2010 Groups at Mission Waco
“…Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom 12:2)
Transformation of our beliefs, attitudes and actions is a challenging journey.
For over sixteen years, Mission Waco has offered poverty simulations and summer “plunge”
programs that engage “orthodoxy” (right beliefs) and “orthopraxis” (right actions) together
around the issues of poverty. We have watched God’s transforming process “turn the light on”
for many students to destroy old myths and understand the realities of poverty and the
biblical call to action on behalf of the poor. As we expanded our summer program, our reason is to not just to make room for more participants in our presently bulging
numbers, but primarily to offer deeper transformative experiences and discussions around
other critical social issues which youth and adults alike need to face. These will include:
Racism
Homelessness and Empowerment
Global Missions and Worldviews
Church Renewal and Spiritual Gifts
Economic and social justice
Groups
A ministry opportunity open to groups or individuals that provide a
meaningful means for stretching you or your group. Those involved are
challenged to truly serve others, freeing them from the captivity of an
over-commercialized and materialistic Christianty.
Our training center is available for group housing. Their are 2 dorm areas, each with 24 bunks/2 showers/toilets/sinks. The building also has a meeting room, kitchen, fenced back yard and parking.
Please read the 2010 Group Info and Rates for information about available dates, lodging/meal rates, etc.
See the Summer 2010 Group T-shirts! "Early Bird Special" pre-order deadline is Monday May 3, 2010.
In 2009 spring and summer, we counted 1,125 people and 12,542 hours of help from the various youth, college and adult groups
who came for multi-day or single day projects. Thanks so much! That is the equivalent of 6 full-time staff
to help maintain buildings, relate with neighborhood kids, etc. These groups are in addition to our regular volunteer base.
One-Day Groups
Aside from multi-day/overnight groups we also allow individuals or groups to
do one-day projects. Groups participate in everything from cleaning, mowing,
painting, sanding, construction, and special projects like the annual Toy Store,
and School Supply Store.
HOW TO MAKE GROUP RESERVATIONS
1. Contact Jamie McCallum, Summer Groups Coordinator for Summer 2010 dates.
Contact Kathy Wise, Assistant Director for Fall 2010 or Spring/Summer 2011 dates.
Include the following information in your email: how many people you expect to bring, general age/grades of the group, several options for dates and times that work for your group, preferences for type of volunteer service projects if you have any (some project availability is determined by the time/date you want to come).
Email is usually the fastest way for us to respond to your requests, and you should hear back from us within a week (hopefully earlier!). If you under a deadline for needing a reply, please indicate that in your email and we'll do our best to get back with you soon.
2. Once date/time have been confirmed:
A. If your group is staying in Mission Waco housing, send in the deposit along with the completed Group Facilities Contract. We will send you more information after receiving your deposit/contract, such as directions to the dorm, leader preparation handout, etc.
B. If your group is coming for a day trip or staying in non-Mission Waco housing, send in the completed Service Project Agreement.
3. All group participants (youth and adults) must complete a Release of Liability/Permission Form. Please distribute these before the trip (parent/guardian must sign for those under 18), and bring the completed forms with you to the work site.
Participants should wear appropriate clothing: shoes that cover their whole foot (no flip flops or slip-in shoes), and no spaghetti strap tops, revealing or tight clothing, clothing with messages that are not consistent with Christian values. It is helpful if each participant brings a water bottle and work gloves.
4. Please confirm your numbers with us about a week prior to your visit so that we can plan content and volunteer service projects accordingly.
Due to the volume of groups and volunteers who help us each week, changing weather conditions, etc., we may not be able to tell you the exact project until a few days prior to your arrival; but feel free to check with us.
Most of the volunteer service projects will be related to Mission Waco programs and located on Mission Waco property (helping with children’s program, working at the Voucher Clothing Store, yard work, cleaning, painting,...).
[Optional: 1. As we get to know people in our North Waco neighborhood, we occasionally identify homeowners that need help with painting, yard work, or special projects like repairing porches, etc., yet we have no funds to purchase paint, supplies, etc. 2. In response to feedback from previous groups who would have liked to help in this way, you are welcome to provide funds for improvement projects on Mission Waco properties.
If your church would be interested in helping with one of these projects, email Kathy Wise at kwise@missionwaco.org and we can let you know what projects are available and the approximate cost. NOTE: helping with these neighborhood projects or funding a project is NOT REQUIRED for your group to participate in the work project portion of your visit in Waco – we simply want to make the option available.]
If adult members of your group have special skills such as carpentry, painting, etc., please let us know ahead of time so we can see if we have projects that would best utilize their skills.
See what others have said:
"Getting back today and trying to move back into Middle -Class America has been difficult for me this morning. My heart keeps going back to those beautiful kids on Saturday morning and all the wonderful friends we met both Saturday night and Sunday morning. Once again, God has open our eyes and our hearts to see that which we often choose to ignore."
Diane Whetson, First United Methodist Church, Keller, TX
“What an excellent way to educate youth and adults about systems of injustice, poverty, local and global socioeconomic issues and religious and political issues. The combination
of the Poverty Simulation and summer work week was life-changing.”
Kathy Pickett, Holmeswood Baptist Church, Kansas City, MO
“What a great way to get to know the poor & not just serve them!”
J. Baker, Church of the Redeemer, Germantown, TN
“Our group matured more on this trip than on any we have ever taken.”
Daniel Johnson, First Baptist Church, Dover, AR
"Our students were greatly impacted at the shelter, Street Camp and at Church Under the Bridge!”
Josh Wilson, New Heights Church, Fayetteville, AR
“Our students learned they can make a difference!”
Elias Garcia, 2nd Baptist Church, Memphis, TN