By focusing on our partners and their needs, we feel we can have a greater impact on the Kingdom of God in the High Country. Through the support of partners and member missionaries, Alliance truly sees local missions as an opportunity to strengthen and encourage those serving in our community.
Local Community Partnerships:
Mark Valentine | CRU
Mark Valentine is the Campus Director for CRU at Appalachian State University. This is his 19th year in ministry with CRU at ASU and his main responsibilities are shepherding the staff team of six, giving vision and direction to the overall ministry, evangelism and discipleship with students, and leading a men’s Bible study of key upperclassmen.
Damon & Emily Harris | CRU
Damon and Emily are on staff with Cru at App State, focusing on meeting with students for discipleship, leading Bible studies, and doing evangelism on campus. Their goal is to connect students to Christ and cast vision for the nations.
Before COVID/coming to Boone, they served with Cru overseas. They feel called to be overseas and hope to return at some point to focus on church planting. Currently both Damon and Emily are in seminary at RTS for further training.
Chris & Allicia Hughes | CRU
Chris and Allicia are serving with Cru at App State. Their purpose is to help fulfill the Great Commission in the power of the Holy Spirit by winning students for Christ, building them up in their faith, and sending them into the world as lifelong laborers for the Gospel in their jobs, homes, and churches. They engage students on campus in spiritual conversations and share the Gospel with them as they have the opportunity.
Chris & Paige Ward | CRU
Christopher and Paige Ward have been working with Cru since 2013 where they first met while serving in London, England. Paige graduated from Florida State University and Christopher is an App State Alum!
Jessica Lup | Appalachian Internation Ministry (AIM)
Jessica Lup, founder and director of AIM, has worked in campus ministry at ASU since 2012. Throughout her years on campus she became aware of the need for a Christian outreach fully devoted to caring for the international community at ASU with the love of Christ. AIM was born out of realizing God’s call on her life to college ministry, combined with her heart for the nations and her passion for the outdoors and God’s Word. A vision developed in which students from many nations would come to know the one true and living God and worship Him (Revelation 7:9).
John Hanna | Intervarsity
John Hanna has been on staff of InterVarsity since 1992 and moved into his current role as area director in 2001. John oversees InterVarsity’s ministry on campuses in the western part of North Carolina and South Carolina. As an area director, John is responsible for leading the area team in: 1) growing as a community and depending on God in prayer; 2) setting vision and direction for the area; 3) developing student training programs and opportunities; and 4) strategically recruiting and hiring campus staff. He provides pastoral care, training, personal and professional development, and regular feedback/evaluation for campus staff.
De La Cruz Farms
De la Cruz Farms exists to provide safe, interactive experiences for children and families to know God and Jesus Christ in a horse and farm environment. They are privileged to serve families that may be facing difficult life situations or challenging needs. Their core values include sharing the person of Jesus Christ, discipling children and families, and nurturing God’s creation. Activities include participating in a Bible truth time, helping with farm chores, learning about horse handling and riding, taking part in beekeeping, growing vegetables in a garden, or enjoying art/play activities.
Freedom Farm Ministries
Since September 2006, Freedom Farm Ministries has housed up to 55 men in seven locations with three unique program phases. Freedom Farm is a non-profit 501(c)(3) ministry built completely with the intention of helping men and their families find the freedom gained by growing in a life centered in Jesus Christ. Hundreds of men have already received that new life, and many have renewed health and reputations. Men have been reunited with family, but most importantly have gained restored spirits and relationships with the Father.
HOPE Center
Hope Center is a faith-based non-profit organization committed to empowering women with unplanned pregnancies to thrive. Any woman facing an unexpected pregnancy, regardless of her faith background or what choice she makes about her pregnancy, will receive non-judgmental and compassionate support.
Hunger Coalition of the High Country
The mission of the Hunger and Health Coalition is to relieve poverty and hunger in a compassionate manner for families and individuals who are experiencing economic hardship and food shortages. This assistance may include food, medicine, and referrals to other community resources. The Hunger and Health Coalition meets emergency needs while acting as a community resource assisting those in need to find a more permanent solution.