It's Nice to Meet You
We met as college students participating in the summer ministry of Camp Nathanael/Scripture Memory Mountain Mission. That experience sparked a dating relationship that has resulted in a 50+ year marriage and the parenting of four sons. During our years of ministry, we have engaged in multiple opportunities to build relationships with many people. We have enjoyed our home along the banks of Troublesome Creek in Knott County for over 35 years. These days we have fun being involved in the lives of our six grandchildren as we continue to invest in ministry opportunities.
Roy Hodson
Roy has engaged in a variety of ministry throughout the past four decades. Together, with Debbie, he served with Scripture Memory Mountain Mission in Harlan and Knott Counties, including 29 years as Mission Director, stepping aside from that leadership in 2017. He also served (1989-2003) as pastor of Hunter Memorial Baptist Church in Perry County. He has been involved in various community groups from helping to organize the Bledsoe Volunteer Fire Department, to volunteer coaching, to leading parent booster groups during their sons' elementary and high school years. Roy graduated in 1973 from Wheaton College (IL) and came to Kentucky soon afterwards.
Debbie Hodson
Debbie's family heritage traces back many years in Letcher County, KY. She and Roy, after her graduation from Lancaster Bible College (1974), started ministry in Harlan County with SMMM/Camp Nathanael. With the birth of their sons, Debbie focused her energy on the nurturing of Caleb, Luke, Nate, and Ben as each joined the family. During those 'circus days' (as she calls them) of raising kids, and the ensuing years, Debbie continued to serve at Camp Nathanael through its ministry programs and edited SMMM's newsletter for 25 years. Aware of the need for piano teachers, she taught piano to many students and adults through the years and has also authored three Appalachian themed books.
HEARTKEEP, INC.
Heartkeep, Inc. is a non-profit Kentucky corporation, governed by a seven member Board of Directors, to minister to the relational and spiritual needs of Kentucky’s Appalachia. Its ministry is to the family, beginning with pre-marital guidance, assistance to strained marriages, and aiding parents and grandparents in protecting the next generation from the cultural assault of substance use disorder (SUD). Complimenting its ministry with families is outreach to people experiencing SUD, providing mentoring and instructional sessions to strengthen their recovery.
Heartkeep, Inc. is a 501(c)3 ministry authorized by the IRS to provide tax exempt receipts for eligible financial donations.
Heartkeep’s office is located behind the Knott Co Courthouse at 30 Bailey Street, Hindman, KY 41822.