Joplin Information

Joplin Service Trip Information/Guidelines

Mystery Church: Joplin, MO Our church, Mystery, is located in the heart of Joplin, MO. While the city of Joplin is home to about 60,000 people, it serves as the main place for shopping and entertainment for a larger community of about 100,000 people. When Steev Inge planted Mystery in Joplin over 5 years ago, he had no idea what God had in store for our church. On May 22nd, 2011, an EF5 tornado hit Joplin, leaving a path 6 miles long and, at parts, as wide as three-quarters of a mile. An estimated 2,000 buildings , or 25% of the city, were completely destroyed, and an additional 6,000 buildings were damaged. The death toll from the tornado reached 156 people. The cost to rebuild Joplin is estimated to be at least $3 billion. At Mystery Church, Mission Joplin is an effort to the meet the immediate and long-term needs of our city and church family. We are providing opportunities for teams of 5 or more to serve alongside us as we participate in the rebuilding of our city. We have always known we were called to bring restoration through Jesus to our city, but now we have the opportunity to literally rebuild it. Our desire is to be the hands and feet of Christ as we build intentional relationships with our neighbors and share the gospel of His great love. To do this, we will be sending teams of people into the devastated areas through Americorps work orders, caring for our church family, and/or referrals from within the community. This means that every day and every team will look different. We’ll work with your individual team to utilize your skills and expertise effectively. Sending teams Schedule options: The three options for bringing your team to Mystery Church are:

 one day - arrive by 8 am; depart after working (typically around 5 or 6 pm)

 long weekend - arrive Thursday evening (by 8:00pm); depart after worship on Sunday

 during week - arrive Monday evening (by 8:00pm); depart Thursday

Given advance notice and prior approval, we may consider other schedules; however, the above provides us with a working rhythm and consistency for our leaders. To stay the duration

of one week, you combine the two half-week options (you will need to fill out two forms: one for each option). Donations We do accept any and all donations. A suggested donation for your stay, to help offset our rising utility costs, are $10 per person for a day-trip and $25 per person for an overnight trip. Who Can Come Volunteers must be over the age of 16. Any volunteer under 18 must have prior parental or guardian consent and be accompanied by a chaperone while out on the field. How to Get Scheduled If you need more information on scheduling, want to be scheduled, or have any other scheduling concerns, please see our website: www.missionjoplin.org. or contact us. To be scheduled, you must use our website. Before making travel arrangements, wait for a clear confirmation from us.

What to expect: Jobs: Right now, we ask that you be flexible. You can be sorting debris for pick up, picking up debris, demolishing houses, moving people into permanent house, repairing houses, etc. Pretty much anything and everything. The need for heavy equipment (skid loaders, bob cats, sledge hammers, wheel barrows, etc) is growing, and many of our jobs are beginning to require these. There are few inside jobs available so everyone who comes needs to be prepared to work out on the field. Repair work is being requested more, so if you have skilled labor on your team, please let us know.

Environment: This is an intense work environment with harsh conditions. The temperature can range between the high eighties and the low hundreds. On top of the potential intense heat and humidity, many materials are floating around in the air. We tell you this not to scare you, but to inform you so that you can determine whether or not coming on this trip is a good decision based on your health. If you are concerned, please consider wisely whether or not to come serve.

What we suggest to wear on-site: jeans, work boots, hat, long-sleeved shirts, work gloves, and a respiratory mask

Work hours: At 7:45 am, every team will go through the daily debrief and assignment time. Teams will then spend the entire day out in the field on assignments until between 4 and 6 pm, except for lunch breaks and the occasional check-in with the leadership team.

Showers/Food/Housing: Showers are provided at the Joplin Family Y, one block away from the church. More information will be given upon your arrival (including a map to the facility). For housing, we will be providing cots for anyone wanting one, but you are welcome to bring a reasonably sized air mattress if you wish. If we have the availability, we try to provide private rooms for married couples. Because we ask that you support our economy by purchasing your food locally, food is not provided by Mystery Church. Mystery Church does provide you with a kitchen full of all the major appliances and a selection of cooking supplies. There are also several restaurants within walking distance (see below) of Mystery and throughout the Joplin area. An updated Google Maps version of the recommendations can be found at: http://bit.ly/kKgrvg and the list will provided again upon arrival. Suggested grocery stores: Walmart: 2623 West 7th Street Sam’s Club: 3536 Hammons Boulevard Food 4 Less: 2800 East 32nd Street

Suggested restaurants within walking distance

- Hackett Hot Wings: $

o Local favorite, serves wings and sandwiches

o Open: Sun 11 am – 5 pm; Mon through Sat, 11 am – 8:30 pm

- Instant Karma:$

o Gourmet Hot Dogs

o Open: Monday through Saturday, 11 am to 8 pm

- Arde’s Bistro: $

o Mediterranean food

o Open: Monday through Saturday, 10:30 am to 8 pm

- Red Onion Café: $$$

o Mixture

o Open: Monday through Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm

- Club 609: $$

o Mixture

o Open: Mon-Fri from 11 am to 11 pm, Sat & Sun, 11 am – 1 am

What to bring:

jeans/shirts work boots

personal medical supplies

deodorant

sunscreen/aloe

bandana/hat

shower needs (soap, washcloth, shampoo, conditioner, shoes)

towel

reusable water bottle

travel mug/coffee cup

cash for eating out

tetanus shot (recommended - not mandatory)

work gloves (if you have them)

air mattress (optional - cots are available)

pillow