Demographics

Coahoma County is located in northwest Mississippi, bordering the state of Arkansas and the Mississippi River. The county is approximately an hour drive southwest of Memphis, Tennessee. The mission site is in the town of Coahoma, but our work will be done in the towns of Jonestown and Coahoma. Coahoma County is in the heart of what is referred to as the "Mississippi Delta" region, a place known for its cotton, catfish and blues music. Traditionally, farming has been the mainstay of these communities, with cotton as the chief economic staple. But in the last twenty years, with the virtual decrease of successful farming operations, many of Coahoma County’s towns and communities have noted significant declines. Jonestown is a prime example. What was once a small, but thriving, self-sufficient town, Jonestown has become a community struggling to keep itself on the map. Some of the economic problems that face people in Coahoma County communities include: drug use and sales; gangs; a lack of decent, affordable housing; a shortage of adequate play space for children; a high teenage pregnancy rate; and high unemployment due to little or no economic stability. Many people struggle for hope in the midst of poverty influenced by low-income levels and a lack of viable job opportunities.

About the Ministry

We focus on two primary areas of ministry: children and home improvement. Our work with children consists of a wonderful hands-on afternoon program led by your youth, known as Kids Club. Kids Club offers high-energy games, crafts, skits, songs and interactive lessons all designed to help kids learn about Jesus. Groups will run a Kids Club in Coahoma, but also run an informal Kids Club in Jonestown in the morning. Also during the week, your group will have the opportunity to do home improvement. Oftentimes families struggle to provide the bare necessities of life. Maintaining a home takes a back seat when it is difficult to put food on the table. Your group’s willingness to refresh a worn out exterior of a house with a new coat of paint brings real hope and an opportunity to share the love of Christ. Participants will do two days of house painting, and two days of ministry with children, to give everyone the opportunity to do both. Adult leaders will separate youth into ministry groups, and the youth in your group will be mixed with the youth from other groups for their week of service.

Activities

Our goal with evening activities is to provide an exposure to the unique offering of the week and community. Below is a list of evening/cultural activities we have done in the past: Enjoy a BBQ dinner and Blues concert in Clarksdale; Swim at a pool in Clarksdale; Worship with a local church; and experience “Southern-style” cooking at a community cookout. These are examples of what your group might partake in during your mission week. These examples are subject to change due to weather or availability. In case of change, suitable substitutes will be provided.

Ministry Week

Two days of house painting, and two days of ministry with children

Mileage

The Memphis airport is 60 miles away, approximately an hour and a half from Coahoma. For more information on trip distances and transportation options, call our Service Center at 1.800.968.8504.

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week.

Additional Information

If you would like more information on what there is to do in Mississippi and the surrounding area before or after your trip, call the Chamber of Commerce in Clarksdale at 1.662.627.9539 to request a complete summer information kit.