Local Missions
Wherever you are, be all there - live to the hilt. In every situation, you determine to be the will of God. -Jim Elliot (missionary to Ecuador)
Culture is crying out for answers - answers to how we should live. People constantly wonder if there is something beyond what we see and yearn for. This is where you and I come into play. Jesus, knowing that his disciples were flawed and disassociated with living in a consistent reality of truth, still left a commission, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15. As Christians, we are called to live in mission with the world and to represent Him in every aspect of life whether socially, politically, economically or spiritually, while attending to the poor, the widowed and the orphaned.
This information is designed to help you or your small group find ways to get involved and love the city of Tupelo and the world. We have represented 10 mission outreaches (and more to come!) that have a pulse on the needs in our area. Each "mission" has a short description about the outreach, how we (and others) have been involved, and the needs it has today. We have included contact information for each ministry, and we encourage all small groups to invite one of these individuals to speak to your small group about how you can get involved and make a difference within the community.
Specifically to Orchard Small Groups...use this information for all it’s worth! Have one, two or even three of our point people come and speak to your small group and help you figure out, as a community, how you can practically take ownership of the poor, the orphaned and the widowed of Tupelo.
Culture is crying out for answers - answers to how we should live. People constantly wonder if there is something beyond what we see and yearn for. This is where you and I come into play. Jesus, knowing that his disciples were flawed and disassociated with living in a consistent reality of truth, still left a commission, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15. As Christians, we are called to live in mission with the world and to represent Him in every aspect of life whether socially, politically, economically or spiritually, while attending to the poor, the widowed and the orphaned.
This information is designed to help you or your small group find ways to get involved and love the city of Tupelo and the world. We have represented 10 mission outreaches (and more to come!) that have a pulse on the needs in our area. Each "mission" has a short description about the outreach, how we (and others) have been involved, and the needs it has today. We have included contact information for each ministry, and we encourage all small groups to invite one of these individuals to speak to your small group about how you can get involved and make a difference within the community.
Specifically to Orchard Small Groups...use this information for all it’s worth! Have one, two or even three of our point people come and speak to your small group and help you figure out, as a community, how you can practically take ownership of the poor, the orphaned and the widowed of Tupelo.
Big Brothers / Big Sisters
Kids today face problems we never dreamed of when we were younger. Big Brothers-Big Sisters is a mentoring program that matches needy children with volunteers based on shared interests, personality and your preferences. Once matched, Big Brothers-Big Sisters can develop long-term friendships with their Little Brothers-Little Sisters. If you only have an hour a week to spend with a child, the School based program allows you to meet one hour each week during the day to do things together, read in the library, eat lunch, shoot hoops, etc. This community based program is flexible and can fit your busy schedule. It requires six hours per month and the Big Brothers-Big Sisters and Little Brothers-Little Sisters get to hang out in the community and go to movies, out to eat, sports events and much more. For some of these children you might be the only source of information they’ll ever get about Jesus.
Lee County currently has approximately 55 children on a waiting list for a Big Brother-Big Sister. The program is well noted for the one-on-one mentoring but there is such a need that they will allow more than one person to take a single child.
To have someone speak to your small group about how you can get involved with this mission contact:
Susan Hayden 
Angie Petro
susanhayden@susanhaydenfinancial.com petroa@bellsouth.net
Lee County currently has approximately 55 children on a waiting list for a Big Brother-Big Sister. The program is well noted for the one-on-one mentoring but there is such a need that they will allow more than one person to take a single child.
To have someone speak to your small group about how you can get involved with this mission contact:
Susan Hayden Angie Petrosusanhayden@susanhaydenfinancial.com petroa@bellsouth.net
Faith Haven
Faith Haven exists to provide a safe shelter for children who are abused, abandoned or neglected and are in custody of the Department of Human Services. We care for children ages birth – 18 years old. Many of these children have been physically abused with such injuries as broken legs, bruises, head injuries, etc. Many of the children have been sexually abused as young as 10 months. We provide a home-like setting with three healthy meals per day plus snacks. We also provide a private playground, a commons area for movies, games, and other recreational activities such as fishing, athletic games, etc. We provide full care for up to twelve children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The average child stays at Faith Haven 45 days or less.
The Orchard has been instrumental in providing children’s ministry for Faith Haven. They provide various giving programs including seasonal gifts for children, paper products, pantry needs and much more. They have also provided various activities for the children. At times, members of the Orchard have helped the housemothers cook and feed the children. The church has also provided Bibles for each of the children.
Faith Haven is in constant need of paper products – toilet paper, paper towels, wet wipes, diapers, coloring books, crayons, books (for older children), playstation 2 games, DVD movies, etc. All donations need to be appropriate for the children (no violence please). Monetary donations are always welcome.
To have someone speak to your small group about how you can get involved with this mission contact:
Connie Snell 
Anna Polsgrove
cjonthego@comcast.net annacorn@yahoo.com
The Orchard has been instrumental in providing children’s ministry for Faith Haven. They provide various giving programs including seasonal gifts for children, paper products, pantry needs and much more. They have also provided various activities for the children. At times, members of the Orchard have helped the housemothers cook and feed the children. The church has also provided Bibles for each of the children.
Faith Haven is in constant need of paper products – toilet paper, paper towels, wet wipes, diapers, coloring books, crayons, books (for older children), playstation 2 games, DVD movies, etc. All donations need to be appropriate for the children (no violence please). Monetary donations are always welcome.
To have someone speak to your small group about how you can get involved with this mission contact:
Connie Snell Anna Polsgrovecjonthego@comcast.net annacorn@yahoo.com
Gardner Simmons Home
The Gardner Simmons Home for girls is located in Tupelo and is private and non-profit. The home is funded by donations by local charitable groups, churches and individuals. The home generally houses approximately four to 10 girls that have been displaced or are unwanted. Their ages typically range from 11 to 20 years old. The girls at Gardner Simmons are not unlike other teenage girls; they have similar needs, wants and desires. Gardner Simmons strives to give them a
loving, structured environment that is safe. As a church, we feel a responsibility to these girls.
The Orchard’s involvement has been primarily on Saturdays once or twice a month for two to four hours at a time and has included trips to the mall, the movies and the park as well as Christmas parties, cookouts and hiking. Primarily our goal consists of mentoring, loving and accepting them as God’s children. Whether hanging out around the house, talking or baking cookies, or painting toenails, we are given the opportunity to spread Christ’s message of love and purpose.
We would love to see an increase in the hours spent with the girls, but we need more volunteers. Unfortunately, men are not allowed inside the home, but monetary support to this mission is a valuable resource. If you’re a female and have to spend getting to know these girls (it does take time to get to know them) or you’re a male who wants to donate items or money to the mission, we would love and appreciate your time and energy.
Trayce Mason Kay Wilson Tina Klag
841-0847 / henrynk@bellsouth.net 231-3309 / tinaklag@bellsouth.net
To have someone speak to your small group about how you can get involved with this mission contact:
Tracye Mason
here4healing@yahoo.com
Kay Wilson
henrynk@bellsouth.net
loving, structured environment that is safe. As a church, we feel a responsibility to these girls.
The Orchard’s involvement has been primarily on Saturdays once or twice a month for two to four hours at a time and has included trips to the mall, the movies and the park as well as Christmas parties, cookouts and hiking. Primarily our goal consists of mentoring, loving and accepting them as God’s children. Whether hanging out around the house, talking or baking cookies, or painting toenails, we are given the opportunity to spread Christ’s message of love and purpose.
We would love to see an increase in the hours spent with the girls, but we need more volunteers. Unfortunately, men are not allowed inside the home, but monetary support to this mission is a valuable resource. If you’re a female and have to spend getting to know these girls (it does take time to get to know them) or you’re a male who wants to donate items or money to the mission, we would love and appreciate your time and energy.
Trayce Mason Kay Wilson Tina Klag
841-0847 / henrynk@bellsouth.net 231-3309 / tinaklag@bellsouth.net
To have someone speak to your small group about how you can get involved with this mission contact:
Tracye Mason
here4healing@yahoo.com
Kay Wilson
henrynk@bellsouth.net
The Greenhouse at Traceway
The Green Houses at Traceway are a unique approach to providing a loving, caring, and meaningful environment for one of the fastest growing segments of our community - the elderly. This undertaking is based on the ten Eden Alternative Principles developed by Dr. William Thomas (www.edenalt.org/), which focus on “the three plagues of loneliness, helplessness, and boredom [that] account for the bulk of suffering among our elders.”
The Green Houses at Traceway are the first to be built in the U.S. They are designed to further de-institutionalize nursing home life by providing a home-like environment. Each house is essentially a 6,000+ square foot, 12-bedroom house; each bedroom has a private bathroom. An open design including a kitchen, a huge family style dining table, and living room allows for active social engagement among the residents.
The Green House staff is a loving, patient, and caring team; they provide not just the physical care for the elders but also become their friends; however, it’s tough to provide an abundant supply of attention that the elders need and deserve. That’s where the Orchard’s mission outreach comes in.
Three of the ten Green Houses have been adopted by groups from The Orchard. The groups visit their home once a month for about 1 1⁄2 hours on a Sunday afternoon. The activities vary based on the various physical and cognitive abilities of the elders in each house. BINGO is a favorite activity because everyone can participate, some with a bit of assistance. Other activities may include singing, arts and crafts, eating homemade cookies or ice cream, painting fingernails, devotionals, etc. The main focus is just providing the human interaction the elders need and enjoy so much. This truly is preaching the Gospel, using words if necessary.
To have someone speak to your small group about how you can get involved with this mission contact:
Reed Robison 
Angela White
ReedRobison@bellsouth.net smudgenator@gmail.com
The Green Houses at Traceway are the first to be built in the U.S. They are designed to further de-institutionalize nursing home life by providing a home-like environment. Each house is essentially a 6,000+ square foot, 12-bedroom house; each bedroom has a private bathroom. An open design including a kitchen, a huge family style dining table, and living room allows for active social engagement among the residents.
The Green House staff is a loving, patient, and caring team; they provide not just the physical care for the elders but also become their friends; however, it’s tough to provide an abundant supply of attention that the elders need and deserve. That’s where the Orchard’s mission outreach comes in.
Three of the ten Green Houses have been adopted by groups from The Orchard. The groups visit their home once a month for about 1 1⁄2 hours on a Sunday afternoon. The activities vary based on the various physical and cognitive abilities of the elders in each house. BINGO is a favorite activity because everyone can participate, some with a bit of assistance. Other activities may include singing, arts and crafts, eating homemade cookies or ice cream, painting fingernails, devotionals, etc. The main focus is just providing the human interaction the elders need and enjoy so much. This truly is preaching the Gospel, using words if necessary.
To have someone speak to your small group about how you can get involved with this mission contact:
Reed Robison Angela WhiteReedRobison@bellsouth.net smudgenator@gmail.com
Habitat for Humanity
Affordable housing remains as one of Mississippi’s greatest needs – thousands of families still live in substandard homes. Northeast Mississippi Habitat for Humanity began in 1984 with the idea of bringing a Christian housing ministry to Lee County. The idea that many working families in Lee County would never be able to afford a decent home through conventional means was the catalyst for bringing Habitat to our area. Habitat provides an opportunity for people to put their faith and love into action, bringing diverse groups of people together to make affordable housing and better communities a reality for everyone. We build homes for low-income families and sell them with no profit added. Housing costs are kept low by using volunteer labor and donated materials.
Northeast Mississippi Habitat for Humanity has eleven families approved and waiting for houses in Lee County. Each of these families falls below 50% of the median income levels, and each has completed Habitat’s requirements to begin construction of their home. Our goal for this year is to complete six houses (that’s six families who will move out of substandard housing and into simple, decent, new Habitat homes). Volunteers, under the supervision of a full time Construction Manager, perform all aspects of construction – framing, decking, shingling, vinyl siding, painting, flooring, etc.
Volunteers are needed Monday through Saturday. No skills are required; you will be trained on site. We provide all the necessary tools and safety equipment.
To have someone speak to your small group about how you can get involved with this mission contact:
Donna Jarrell
habitat1@dixie-net.com
Northeast Mississippi Habitat for Humanity has eleven families approved and waiting for houses in Lee County. Each of these families falls below 50% of the median income levels, and each has completed Habitat’s requirements to begin construction of their home. Our goal for this year is to complete six houses (that’s six families who will move out of substandard housing and into simple, decent, new Habitat homes). Volunteers, under the supervision of a full time Construction Manager, perform all aspects of construction – framing, decking, shingling, vinyl siding, painting, flooring, etc.
Volunteers are needed Monday through Saturday. No skills are required; you will be trained on site. We provide all the necessary tools and safety equipment.
To have someone speak to your small group about how you can get involved with this mission contact:
Donna Jarrell habitat1@dixie-net.com
Haven Acres
Haven Acres is an unreached and impoverished area in southwest Tupelo. Most of the families do not attend church so our initiative is to bring church to them. We have games, fellowship, and fun and food with 30-40 children ranging from 2nd-9th grade. Some of these children have never been in church or heard God’s Word.
The Orchard meets in the Haven Acres Community Center once a week for about 1 hour. There is a game room and a full size gym. We play ping-pong, pool, and basketball followed by a thirty minute bible devotion and a short meal. The children always enjoy this!
The Orchard is welcome to the community center. We need help organizing the meals, putting together bible devotions and most importantly showing God’s love to the children who have less than a normal or comfortable lifestyle.
To have someone speak to your small group about how you can get involved with this mission contact:
Kelly Wallace
spittin@netdoor.com
Darlene Marshall
dmmarshal@netscape.net
Marsha Williams
mw589@bellsouth.net
June Winstead
june_winstead@yahoo.com
The Orchard meets in the Haven Acres Community Center once a week for about 1 hour. There is a game room and a full size gym. We play ping-pong, pool, and basketball followed by a thirty minute bible devotion and a short meal. The children always enjoy this!
The Orchard is welcome to the community center. We need help organizing the meals, putting together bible devotions and most importantly showing God’s love to the children who have less than a normal or comfortable lifestyle.
To have someone speak to your small group about how you can get involved with this mission contact:
Kelly Wallace spittin@netdoor.com
Darlene Marshall
dmmarshal@netscape.net
Marsha Williams
mw589@bellsouth.net
June Winstead
june_winstead@yahoo.com
Helping Hands
Helping Hands Ministry is a cooperative effort of the community that provides food and clothing for needy families. Clients are screened each month to evaluate their job situation, their dependents, and the needs of the household. Nutritional foods are provided twice each month, and the clothes closet can be visited once a month. Food and clothing are made available through donations from churches, businesses and individuals. Volunteers meet each Saturday morning for about four hours. A short devotion is shared by workers and clients before each individual or family are given their groceries and clothing.
Currently, The Orchard works with one team on one Saturday each month. Jobs vary from screening clients, stocking shelves, filling orders, putting up clothes or helping people find the clothes they need. It is beyond words to describe how rewarding it is to connect/reconnect each month with the workers and the recipients of this mission. The people you meet and the time you spend is truly special.
To have someone speak to your small group about how you can get involved with this mission contact:
Currently, The Orchard works with one team on one Saturday each month. Jobs vary from screening clients, stocking shelves, filling orders, putting up clothes or helping people find the clothes they need. It is beyond words to describe how rewarding it is to connect/reconnect each month with the workers and the recipients of this mission. The people you meet and the time you spend is truly special.
To have someone speak to your small group about how you can get involved with this mission contact:
Hispanic Ministry
When we think of relocating, typically we envision a neighboring community or town, or possibly another state in some cases. But for hundreds of Hispanic families in Lee County, that move has been more critical. These Hispanics have uprooted their families (or in some cases moved away from those they love) in hopes of employment and overall bettering of their lives. In addition to huge cultural adjustments, they live in fear of being deployed to their former life, which usually consisted of poverty and hopelessness. Currently, there are several area churches that offer worship services in their native Spanish language. Most Hispanic people did not come to this country to re-think spirituality, but to create better lives for their families; therefore, our approach will be to help them get connected so that they may do just that. We have linked arms with El Centro, an organization dedicated to helping Hispanics of North Mississippi become integrated in the community.
The Orchard recently held a 3-day Spanish/English VBS at Ballard Park. It was incredible fun to make friends with the beautiful Hispanic children and their families through the use of puppetry, games, crafts, and Bible lessons!
The current needs for this ministry include tutoring English Second Language class, ESL, with adults at El Centro, tutoring the English speaking kids with their homework, and providing programming (at El Centro) while their parents take the ESL classes.
To have someone speak to your small group about how you can get involved with this mission contact:
Alesha Turner
Stephanie Barcia
stephanie@stephanierhea.com
The Orchard recently held a 3-day Spanish/English VBS at Ballard Park. It was incredible fun to make friends with the beautiful Hispanic children and their families through the use of puppetry, games, crafts, and Bible lessons!
The current needs for this ministry include tutoring English Second Language class, ESL, with adults at El Centro, tutoring the English speaking kids with their homework, and providing programming (at El Centro) while their parents take the ESL classes.
To have someone speak to your small group about how you can get involved with this mission contact:
Alesha Turner Stephanie Barcia
stephanie@stephanierhea.com
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an international religious and charitable movement. It is a branch of the Christian church, and its message is based on Biblical truth. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. We try to meet the needs of the people of our community through assistance with food, finance, clothing and short-term emergency housing.
The Salvation Army Social Services Department has assisted approximately one hundred families a month, with needed services ranging from clothing, food, and financial assistance.
Volunteers are needed to make food boxes, stock shelves, serve in our lunch line and extend the loving grace of Matthew 25:35-40: For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
To have someone speak to your small group about how you can get involved with this mission contact:
Susan Gilbert
tupelosusan@gmail.com
The Salvation Army Social Services Department has assisted approximately one hundred families a month, with needed services ranging from clothing, food, and financial assistance.
Volunteers are needed to make food boxes, stock shelves, serve in our lunch line and extend the loving grace of Matthew 25:35-40: For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
To have someone speak to your small group about how you can get involved with this mission contact:
Susan Gilberttupelosusan@gmail.com
Sanctuary Hospice House
The Sanctuary Hospice House is a special place that provides compassion to the dying. The Hospice House staff aspires daily to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those they serve. As of July 2007, after only 18 months of establishment, the Sanctuary Hospice House, located on Highway 6 West, has cared for 448 patients and families from 27 counties with referrals from 159 health care providers. The patients have ranged in age from 9 -101. The primary diagnosis of these patients is cancer, followed by failure to thrive, dementia, pulmonary disease, and congestive heart failure. The Sanctuary Hospice House admits all who need care regardless of their ability to pay.
We would like to see many needs filled such as a Chaplaincy program (those who would minister to the patients/families by sharing God’s word); small groups who would sing and play instruments; providing meals for families and staff, and special events for the House at holiday time; special things for care givers such as snacks, notes of appreciation/cards, manicures, and massages; volunteering time to the upkeep of the gardens and birdhouses; supplying food for the family kitchen (plan in progress); supplying food for the patient pantry; donating office supplies such as stamps, pens, paper, etc.; donating general supplies for the house such as toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex, Styrofoam plates and cups... and the lists goes on and on!
To have someone speak to your small group about how you can get involved with this mission contact:
Carah Walker-Edgeworth
carah.edgeworth@nmhs.net
We would like to see many needs filled such as a Chaplaincy program (those who would minister to the patients/families by sharing God’s word); small groups who would sing and play instruments; providing meals for families and staff, and special events for the House at holiday time; special things for care givers such as snacks, notes of appreciation/cards, manicures, and massages; volunteering time to the upkeep of the gardens and birdhouses; supplying food for the family kitchen (plan in progress); supplying food for the patient pantry; donating office supplies such as stamps, pens, paper, etc.; donating general supplies for the house such as toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex, Styrofoam plates and cups... and the lists goes on and on!
To have someone speak to your small group about how you can get involved with this mission contact:
Carah Walker-Edgeworthcarah.edgeworth@nmhs.net
Save-A-Life of Tupelo
Sav-a-Life is a Christ-centered, non-denominational, non-profit Crisis Pregnancy Center. They offer alternatives to abortion through free pregnancy testing, confidential consultation, maternity and baby clothing, baby accessories and furniture, parenting classes, adoption referrals, and evangelism and discipleship. No fees are charged for their services which are supported by the generosity of local individuals and churches that are committed to the sanctity of human life. Sav-a-Life is dedicated to evangelism and Biblical truth through their post abortion Bible studies and abstinence education programs. They are dependent upon the commitment and services of volunteers to fulfill its mission.
The Orchard has already been involved by serving at their annual banquet this past October, organizing the baby and maternity closets, and donating needed items. One of our small groups transformed the lobby to a peaceful and welcoming sanctuary by stripping wallpaper and painting.
We need volunteers to help process monthly newsletter, organize and maintain maternity and baby closets. Discipleship and Parenting class teachers are also much needed. Sav-a-Life also hosts special functions, which require set up, decorating, and public relations. Prayer partners and financial donors are welcome.
To have someone speak to your small group about how you can get involved with this mission contact:
Melissa Gunner
mgunner@tupelosavalife.com
The Orchard has already been involved by serving at their annual banquet this past October, organizing the baby and maternity closets, and donating needed items. One of our small groups transformed the lobby to a peaceful and welcoming sanctuary by stripping wallpaper and painting.
We need volunteers to help process monthly newsletter, organize and maintain maternity and baby closets. Discipleship and Parenting class teachers are also much needed. Sav-a-Life also hosts special functions, which require set up, decorating, and public relations. Prayer partners and financial donors are welcome.
To have someone speak to your small group about how you can get involved with this mission contact:
Melissa Gunnermgunner@tupelosavalife.com
Women First
The Women First Resource Center is a non-profit, independent organization that has no paid employees and is run entirely by volunteers. We are a United Way agency in eight countries with a volunteer board of directors. We have peer support groups for women with cancer, Fibromyaligia, lupus, and women who are caregivers. Through our casserole ministry, card ministry and Hematology/Oncology Outreach Program, we help approximately 200 women a month. We also have special projects during the holidays. The Center exists on grants, donations and memorials.
The Center is in need of volunteers for the Center, the H&O program, and special events. Most volunteers work only four hours a month. Without volunteers we cannot keep our doors open. The work is easy, and we think that all of our volunteers would agree that it is rewarding.
To have someone speak to your small group about how you can get involved with this mission contact:
Paula Harris Sherry Abraham & Judy Hester
Please contact robbyn@theorchard.net for contact information.
The Center is in need of volunteers for the Center, the H&O program, and special events. Most volunteers work only four hours a month. Without volunteers we cannot keep our doors open. The work is easy, and we think that all of our volunteers would agree that it is rewarding.
To have someone speak to your small group about how you can get involved with this mission contact:
Paula Harris Sherry Abraham & Judy Hester
Please contact robbyn@theorchard.net for contact information.
Mission Coaches
Before you or your small group decides on which outreach to get involved with maybe you want someone to talk through the different missions at the church and an overview of each.Alesha Turner
Merissa, Reed and Alesha are available to help your small group walk through how we approach missions at the Orchard and how your small group can find it’s niche in serving Tupelo. Some of the questions they’ll talk with your small group about are: What does it mean to be in mission? And, what does it mean to be a church for the city?
Please contact us so we can sit down with you and your small group and dream about how you can practically get involved with reaching Tupelo and seeing it bettered for the Kingdom.
aleshaturner@bellsouth.net
