For nearly three decades, God’s Love from a Diaper Bag has been serving mothers, babies, and families throughout eastern Kentucky with practical help, encouragement, and the love of Christ.
In the latest episode of Stories of the Hope, host Benson Gregory sits down with Bessie and Lester McPeak to hear the story behind this special ministry, how it has grown through the years, and how God continues to use something as simple as a diaper bag to make a difference in the lives of families.
It Started With One Need
God’s Love from a Diaper Bag began after Bessie saw a need while working with families in her community.
She realized that some new mothers were leaving the hospital without even the basic supplies they needed to care for their babies. Rather than asking families to explain their circumstances or prove that they needed help, Bessie decided every mother should have the opportunity to receive a diaper bag.
That simple idea became the beginning of a ministry that has now been serving families for nearly 30 years.
Today, God’s Love from a Diaper Bag provides diapers, wipes, baby-care items, clothing, formula when available, and other essentials to families throughout the region. The ministry works with several eastern Kentucky hospitals, including those in Whitesburg, Middlesboro, Hazard, and Prestonsburg.
But each diaper bag contains something beyond the practical necessities.
A Bible and a handmade item are also included as reminders that each mother and baby receiving the bag is loved and cared for.
Meeting Practical Needs and Sharing HOPE
During the conversation, Bessie and Lester share stories that show why their ministry is about much more than baby supplies.
One especially meaningful story involves a young man who discovered John 3:16 in a Bible that had been placed in a diaper bag. He began reading it—a reminder of how God can use even the smallest act of kindness to plant a seed.
For Bessie and Lester, meeting a physical need can create an opportunity to offer encouragement, prayer, and spiritual support.
Over the years, their ministry has expanded beyond hospital diaper bags. They host baby showers, help with Christmas outreach, work alongside local resource centers, and connect families with additional assistance in their communities.
They also operate a mission house where volunteer teams can stay while serving communities throughout the area.
Mission of Hope and God’s Love from a Diaper Bag
Mission of Hope has been blessed to come alongside Bessie and Lester and support the work of God’s Love from a Diaper Bag.
Through the generosity of our donors, volunteers, churches, and community partners, we are able to share supplies that can then be placed directly into the hands of families who need them.
Recently, students with the Vol Catholic organization at the University of Tennessee Knoxville helped purchase and pack infant-care packages filled with diapers, baby lotion, diaper cream, wipes, Bibles, and handwritten notes of encouragement for new mothers.
Those packages will be shared with our friends at God’s Love from a Diaper Bag and distributed through area hospitals to mothers beginning a new journey with their babies.
It is a beautiful example of what can happen when people come together to serve.
One group gathers the supplies. Another packs them with care. Mission of Hope helps connect resources with our ministry partners, and God’s Love from a Diaper Bag places those gifts into the hands of families throughout eastern Kentucky.
That is what Serving Together looks like.
How You Can Help
God’s Love from a Diaper Bag continues to depend on the generosity of others to serve mothers and babies throughout the region.
During the podcast, Bessie shares several current needs, including diapers, baby supplies, Bibles, Walgreens gift cards, and financial donations. Diaper sizes mentioned as especially helpful include newborn, sizes 1, 3, 4, and 6.
Because needs can change, anyone interested in donating supplies is encouraged to contact the ministry directly before sending items.
God’s Love from a Diaper Bag
9757 Highway 805
Jenkins, KY 41537
Hear Bessie and Lester’s Story
There is something special about hearing Bessie and Lester tell this story in their own words.
Their conversation with Benson is filled with memories, faith, humor, and stories from nearly three decades of serving their neighbors. Most of all, it is a reminder that we don’t always have to do something big to make a difference. Sometimes it begins simply by seeing a need and being willing to respond.
We are grateful for Bessie and Lester, for the ministry of God’s Love from a Diaper Bag, and for every Mission of Hope friend who helps make partnerships like this possible.
Watch the latest episode of Stories of the Hope and hear more from Bessie and Lester McPeak.
Thank you for helping us continue to Extend the HOPE throughout rural Appalachia.
