Meridzo Center in Kentucky was born in 1999 when the Lord led Lonnie and Belinda Riley to return to their home area of Lynch.
When the coal industry in southeastern Kentucky downsized in the fifties and sixties, the economy took a major downturn. But God was still active raising up leaders who worked endlessly at the daunting task of rebuilding the area. God was working a long time before calling Lonnie and Belinda. He invited them into the center of His activity and they were obedient.
Since the Lord has been using Meridzo Center, Inc. through the years as a part of the rebuilding process of Appalachia the slogan for the ministry has become “Serving the Underserved in Jesus Name”. All of us have needs. We are here to serve all and to meet the needs as the Lord provides.
The ministries the Riley’s were led to begin initially in Harlan County were to meet needs in a practical way. Food, clothing, and building materials distribution, teen center, home repair, church repairs, medical missions, back to school week, backpack food distribution, after school programs, summer fun programs, Christmas projects, school partnerships, backyard Bible clubs, etc. Today Meridzo Center is extending the ministries to Letcher, Perry, and Floyd Counties as well as sending medical missions to Virginia.
Lonnie’s leadership training for ministers and speaking engagements send him across America and to other countries. He has been able to encourage leaders in Russia, Bulgaria, Africa, and most recently Haiti. There is a great revival sweeping Haiti right now. Thousands are coming to know the Lord and are so hungry for any spiritual teaching they can get. They love to hear the stories of God’s activity and blessings to the people of Appalachia and pray He will extend blessings to them.
Come serve with us at Meridzo Center, Inc. in Lynch, Kentucky and experience God’s mighty hand at work!