Bethany Christian Mission celebrates 92 years

CAMPTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Bethany Christian Mission Center is celebrating 92 years of service.

Over the years, the center has built a rich history.

At first glance, the campus doesn’t look like much, but believe it or not, it used to be the hub of community.

“There was a little country store here,” said Candice Burnette. “We had the clothing store. We had the fire hall, the hospital, the schools. People were down here all the time.”

Bethany Children’s Home was the first establishment on the campus. It was founded by Miss Majorie Burt in 1926.

Candice Burnette says Miss Burt came to Eastern Kentucky from England, with the goal of opening the orphanage to care for children in need.

That’s when she says a local family stepped up to help.

“They made a promise to her that ‘We will help you. You aren’t from here and you don’t know how to survive, but we do,'” said Burnette. “They held true to that. The family that told her that is actually my family.”

Now, Burnette is carrying Miss Burt’s legacy as the superintendent of Bethany Christian School.

She says though the center’s role has changed over the years, the overall mission hasn’t.

“Change is hard for people, you know,” said Burnette. “People don’t like change very much, so you know, we have good times and we have bad times, but we continue to try to do the things that were the core of Bethany all along, and that is to honor God by serving others.”

Burnette says the center gets no help from the state since they’re a private Christian school. Because of that, they’re limited on resources.

“We may not have all the bells and whistles, and we don’t have tons of money to throw at a problem, but what we’ve got is people who are dedicated to working on that problem,” said Burnette. “It makes a difference and we’re making differences in the lives of the children.”

Burnette tells ABC 36, the school recently had a teacher leave. Now, they’re in need of someone to fill that position. We asked Burnette what kind of qualities she looks for in a teacher. The first, and most important, thing that comes to mind? Someone who “loves kids” and enjoys being around them.

For more information on Bethany Christian Mission Center, click here.