Ministries

THE AARON AND MAGGIE DAVIS FAMILY: (Charitable Giving/Mission Giving)

Aaron and Maggie Davis serve in ministry at Camp Trinity: The Lutheran Camp on Petit Jean Mountain in Arkansas. For four years, they have lived with their five children in camp housing on site. Recently, the camp’s home was found to have toxic mold behind the shower wall. Due to the age of the home, and a long list of other needed repairs, the camp board has decided to create a campaign to replace the mobile home.

The Davis family has had to move out of their home at Camp Trinity into temporary housing offsite for their health and safety.

While living in camp housing, the family was exposed to the toxic mold growing behind the shower wall. Due to this exposure, one of their five children has become very sick. Her symptoms were a medical mystery until the mold was discovered. Since then, the family has tested the home to better understand the severity of the situation. Given the results they received from testing and the sensitivity of their daughter, they’ve made the tough decision to part with all of their material contents within their home.

LUTHERAN SCHOOL EDUCATION SCOLARSHIPS: (Charitable Giving)

Last year we gifted a Lutheran School in Memphis. This year the Council is considering other Lutheran Schools as well.

SET APART TO SERVE: (Mission Giving)

Our Mid-South District of the LCMS has launched a Church Worker recruiting campaign, led by a Set Apart to Serve Task Force. This group of Called Workers and lay leaders seeks to spread the word about the wonderful opportunities to serve God’s church as a Pastor, Director of Christian Ed, Principal, Teacher, Director of Parish Music, Deaconess, or other “Called” Worker role.

Our District supports Church Workers in many ways, including recruiting efforts to tuition assistance, and from professional development to valuable grants for outreach.

ROOFS FOR TANSANIA: (Mission Giving)

The Southeast of Lake Victoria Diocese (SELVD) of the Lutheran church of Tanzania has witnessed tremendous growth. When a new congregation is formed, the members purchase and clear the land, pour the foundation, make the bricks, and construct the walls for the new building. This is a labor of love by the members many of them new Christians. Their biggest challenge is to raise money to purchase wood and steel sheets for the roofs. Most of these new church plants are in rural areas where the congregation consists of subsistence farmers. Money is a scarce commodity.

In 2012, when the SELVD was established, it was made up of 14,371 members, 5 Districts, 37 Parishes and 70 Sub Parishes. In 2022 when it marked its tenth anniversary, it had 28,498 members, 15 Districts, 105 Parishes and 312 Sub Parishes.

With this phenomenal growth comes challenges. Currently over forty congregations are meeting without a roof to protect them from the weather. The diocese estimates 24 more congregations will be formed in the next 2 years.

THE PURPLE FLOWER: (Charitable Giving)

The Purple Flower is located in Berryville and is a resource and support center for Carroll County. It provides support, advocacy, resources, and empowerment for those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.

INTO THE LIGHT: (Charitable Giving)

Into The Light’s vision is a world where no child is bought, sold or exploited sexually. The ITL main office is in Mountain Home, Arkansas. But it has a strong presence in Rogers and its presence is increasing in Carroll County.

Sex Trafficking is all around us, and often hidden in plan site. Into The Light serves to provide advocates to provide support and encouragement as the victims begin the healing process. Immediate needs such as clothing, shoes, and school supplies are often provided as well.

LIVES UNDER CONSTRUTION BOYS RANCH: (Charitable Giving)

Founded in 1982, Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch is a residential treatment center for boys ages 7 to 21 that are experiencing a myriad of problems including criminal offenses, substance abuse, violence and aggression, chronic truancy, disrespect for authority, and emotional problems. The program generally lasts 15 to 18 months.

The Christian program focuses on behavior modification through changing old habits and behaviors. Therapy is performed through a clinical setting multiple times a month and is based on Biblical principles.

Accountability and good work habits are strongly encouraged through caring for animals on the ranch as well as through various trade programs. The boys can learn a number of different trades including mechanics, carpentry, landscaping and lawn care, cooking, housekeeping, and welding. Boys in the program work with the program’s Educational Coordinator to develop a study plan while the boys attend the public school system in the area.

LOCAL BOY SCOUT TROOP: (Charitable Giving)

We have supported the local Boy Scout Troop for several years. The Council recommends we continue to do so this year.