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Tunica MS, US Rural Mission Trip
June 23 to June 29, 2007
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| Ministry Detail |
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Project Overview:
Long known for the racial segregation that has split the town of Tunica in two, Tunica County made headlines several years ago as the poorest county in America. With its separate schools and pools, racial segregation is a significant factor confronting the body of Christ in this area.
Few black families live above the poverty level, but the newly formed Ministers Association believes that spiritual riches are in store for Tunica. Pastor Paul Husband (who is white) and Pastor Rodney Hibbler (who is black) have a passion to fulfill the Great Commission and to bring racial reconciliation to Tunica. After attending a Promise Keepers Rally in Memphis in the fall of 1996, Hibbler and Husband believed the Lord was calling them to help bring the black and white pastors in Tunica County together to fulfill the Great Commission. The result was a newly formed Ministers' Association of five black and four white pastors who meet weekly.
Subsequently, they began to plan an outreach effort together. Christ is at work in uniting the ministers as He breaks down the walls that have separated the races for so long. The pastors have invited AIM to partner with them. You'll work with these local churches that have a heart of compassion for their community.
Ministry Description:
Your group will be involved in activities that focus on promoting racial reconciliation while ministering the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Ministries may include prayer walks, door-to-door evangelism, home repair, drama, sports outreach, vacation Bible school (VBS), Bible studies, training, and evening outreach. Be prepared to visit the elderly and minister through music, drama, and worship at the Tunica Convalescent Center. You may be able to visit in the jail also.
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| Trip Requirements |
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Participants must:
1. have accepted Jesus as Savior and have a living, personal relationship with Him.
2. be willing, experienced, and comfortable with sharing their testimonies and a Gospel message.
3. be willing to submit to authority.
4. demonstrate a servant's heart.
5. acknowledge Jesus as Lord.
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| Food & Lodging |
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You will stay at a local youth center with bunk beds. Please bring bedding and towels. Food is prepared on site.
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| Dress Code & What to Bring
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Dress Code:
FEMALES
Church services Wear skirts or dresses that reach below the bottom of the knee or longer. Capri pants, khaki slacks that reach to the knee, shirts with sleeves that cover the shoulders. You can wear short sleeves, but they must cover the shoulders and upper arms. No cap sleeves or sleeveless shirts of any kind. Shirts should not have scoop necks or low v-necks.
Institutional ministry / Feeding program / Door To Door ministry. Capri pants, khaki slacks that reach to the knee or jeans, and shirts with sleeves that cover the shoulders. You can wear short sleeves, but they must cover the shoulders and upper arms. No cap sleeves or sleeveless shirts of any kind. Shirts should not have scoop necks or low v-necks. Nice shoes or Sneakers.
VBS ministry Capri pants, or knee length shorts. Khaki slacks or jeans, and shirts with sleeves that cover the shoulders. You can wear short sleeves, but they must cover the shoulders and upper arms. Shirts should not have scoop necks or low v-necks. Nice shoes or Sneakers.
Construction Jeans, Capri pants or knee length shorts. Work shirt or t-shirt, (no tank tops, cap or sleeveless tops). Shirts should not have scoop necks or low v-necks. Boots, strong shoes or tennis shoes.
Sports Evangelism Jeans, Capri pants or knee length shorts. Work shirt or t-shirt, (no tank tops, cap or sleeveless tops). Shirts should not have scoop necks or low v-necks. Tennis shoes, or sneakers.
MALES
Church Services. Nice pants (slacks, khaki slacks or jeans), nice shirt with a collar, nice shoes or tennis shoes.
Institutional Ministry / Door to Door Ministry / VBS Ministry / Feeding Program
Nice pants, jeans or knee length shorts. Nice shirt with collar, nice shoes or tennis shoes
Construction Jeans or other full length pants must be worn, t-shirt and boots or other solid shoes.
Sports Evangelism Knee length shorts, basketball shorts, t-shirt (no tank tops), tennis shoes.
No flashy clothes or jewelry. Do not bring clothes with logos and advertisements. Something simple like Old Navy is ok, but remember what you wear is a physical representation of who you are. Both guys and girls do not bring clothing that is tight, too small, or form-fitting in any way. Do not bring pants that are low-cut. If you can bend over and touch your toes without showing any skin in the back, then your shirt and pants are ok. If you can raise your hands all the way above your head and not show your stomach, then your shirt is ok. No open-toed sandals. All shoes must be close-toed and preferably closed-heel, as well.
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| Travel Information |
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Airport & Transportation:
Groups may drive to Tunica or fly into Memphis, TN. They must provide their own ground transportation while on the project.
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Shots & Vaccinations:
An updated Tetanus shot is Strongly Recommended for ALL projects. Hepatitis A is recommended.
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Suggested Travel Agency:
- Donna Booth, CTC Domestic and International Travel
Consultant
MTS Travel
9440 Philips Hwy, Ste 3
Jacksonville, Fl. 32256
Phone (800) 888-8292 ext 208
Email donnab@mtstravel.com
- Karol Fleming, CTC Domestic and International Travel
Consultant
MTS Travel
9440 Philips Hwy, Ste 3
Jacksonville, Fl. 32256
Phone (800) 888-8292 ext 208
Email karolf@mtstravel.com
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Suggested Travel Insurance:
We highly recommend all program participants have health insurance coverage for international trips. It is important to know that most regular health insurance plans do not cover you overseas. Health coverage is not a requirement for domestic trips, but still recommended.
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| Trip Participants |
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| Groups: |
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Cornerstone Church, TN (Mark Thornton)
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| Location Information
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Location Description:
Tunica is located one hour from Memphis, Tennessee. The broad, flat lowlands of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain cover the western part of the state along the Mississippi River. The low hills of the East Gulf Coastal Plain cover the remainder of the state.
Weather:
Tunica has long, hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. June temperatures reach the low 90s, with mid-90s in July and August.
Area Attractions:
Tour nearby Memphis, picnic at a local reservoir, take a steamboat ride down the Mississippi, see a horse show at the Paul Battle Arena
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| People, Culture and Religion
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African Americans constitute more than 60% of the Delta population in most counties.
The great majority of church members in Mississippi are Protestants. Baptists and Methodist congregations are the largest groups. The Roman Catholic population is generally concentrated in the coastal area and along the Mississippi River.
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| Statistics
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Population:
15,000 (approx.) |
Poverty Rate:
26.6% live below the poverty line. (1996) |
Literacy Rate:
60%
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Average Annual Income:
$23,097 (2000) |
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Streaming Video: