Rural and small towns are a major focus of Mission Alive’s efforts to help communities and churches thrive by prioritizing the needs of its residents. Last year our Rural and Small Town Initiative was blessed to be a recipient of Pepperdine University’s Empower and Equip program funded by Lilly Endowment, Inc. This grant will accelerate our efforts to pursue positive change in rural areas and small towns nationwide.
Three of our current IFCs are part of our Rural and Small Town Initiative (RSTI). These communities have unique challenges that make it difficult for its residents to thrive and for the gospel to take hold. Below you can clearly see some of those challenges.
Bertram, Texas. IFC leaders Kelly Bolin and Emily Vincent
- Poverty rate of nearly 20%
- 60% of students are considered economically disadvantaged.
- Overall school rating of 61 out of 100 (source: Txschools.gov)
Spartanburg, South Carolina. IFC leaders Amber and Andre Ashford
- Poverty rate above 23%
- 70% of students are considered economically disadvantaged
- High crime rate
- 12-15% of population age 25+ has less than HS education
- The Ashford’s are focused specifically on the Robert Smalls Apartment complex which was developed as part of a significant effort to provide “decent, safe and sanitary housing,” however the experience of residents there has been marked by ongoing and serious challenges that have created difficult and sometimes hazardous living environments.
Lufkin, Texas. IFC leaders Jason and Sarah Hollinger
- 85% of students are considered economically disadvantaged
- Poverty rate of 18% (nearly 1/4 of individuals earning < $15,000 annually)
- High percent of residents not completing HS (14% v. national avg. of 9%)
- Lufkin is addressing long-standing systemic economic disparities
Please pray for these leaders as they seek to foster creative strategies and provide Spirit-shaped leadership in order to renew the church’s role in transforming neighborhoods with the loving gospel of Jesus Christ.