Looking for the ultimate youth or church-wide

2009 summer mission trip?

Ocoee Outreach is alive and well in Southeast Tennessee and could be the answer you've been looking for. Created in 1996, Ocoee Outreach was birthed because of a vision for: eliminating sub-standard housing in Southeast Tennessee; sharing the love of Christ and the Gospel message to those we meet in tangible ways; and providing an opportunity for mission volunteers to experience living out a servant lifestyle. After a brief interim period in 2001, Ocoee Outreach officially became a ministry of the Bradley County Baptist Association; was relaunched in 2002 and has become stronger than ever. The local volunteer base increased (volunteers who assist visiting mission teams) and the 2 X 4 Evangelism Strategy was created and implemented. Over the past two summers, 1,000 volunteers representing 30 mission teams from 13 different states have completed 54 construction/home repair projects, performed 12 evangelistic block parties, assisted or led in 10 backyard Bible clubs/VBS, ministered in several area churches and assisted living facilities/nursing homes… and led 110 people to the Lord. God has been at work in many different ways and it's been exciting to see everything come together.

The need is great in the East/Southeast section of Cleveland, Tennessee and the harvest is there for the laborers:

• Only 56% of adults have completed a High School Education

• 95% of children receive free/reduced meals at public schools

• Only 1 in 4 families have a male head of household

• Average family income of 4 is only $8,400

Although the primary emphasis of Ocoee Outreach is on evangelism and home repair for low- income families other opportunities such as block parties, backyard Bible clubs, VBS, creative art presentations, sports clinics and more that impact the community for Christ are possible as well.

If your youth group or church is looking for a week-long mission trip experience in June or July that has a little bit of everything so that each person feels as though they are on mission, we would love to partner with you. We have two options to choose from that are both economical and customized to fit the abilities and giftedness of each group. Your group will also be challenged and encouraged through evangelism, discipleship, worship, ministry and fellowship. With both options, your investment provides for 6 nights lodging, meals, construction materials and supervision, supplemental accident insurance policy, T-shirt, ID badges, devotional guide, and more. Space is limited each week and reservations are necessary.

For more information about Ocoee Outreach you can reach Randy Bonner by phone at 423-476-5493, by email at o2randy@bellsouth.net or by mail at 2707 N. Ocoee St., Cleveland. TN., 37312. You can also visit our website at www.ocoeeoutreach.com.