Stay tuned here for regular blog updates from the group.  For more information, please e-mail Owen Sallee, Coordiator for Global and Urban Involvement: owen@spu.edu.

After reports of a tornado strike in Simpson County, roughly 40 miles away from Jackson, the team followed Perkins Foundation staff to the town of McGee to offer cleanup assistance.  Turns out, organizers on the ground had already laid out plans to wait on major cleanup until tomorrow, after a second waver of bad weather is expected to blow through.  The team returned to Jackson after a short tour of Mendehall and the surrounding area.

Reflecting on the experience, team members discussed the importance of Felt Needs and Listening to Community.  While cleanup assistance seemed the right thing from the outside, the insider perspective understood things differently.  The most effective ministry is done with the felt needs of the community in mind.  Today’s adventure was a helpful hands-on learning experience.

After rain cut short the day’s work projects, Alison relates the group’s Bible study with John Perkins.

After a morning Bible study with John Perkins, the group shared lunch with SPU President Philip Eaton, who discussed the group’s experience and the connection between the John Perkins Foundation and SPU’s John Perkins Center.

Later, the team enjoys raking leaves in the yard.  

Team members Melanie and Marissa reflect on the day’s group discussion, visit to church and the experience of race in a new context.

Thoughts from Danielle -

One of Dr. Perkins’ main focuses is Christian Community Development (CCD); the foundation of which is based upon three principles: relocation, reconciliation, redistribution.  Dr. Perkins believes that Christian community is developed through our relocation back into the community, the reconciliation between the members of that community, and the redistribution of wealth within the community.  Yesterday we attended a conference on Christian community development in rural Mississippi, where we had the opportunity to listen to the stories of people who are trying bring CCD to the Mississippi delta. 

One of the ideas stressed among those sharing yesterday was the importance of finding out community’s needs as perceived by the community.  In order to serve the community we must know what the needs of that community are—we need to be a part of that community.  I began thinking about how I could participate in developing CCD in my community.  What would CCD look like in Seattle?  What are Seattle’s needs?  How do we build real communities?

Today’s conference really inspired me. Not only did it give ways in which we can empower others to build a greater community, but it gave us the chance to make relationships with some of the people in Mendenhall and surrounding areas. We met two girls, Julie, 10, and Lilly, 11. A few of us had walked to the train tracks that used to separate the White community from the African-American community. While there we met the girls. Lilly’s shoe got dirty with tar, so I helped it off her foot and tried to clean it off as best as I could. After this we talked as she rode her bike next to me, back to the 1 Genesis School where the conference was being held. Lilly told me her sister had been shot in the eye with a bb gun on March 3^rd. I did not ask how or why she was shot, but merely asked if she was doing alright. Lilly told me her sister will probably never be able to see again, but she had and will continue to have surgeries to try to revive her eyesight.

Hearing this brought me back to a book we read in my University Foundations class this quarter, The Chosen. It spoke about how much eyesight affects us, and once it is taken away we view the world through a different perspective. Most often it opens us up to realize the beauty of the world. I told Lilly that my prayers are with her, her sister, and the rest of her family. I hope God brings them hope and joy through the midst of suffering. We shall see what tomorrow brings.

For more on Christian Community Development, check out www.ccda.org/philosophy.

The team left SeaTac Airport at 6:00 AM Seattle time on Friday, March 20.  Despite the fact that a 6 AM flight meant a 4 AM departure from SPU, all arrived awake and ready to go.

Jackson Team at SeaTac Airport

Alicia reports on Day 1: volunteer work at Urban Promise with the Camden Forward School.

Tia reflects on the team’s conversation with graduates from Urban Promise programs.  Discusses health issues associated with industrial waste dumped in Camden by wealthier suburbs.

www.urbanpromiseusa.org

www.spu.edu/ui

Throughout their visit to Camden the team enjoyed moments of craziness.  They captured a few such moments on video…

JJ understands that her goal of teaching in an urban environment will require sacrifice.  Though she won’t change the whole world, she may help shape individuals.  “I can be that person who has that lasting influence on that person’s life.”

JJ reflects on the group’s tour of Camden and the weird feeling of”observing” poverty.  At times JJ like an intruder, but the tour put Camden into perspective, and has impacted the group’s hearts and prayers.

Urban Trekker director Jim Cummings explains Camden’s struggles with depreciating real estate values.

Urban Trekker director Jim Cummings explains Camden’s struggles with depreciating real estate values.

Tia discusses the Camden Forward School Christmas pagent and reflects on Jim’s stories of depreciating house values since the 1960s.  “Home is what you build your life around.”

During the group’s tour of Camden, Urban Trekkers director Jim Cummings explains the impact of the 1980s crack epidemic in Camden.

Rediet reflects on the group’s tour of Camden.  Harsh realities witnessed in Camden brought up unpleasant feelings, but have ignited a passion to respond to needs.

Lianna reflects on the group’s city tour with Jim Cummings.  Camden is bankrupt; as a result, the city has taken in unwanted industry, including a trash incenerator, sewage treatment plant and a jail, to pay bills. 

Camden residents need a voice to stick up for themselves; the suburbs have wealth to promote own best interests.

Klarrisa discusses her conversation with a Mission Year intern about how to share her experiences with family at home.  How do we help people not in poverty settings understand communities like Camden?

Camden Forward School kids made surprise Christmas Card for Alicia today.  She’s making cards to thank kids and say her goodbyes.  

What is God’s purpose for you with all this knowledge from the trip? Return to Camden?  Involvement in local urban ministry?

Tia discusses the group’s meeting with Urban Promise leaders and the possibility of further service work in Camden.  “The more I learn about the city, the more I’m captivated by it.”

JJ discusses the group’s last day with kids at Camden Forward School and an encounter with man from Cherry Hill who avoids Camden by traveling on the George Washington Bridge.

Lianna reflects on the need for God she senses in Camden.

The team reflects on their experiences in Camden and the questions the trip has raised.