Church Groups
Many individual churches have sent short term teams to server at Mount Olive Ministries. These are wonderful examples of the body of Christ coming together.
First Baptist Church of Alexandria
Seven members of First Baptist Church of Alexandria, Virginia traveled to Mississippi for threefold mission projects. According to Tony C. Duckworth, Mount Olive Ministries needed assistance with renovating Grace Christian School (GCS) restrooms. In additional to the restrooms project, Duckworth was concerned with the danger of GCS being between two main busy highways. Whenever the students are outside for recess, playground items, such as, kick- ball, basketball, or volleyball will often go over the fence and across the roads. Sometime motorists would stop and return the items since GCS students were not allowed to retrieve the items. The third project concern was the need for career exposure in the form of workshops for the students.
“Let’s send a small team to Mississippi to access the projects,” stated Larry Meyers (Head teacher of the FBC’s Men Sunday school class). Joe Murray (member of the Men Sunday school class) gave leadership to the small team. After the assessments, Murray reported to their men’s group that the food is excellent and the projects can be accomplished within seven days. A few months later, several of the class members were in Mount Olive, Mississippi ready to accomplish the three mission projects. The group was divided into three teams. One team replaced the toilets at GCS. The second team in- stalled baseball field poles and nets to keep the balls from crossing over GCS fence. And the third team used their professions to create career workshops. Within five days, all projects were completed.
These completed projects have made GCS safer and exposed to more career options. The career workshops exposed the students
to Interior Design, Legal practice, and Military services.
Ridgecrest Baptist Church
It seems like a lot of churches these days emphasize the truth of Scripture to “love your neighbor”, yet have a difficulty living that out where it matters most – right around the corner. At Ridgecrest Baptist Church (Madison, MS), like many other large churches, there is an emphasis on reaching out, “even to the ends of the earth.” Although foreign missions is an integral part of their work in the kingdom, Ridgecrest and their Crest High School Ministry are determined to not to forget the people of their city, outlying area, or within their very own state.
For the second year, the Crest High School Ministry made the short hour-long journey south on Highway 49 to Mount Olive, MS to assist their fellow workers Tony and Shannon Duckworth with a week of tutoring, VBS, and community outreach from June 8 -12. Because of proximity, Wes Tankersley (Crest High School Minister) was able to take advantage of his available youth and leadership, who couldn’t invest an entire week, by transporting them to the location for VBS each day. This allowed the students to connect with the children of Mount Olive Ministries on a more individual basis and also give the Duckworth’s and their volunteers the rest and ability to focus on other tasks as needed.
In many ways, this is exactly what Tankersley believes they were sent there for. He noted, “The Holy Spirit led us to be involved with MOM over a year ago and we just want to serve in whatever way pleases Him.” Throughout the course of the week, the children seemed to be receptive and it was evident that God was working in several hearts. In fact, the presence of this group from Ridgecrest allowed Pastor Tony the time to invest in some of his young men, several of which gave their hearts to the Lord. On Thursday night, during the Second Annual Summer Picnic led by the Crest, several adults were led to the Lord as a result of children being drawn to the evening of food, music, and games.
“Mt. Olive is a consistent reminder that God is at work everywhere and that we cannot forget our neighbors, even if there is a great need overseas. If we neglect to minister to our very own, I believe it may be suspect if we truly love God and believe what He says,” Tankersley shared. Let us also be reminded that we have neighbors and that no matter what their social status, reputation, or religious background we have a privilege as children of God to demonstrate the love of Jesus to them.
Venture Christian Church
Mississippi, as you know, is called the “Hospitality State” because of our unique ability to be welcoming and comforting.
No matter where you’re from, we want to know “how’s your mama and them?” We’re recognized for our sweet iced tea and those deep, Southern drawls when we tell folks we’re “fixin’ to” get together with friends and family for a little afternoon boat ride down the creek — never up.
You get the picture? It’s a wonderful feeling. Mississippi’s a place we call home, and we try to take care of each other and always be there to help folks in times of need, as evidenced by the fact that we’re recognized nationwide in terms of charitable giving.
So was it the sweet iced tea or our Southern charm that brought a group of Californians to a pleasant Mississippi town called Mount Olive? Neither. Turns out, the folks from San Jose’s California’s Venture Christian Church were here for a mission trip. And what an adventure it was for the good folks from Venture Christian! My dear friend Pam Johnson grew up here and told me about the incredible efforts that were underway in this little town in Covington County.
For those of you who don’t know about Mount Olive, it’s a quiet town that sits in the northwest corner of Covington County, in the Piney Woods area of Mississippi. The largest population it ever had was 1,077 in 1910. The 2015 census shows a population of close to 973. The town has some notable points of pride: Mount Olive is home to the late Steve “Air” McNair, an all-pro quarterback who played with the Tennessee Titans, and Hannah Roberts, the 2015 Miss Mississippi and first runner-up to Miss America.
So, back to our caring Californians from Venture Christian Church: Dave Molchan is a volunteer and former youth pastor who, along with Art Lee, the church’s short-term missions coordinator, decided that they wanted to minister in Mississippi and Mount Olive, in particular. To say the least, the little hamlet is a unique place to minister for them. In addition to the traditional summer missions program that involve Bible studies and educational outreach opportunities, the group of engineers, a doctor, a speech pathologist, economists and folks with other vocations came to share a vision with Mount Olive Ministries students about possibilities beyond their current horizons.
Tony Duckworth, pastor of Mount Olive Ministries, not only lives the Gospel before these children through the year, he is also responsible for directing mentoring efforts, tutoring, counseling and a very innovate way to learn. Grace Christian School is designed for children from kindergarten through eighth grade who exhibit advanced learning traits. All academics are wrapped in biblical teachings.
Duckworth said, “We also have an after-school program to provide help with homework and do pretests for kids through the 12th grade. In the summer, we provide a safe haven for kids to learn from our partners from Venture Christian Church and various community colleges and universities here in Mississippi.” And perhaps the most unique, interesting and progressive program that Duckworth is responsible for is something they call STEM. The acronym stands for “science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”
“STEM is a stand-alone school here at Mount Olive Ministries where we offer civil engineering, aerospace, solar panel car racing and other types of technology-driven educational efforts,” noted Duckworth.
“Andrew is a student here and had been going to his grandmother’s after school. He would play in a small building behind his grandmother’s house and take extension cords to plug up a fan. Getting tired of having to move extension cords, Andrew designed and built a solar panel that would run his fan,” said an exuberant Duckworth. That’s just one example of the type of creativity and ingenuity taught at Mount Olive Ministries.
As I spoke with the volunteers from California’s Venture Christian Church and Duckworth and his wife, Shannon, they decided to bring in some kids participating in the summer program to sit around our conference table. A gentleman turned on the school’s lone flat-screen television and told the kids to turn on their cellphones or tablets that had been donated and watch the television. Questions began to pop up on the screen, and a timer was running at the top of the screen. Within nanoseconds, every kid in the room had answered the question. And there were more to come.
You could feel the friendly competition fill the room as to who would get the answer first. The sparkle in these young people’s eyes would shame the sun. The intensity in their quest to accurately and quickly answer the questions that popped up on the flat screen made you feel as though you were watching a tied football game with just seconds left and your team was driving the ball. As for the adults in the room watching them answer questions, we were extremely intimidated! Don’t believe me? Here were some of the questions they answered in those nanoseconds: What is the answer to (4+6-1)x2? True or false, does a decagon have nine sides? What is 79 times 23? How many inches in 12 feet? What is 842 divided by 40?
The earlier questions were answered, the more points these kids scored. “Competition encourages them to excel, and we’re using wireless technology to tap into their competitive spirit and learn in a fun environment,” Duckworth said.
Volunteers from Venture Christian Church came not only to minister for spiritual growth of these kids alongside Duckworth, they also gave a lot of sweat equity by installing energy-efficient lighting, replacing electrical systems and other housekeeping chores. With such a vision for greatness for the kids involved with Mount Olive Ministries, universities are now recruiting these kids for their intellectual talents and not just athletic ability. But the organization needs help to keep doing more. Right now, it needs financial assistance for things like five 50-inch flat-screen televisions and two seven-inch screens to expand STEM efforts, using modern instructional methods that tap into the friendly competition that promotes learning and excellence — not on the field but in the classroom.
Mount Olive Ministries is a nonprofit organization, which means donations are tax-deductible. The support from our California friends at Venture Christian Church through ministry and their ability to fix up a few things helps shine a beautiful beacon of light on the good work being done at Mount Olive Ministries.
My experience with these two groups was nothing short of inspiring, empowering and motivational.
Duckworth said at the end of our visit, “This is all we do.” I remember thinking after he made that statement that the incredible work they’re doing for these kids through their advanced teaching is no small achievement. It’s the miracle in Mount Olive!
West Hills Community Church
On May 30th, 2009 twelve members of West Hills Community Church (Morgan Hills, CA) arrived in Mount Olive Mississippi. Flying from California, this team consisted of ten young adults, the pastor of young adults, and the children’s minister. It made little difference to us that some of us had been to this state before; all of us were excited to fulfill our purpose of serving the community. Our passion was to encourage the church, work with the children, and honor our Lord Jesus Christ.
Our host for this week was Tony C. Duckworth, pastor of Mt. Olive Community Church and Founder of Mt. Olive Ministries (MOM), a Christian tutoring program. Pastor Tony and his wife Shannon serve the community by being examples of Christ’s love to the local families. Throughout the years Pastor Tony has acted as the children’s mentor and advocate while Ms. Shannon has tutored and guided the children at MOM.
Our team came to tutor, hold a Vacation Bible School (VBS), and do some painting for a few church members. The daily routine usually began with a hearty breakfast followed by our tasks: the men went to paint and work on a local house, while the women went to the ministry building to tutor. This year there were over 100 children every day for tutoring at VBS. Though it was a challenge to maintain order at times, it was evident that the children learned and had so much fun as we interacted with them. We give God praise for providing us with such skills and teaching us through each day that He is the One who works through us for His glory. He also allowed all of us to remain safe and build bonds with the Mt. Olive community.
The real fun seemed to begin after lunch when our team and the children came together at the high school to learn life lessons from the Bible. We opened with songs and followed with the lesson and memory verse. Each day one of our team was blessed to challenge and explain how these wonderful children could make good choices and live wisely. Along with that teaching, each age group would rotate and play games, have a snack, and make a craft. During these breakout sessions, the leaders were able to love and encourage these kids, trying to leave them with an impression of God’s love for them.
The highlight for most of the team was to end the day by sharing great meals with Pastor Tony, his family, and the local believers. We were overwhelmed with grilled catfish, plenty of crawfish, and lots of ribs. More than that, we were able to glean what life is like in such a beautiful state: how people thrive and struggle yet there is always hope in our gracious God. What a joy it was to serve such caring people. All of us learned much that week; about ourselves, those in Mississippi, and our Lord. To complete this letter here are a few quotes to summarize the impact of this trip:
Andrea Glass– As the days went on, it was great to see the kids pay attention more and want to listen to what we were bringing them. One thing that blessed me was seeing the kids singing our songs even when the program had finished for the day. We saw several kids at dinner and they always asked us to sing the songs with them. My prayer would be that all those kids, from 3 to 16 would reflect on what we did and said and when we go back next year we might see what God has done in their life. I cannot wait for next year!
Joey Khan- VBS, probably the most impacting thing that we did in Mississippi, was a huge success. I noticed that some of the children were impacted by the message, music, crafts, or even just the one on one time that we had with them. I look back and I see God’s hand planting some seeds that may eventually blossom into fruits of salvation and that overjoys my soul.
Michaela Perreira– I learned a lot about myself and my teammates, especially from the Mt. Olive kids. I saw God working in all of them and was blessed to be a part of that. What a joy it was to work with the kids during tutoring as well as during VBS. I loved getting to know them throughout the week and being an example to them.
Spencer Lines– Last year, humidity and human error had made our painting jobs a significant trial, but this year God blessed our efforts incredibly and we accomplished more than I could have hoped for. However, the biggest blessing came through the increased attendance in our VBS. Although it was hectic at times, we were able to calm the kids and deliver several powerful Gospel messages which I hope impacted those kids as much as they impacted me. The sincerity of love that I witnessed being poured out on those kids really amazed me, and to see some of them begin to reciprocate that love in the short period of a week was even more amazing.
Alex Pelaez– I really looked forward to traveling to Mississippi and getting to know each child and adult alike, and for a week to show them the love of Christ. One thing that amazed me is the authority and influence that Pastor Tony Duckworth has in the community. We were given the local high school for use and the parents trusted us with their children. God has truly blessed the ministry that Pastor Tony and his family have started.
Valerie Lines– I really enjoyed tutoring in the morning, we taught them different subjects and I loved encouraging the children to expand their minds (even if it was summertime!). For VBS I lead the music, which was such a blast to see everyone praise God each day. Then on this trip, I learned how to put aside my self-interests and care for the needs of others, a very important aspect of my growth as a follower of Christ.
Tim Hunter– Praise the Lord; we made it to Mississippi and back safely! The trip was truly a blessing…We experienced some fatigue during the week, but the Lord sustained us and gave us the strength to get through! (I think He definitely used red velvet cake to help do that) : )
Monica Lines– This year I came away with a confirmation of why we need to support our brothers and sisters in Mississippi. My heart went out to the children, knowing that the One they really needed is Christ. Only His grace and strength can help them to live God-honoring lives, making wise choices regarding friends, faith, and their future.
Personally, I grew more in leading the children through tutoring and a VBS lesson. I gladly admit that growth came through mistakes and error, for the most trying times opened my eyes to the grace of God. He provided the strength to supervise and cherish these kids so that we would see our need and give Him the glory.
Whitelaw Avenue Baptist Church
Experiencing God Through Missions
While seeking mission opportunities in 2011, Pastor Richard Newcom heard about the work of Pastor Tony Duckworth, Sr. and his wife, Shannon in Mount Olive, Mississippi, from a former church member who recently moved from Wood River, Illinois to Madison, Mississippi. “Our church completed a study entitled Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby,” said Pastor Newcom. “One of the main themes is to identify where God is at work and join Him there. After talking with Pastor Tony and MS Shannon, it was obvious that God is working and changing lives through Mount Olive Community Church and Mount Olive Ministries.”
MOM is helping young people break away from street life, such as gangs, drugs, and school drop-out. Working with students and families through after-school and summer programs as well as family development, Mount Olive Ministries is impacting the community.
In May 2012, a mission team came from WABC to complete the installation of a kitchen in the ministry building and assist with tutoring during the summer program. After the mission trip was over, the relationship continued to grow between the two churches. Pastor Tony and Shannon visited WABC in Wood River, IL in August of that year. “After hearing from the returning mission team and Pastor Tony himself about the life-changing work of the ministry and impact on the community, our church wanted to continue to support the ministry and return this summer.
When we asked how we could help, Shannon said she would love to have a playground for the children. The church rose to the challenge. From January to June, church members contributed a total of $10,600 for the project. The contributions were able to go even further because Sullivan Enterprises Fence Company in Magee, MS generously donated the fencing materials.
Dennis Schillinger, mission team project coordinator said, “Although we brought a team of 19 people aged 16 to 69 for the construction part of the project, our entire church is part of the mission team. Our church feels connected to the Mount Olive church family and feels privileged to serve alongside them. It’s amazing how God assembles the mission team so that the combined skills and abilities of the individual members are sufficient to meet the unknown challenges that arise during the project.”
Pastor Tony Duckworth said, “This is more than a playground… it’s a tool. The playground not only provides a safe place for our children to play, it also provides an opportunity for us to serve God and His people and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. We strive to carry out the purpose of our mission statement: We exist for the purpose of worshiping and glorifying God through Teaching, Training, and Transforming communities through evangelism and making disciples. It all begins with sharing the love of Jesus.”