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Short term missions change lives |
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Monday, 22 December 2008 |
 The iXo Ministry Team believes that short term youth mission trips can bring life change to our youth, our community and our Church. Within a relatively short period of time, our church’s youth and a stranger’s life can be powerfully changed through the desire to give to a community. Their presence during a mission trip speaks more than a thousand words through their simple love and willingness to serve.
There are countless physical and spiritual needs in communities today – in our own backyard, across the country, in big cities, on Reservations, in small towns and across borders. Short term missions are a means to visualize needs in other communities and bring that recognition back to serve in our own home. After a week spent in service, our youth will leave transformed from the love, strength and resilience they find in those they have meet. Short term missions are often more life changing and impacting for participants than those they came to serve!
Marvell Arkansas The town of Marvell is located in eastern Arkansas and has a population of 1,250—a 10 percent decrease since 2000. The nearby town of Helena, on the Mississippi River, invites visitors to the Delta Cultural Center where you’ll learn all about the land, people and music that make this region unique. Unlike other parts of the Delta region where cotton, rice, soybeans and wheat flourish, Marvell’s agricultural land has not produced an abundance of crops. As a result of the struggling economy, 30 percent of the population lives in poverty. Marvell is located in Phillips County, which is one of the twenty poorest counties in the United States. In addition to the high percentage of poverty, residents do not have easy access to health care. This has led to low immunization rates for children and an infant mortality rate that is 34 percent higher than the national average. Despite their struggles, residents will warmly welcome you and your ministry to beautiful Delta country.
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In 2009 we have partnered with YouthWorks ministries to serve a community in Marvell, Arkansas, This trip will encompass all of our youth entering grades 7 through 12. 
In Marvell, they will find no shortage of southern hospitality. The town is located in Arkansas’ Mississippi River Delta country, where there is a unique culture and character along with scenic views of rich agricultural lands. But Marvell itself is a poor town that struggles with poverty.
For more information about YouthWorks or about the mission field of Marvell Arkansas, go to www.YouthWorks.com.
The iXo Ministry Team has a vision to make this trip available to all who attend iXo Youth and who are actively involved in our church body. We believe that God will lead 40 to 45 students on the journey of their life. Our goal is to raise fifteen thousand dollars between now and June.
The funds will be used to offset the actual trip cost and provide a greatly reduced fee. During these hard economic times, let's come together and help lift the financial burden from these young families.
To support our youth and our vision please make weekly, monthly and one-time donations marked for the “Take Stock in Our Youth” fund. |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 09 February 2009 )
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