World Changers in Eastern Missouri

Last summer, World Changers came to the Parkland area for the first time.  Based in Bonne Terre, more than 200 participants “changed the world” of 18 homeowners in Bonne Terre, Desloge, Park Hills, Leadwood, Farmington and Knob Lick.  Some of the funding for the project came from the East Missouri Action Agency, which helps low income families in the area with all kinds of needs.  EMAA has asked for increased funding for World Changers projects in 2009.

The need for this kind of project in this area is great.  There are many families in the area who suffer the effects of a depressed economy and there is a high rate of unemployment.  Lead mining and agriculture, once the main sources of jobs in the area, are going through difficult times.  In addition, many of the people in the area are retired and living on fixed incomes.  The response to World Changers in 2008 was overwhelming, and the gratitide of the people was heartwarming. 

As a result of more funds being made available in 2009, it would be great if the project registration exceeded 2008 levels.  The school which serves as a lodging facility can easily accomodate 300 participants comfortably.  The support facilities, including rest rooms, showers and cafeteria, are easily able to support that many people.  The response from individuals with needs in this area far exceeded our ability to serve them during the first summer, and we would like to be able to utilize all of the funding that is available. 

Bonne Terre is easily accessible within a day’s drive of a large part of the central United States.  Groups from Houston, Dallas, Memphis, Nashville, Chicago and Peoria joined with several Missouri churches and one from the Illinois side of the St. Louis area to participate in this project.  We hope you will find your way to Bonne Terre July 4-11, 2009!