Choctaw Mission Calls for Prayer in Tragedy and Children Items

Mississippi Annual Conference Communications

Friends of the Mississippi Choctaw Mission are asked to consider donating towards the needs of the Choctaw children. According to the Choctaw Mission's executive director, Dr. Al Styron, "Our children love to play basketball. If you could help provide some, we would be so appreciative. The sport's ministry of our program is an effective and popular way to reach the Choctaw children. We also would like a tennis court net."

Styron is also turning to United Methodists for prayers following a recent tragedy. "Our community is saddened by the loss of a little 3-year-old girl who was struck by a car while shopping with her family. Please pray for this family during this terrible time of grief. We have had other deaths recently, too. How blessed we are to point people to Jesus, the resurrection and the life," stated Styron. 

To date, 14 mission teams are scheduled in 2014 to support projects and needs of the Choctaws. This includes:

• Construction projects on homes and at the mission (painting, roofing, ramps, flooring and sometimes sub-flooring, plumbing, electrical, etc.)
• Vacation Bible school
• Feeding the community/hungry and homeless
• Singing and visiting in the residential center (nursing home)
• Sharing in worship leadership on Sunday and Wednesday nights

The Choctaw Mission has existed to serve the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians since the 1800s through a resolution directed by the Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church. The resolution affirmed that tribal nations were autonomous before the creation of the U.S. government and created stipulations for the church to support native people.  The 1992 General Conference comprehensive plan of the resolution mandates that United Methodist churches:

• "Develop and strengthen native congregations, ministries and fellowships;
• Train and develop native leaders;
• Support the efforts of sovereign Native American nations to create means of economic development that do not depend upon gambling or disrupt sacred sites;
• Urge the Board of Global Ministries to support funding of Native American economic development projects; and
• Urge the Board of Pension and Health Benefits to invest monies in Native American financial institutions and community organizations."

For those who would like to help the Mississippi United Methodist Choctaw Mission, contact the Rev. Al Styron at 601-927-6532 ordra.011958@gmail.com.

The POWER of We funded in part by your apportioned  mission shares.