Mendenhall
Mississippi
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Mendenhall Bible Church
History
The Mendenhall Ministries (TMM) is the social outreach arm of the Mendenhall Bible Church (MBC), a non-denominational, predominantly Black church located in Mendenhall, Mississippi. Though a ministry of MBC, TMM is separately incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation and is governed by a board of directors elected by the church body. This board meets semi-annually, with an executive committee to oversee operations.
Beginning in the 1960's, under the name of "Voice of Calvary Ministries," TMM was started by John Perkins, who was concerned about the appalling conditions faced by the poor Black community in this rural Mississippi area. Seeking to show God's love in action, his vision grew into a ministry known for providing progressive and aggressive local leadership within the community to address problems of poor housing, segregated education, lack of employment opportunities, and lack of capital-tapping institutions within the Black community.
The purpose of TMM is to disciple people and develop ministries to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the rural poor.
Artis Fletcher In 1963 and 1964, Artis Fletcher and Dolphis Weary -- both of whom grew up in the area -- became part of his (John Perkins') early vision. They both worked steadfastly at TMM until November 1997, when Dolphus resigned as president. Artis continues to serve as senior pastor of MBC and as chairman of TMM board of directors. TMM/MBC now owns and operates a 120-acre farm, a school, a law office, and a health center. A variety of services are offered through these programs which include summer recreation activities, youth leadership development, nursery three through seventh grade education, low-cost clothing, subsidized legal assistance, low-cost health care, health and legal intern programs, and a pastors training program. TMM is supported by individual donors and churches nationwide, by fees charged for services, and by grants from foundations and corporations.
The Mendenhall Ministries received national recognition by President Bush in 1991, when he acclaimed TMM the #541 Daily Point of Light.
The Mendenhall Ministries (TMM) is the social outreach arm of the Mendenhall Bible Church (MBC), a non-denominational, predominantly Black church located in Mendenhall, Mississippi. Though a ministry of MBC, TMM is separately incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation and is governed by a board of directors elected by the church body. This board meets semi-annually, with an executive committee to oversee operations.
Beginning in the 1960's, under the name of "Voice of Calvary Ministries," TMM was started by John Perkins, who was concerned about the appalling conditions faced by the poor Black community in this rural Mississippi area. Seeking to show God's love in action, his vision grew into a ministry known for providing progressive and aggressive local leadership within the community to address problems of poor housing, segregated education, lack of employment opportunities, and lack of capital-tapping institutions within the Black community.
The purpose of TMM is to disciple people and develop ministries to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the rural poor.
Artis Fletcher In 1963 and 1964, Artis Fletcher and Dolphis Weary -- both of whom grew up in the area -- became part of his (John Perkins') early vision. They both worked steadfastly at TMM until November 1997, when Dolphus resigned as president. Artis continues to serve as senior pastor of MBC and as chairman of TMM board of directors. TMM/MBC now owns and operates a 120-acre farm, a school, a law office, and a health center. A variety of services are offered through these programs which include summer recreation activities, youth leadership development, nursery three through seventh grade education, low-cost clothing, subsidized legal assistance, low-cost health care, health and legal intern programs, and a pastors training program. TMM is supported by individual donors and churches nationwide, by fees charged for services, and by grants from foundations and corporations.
The Mendenhall Ministries received national recognition by President Bush in 1991, when he acclaimed TMM the #541 Daily Point of Light.