Other dates for this site include:

Demographics

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.

About the Ministry

Participants serve in a variety of ways during a YouthWorks mission trip. Students may spend all week at one ministry or switch between ministries during the week. Ministries that your students may participate in are Kids Club and Work Projects. Kids Club is a hands-on program led by your youth offering high-energy games, crafts, skits, songs and interactive lessons all designed to help kids learn about Jesus. Whether we’re painting houses, performing minor home repair, cleaning up debris, volunteering in community gardens or other projects in the community, the projects students work on will serve as our way of blessing people in need. We cannot confirm until all groups arrive exactly what ministries your students will be a part of during the week. We ask that you come with a willing and flexible spirit!

Activities

Evening activities during a YouthWorks week are designed to give participants insight into the lives of local residents and the culture of the area. A list of evening/cultural activities we have done in the past include: visit Mr. Pointer's cotton field and learn about the cotton industry; visit the Yellow Store and Wildlife Refuge; attend a local church service; and attend a community cookout. These are examples of what your group might partake in during your mission week. These examples are subject to change due to weather or availability. In case of change, suitable substitutes will be provided. We try to arrange for free evening activities, but from time to time, an additional cost may be required for an activity. Please plan to bring an additional $10 per person to cover any extra costs. We will confirm the details closer to your trip.

Ministry Week

Kids Club and Work Projects. 7/25 and 8/1 are Multi-generational Family Mission Trip Weeks for this site. Please refer to Family Mission Trip page for more information.

Mileage

The Memphis airport is approximately two hours north of Marvell.

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week. Marvell is a bus accessible site. A bus is defined as any vehicle that is larger than a standard 15-passenger van. If you would like to bring a vehicle in this category, you will need to contact the Service Center to discuss the additional requirements due to the size of your group.

Additional Information

If you would like more information on what there is to do in Arkansas before or after your trip visit the following tourism Web site: www.arkansas.com.