Father Beiting Appalachian Mission Center

We provide a variety of outreach services for the poor of Appalachia in the Eastern Kentucky area with a charitable and compassionate Christ-centered approach. The Second Bishop of Lexington, Ronald Gainer, established the Father Beiting Appalachian Mission Center (FBAMC) in 2006 as a way to both recognize and sustain the rich legacy of evangelization and service of Monsignor Ralph Beiting (1914-2012), who ministered to the people of Eastern Kentucky for over 60 years.​​ The FBAMC is an apostolate of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington KY.

Our History

Since 1946, Fr. Ralph Beiting spread the love of God and the Catholic Church to one of the poorest sections of our country, the Appalachian mountains of Eastern Kentucky. In the early 1950s, Father Beiting began his efforts with a Bible school for children and street preaching. Over the last six decades Father built 10 churches and established two parishes, purchased land, drew plans and raised funds for each plan, welcomed over 60,000 mission volunteers, performed approximately 5,000 home repairs, housed the poor, opened thrift stores, provided emergency housing, invested in volunteer housing and many other meaningful activities. In 2005 a wonderful Christian service was created known as The Point of Hope Transitional Housing Program for those with addiction problems. The POH has a beautiful community center surrounded by housing that includes a duplex and mobile homes. The community center is also used for youth programs, Bible studies, church services, 12 step program meetings, parenting classes, and much more. Spiritual growth is continually promoted through these programs. In 2006 our current Mission Center was built. This center houses a 50,000 square foot warehouse, 3 loading docks, a tool and maintenance area, offices, conference rooms a chapel, and a popular thrift store called The Mission Attic Store, an entry point for many families searching for help. We are a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization. Our Mission Statement: Bishop Ronald Gainer established the Father Beiting Appalachian Mission Center (FBAMC) in the eastern portion of Kentucky to strengthen and increase the resources of the Diocese. By doing so, we will be able to continue to reach people of our diocese – Catholic and non-Catholic alike – who are in material or spiritual need or who are experiencing a family crisis. On August 9, 2012 Father passed away at the age of 88. Because of Father’s work and love of God and His people he was extremely popular throughout the country. Father’s legacy lives on as the Father Beiting Appalachian Mission Center continues his mission work and dedication to serving the “whole person.” The Mission Center works closely with people who are reaching out for help. The Mission Center is dedicated to spiritual guidance, family, and employment to an ecumenical community.

Our Mission

We provide a variety of outreach services for the poor of Appalachia in the Eastern Kentucky area with a charitable and compassionate Christ-centered approach.

Our Values

Integrity, honesty, and providing the necessary tools and resources so that others can help themselves.

What We Do

We operate a variety of outreach programs to the poor in eastern Kentucky, including emergency and transitional housing, home repair, youth events and camps, a thrift store, well visits, and food distribution.

Skip to content