The Mississippi Delta Region is rich in history and culture, yet is thoroughly depressed economically.
The Southern Delta Region has a strong agricultural history. European immigrants settled the area as farmers in the 18th century. Due to the flow of the Mississippi waters this area contains some of the richest soil in the world! The main crops for the area are sugarcane, rice, tobacco and cotton.
In the late 18th century, plantations supported the extensive slavery of Native Americans and West Africans. Sharecropping and tenant farming took over, when slavery ended in the early 1900's. The majority of farmers in the area were descendants of the original West African slaves.
Agriculture today has been turned over to big business corporations, thus stagnating the communities. This has increased unemployment and poverty in the area, with significant side effects such as increased drop-out rates, teen pregnancy, domestic abuse and drug use.
The idea of a mission trip interests you, come to the
meeting this Wednesday, October 21
at 7:00 pm in Room 125, and
bring a parent!
Details below:
Needed:
Mission Trip Participants
Who:
Youth currently in high school or 8th grade
Plus, several adults for chaperoning/driving duties
What:
Serving the needs of the poor through
Kids Club and work projects
Where:
Mississippi Delta Region
When:
June 19-26, 2010
Estimated Cost:
$475-500 (which can be reduced with fundraising)
I would like to go. What should I do?
1) Come with a parent to the important informational/planning meeting on Wednesday, October 21
2) Submit your application and $60 deposit by Friday, October 30th.
