2022 Trip of Perspective to Central Appalachia

In October 2022, Faith and Money Network relaunched our Trips of Perspective with a visit to Wise County, VA, to learn about the devastating effects of mountaintop removal and how local leaders are organizing for racial, environmental and economic justice.

Members of the group look out over Looney Ridge and the destruction due to mountaintop removal strip mining.

Historical photos depict the Appalachian coal camp shown in the background on a tour led by members of the Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards (SAMS).

Akwe Starnes, Betsy Grooms-Edmonds, Jessica Mullins Fullen, Christy Smith (kneeling), Susan Taylor, and Gabby Gillespie pose under a landmark sign on Black Mountain, the highest point in Kentucky.

Ron and Jill Carson, co-founders of the Appalachian African-American Cultural Center, speak to the group on Friday afternoon.

The Appalachian African-American Cultural Center recently acquired the desk of famed writer Alex Haley, author of *Roots* and *Autobiography of Malcolm X*.

Bethel Brock, a retired coal miner, speaks to the group about living with black lung disease after working in mines for 32 years.

Touring the mountains with members of SAMS. Left to right: Jim Edmonds, Anthony Joseph, Terran Young, Rea Wynder, Christy Smith, Susan Taylor and Josh Outsey.

Fall foliage puts on an impressive show in Powell Valley.

Sharon Fisher of The Clinch Coalition speaks to the group about sustainable environmental tourism in the area.

What our listeners are saying:

"The Faith and Money Podcast is so inspirational and practical that it will make you want to delve into your money concerns. Through the interviews with an amazing array of people, Mike leads us into an understanding of our money that begins with the numbers and moves on to the soul. A must-listen to for anyone struggling with any aspect of money management – having too little or too much.” –listener from Washington, DC

“I just listened to your most recent episode and found myself weeping. It touched something deep in me.” –pastor and listener from Seattle, WA

“I have listened to all your programs, and I am learning something new with each one. Many thanks for these thoughtful, informative shows.” –listener from Washington, DC

“It was a wonderful encouragement because Brian Higgins [from “Stewards of God’s Creation: Connecting Faith and Money] didn’t say a lot of things about the frightening environmental crisis but about creative things he is actually doing to lower his carbon footprint. He made it sound easy and enjoyable. Your questions were relaxed and thought-provoking and invited Brian into both broader and deeper ways to express his passion for the health of the earth. It was energizing!” –listener from Washington, DC

“I miss my weekly radio conversations/listening to Mike and guests!!” –listener from Boise, ID