MISSION STATEMENT

Provide Christian-based holistic, relationship-based programs that empower the poor and marginalized. Mobilize middle-class Americans to become more compassionately involved among the poor. Seek ways to overcome the systemic issues of social injustice which oppress the poor and marginalized.

HISTORY OF MISSION WACO

In 1978, Jimmy and Janet Dorrell bought a deteriorating house in the middle of a blighted neighorhood in North Waco. Based on their understanding of incarnational ministry, they sensed their vocational call was to live among the poor and help bring “good news” through relationships and empowerment opportunities. The couple began offering children’s and teen clubs each week in their home, meeting neighbors, and providing assistance to those struggling in the community.

The Dorrells left for a short time (1979-1982) to work in a church in Houston, followed by a exposure trip around the world, an experience which opened their eyes to the enormous needs of the hungry, the poor, the unevangelized and the struggling needs of so many around the globe. Convicted they should return to Waco, a community rich in possibilites with so many Christian students at Baylor and local churches, yet also the home of large numbers caught in the throes of poverty, they returned to their aging home to more seriously develop relationship-based ministries.

In 1991, after years of an informal neighborhood ministry, the Dorrells created “Cross Culture Experiences,” a non-profit Christian organization designed to help students leave the comfort of their own cultural experiences and come to understand and love the poor and marginalized. A “poverty simulation,” out-of-country “exposure trips,” and a few neighborhood Bible clubs filled the their time since the couple were bi-vocational. Within the year, a Christian foundation (Christian Mission Concerns, established by Paul and Katie Piper) chose to fund a $75,000 start up program called “Mission Waco” to be led by Jimmy and Janet. Within the year, the ministry exceeded expectations and CMC relocated oversight to Cross Culture Experiences. The foundation has continued to help support the ministry from its initiation.

Mission Waco’s program were built around three goals: 1) relationship-based, holistic programs among the poor and marginalized, 2) mobilizing middle-class Christians toward “hands-on” involvement, and 3) addressing some of the systemic issues which disempowered the poor. As volunteers, interns, and donations increased, and as local gaps were indentified, additional programs were added to the existing children and teen programs. Today, there are some fifteen programs for all ages and a staff of twenty five persons. A board of twenty Christian men and women from different churches oversee the direction.

In 1993, Mission Waco purchased and renovated the carpet store next door to the Dorrell’s home for their program center and poverty simulation site. In 1994, a more challenging building opportunity came with the purchase of an old bar and the acquisition of an abandoned shopping center at the corner of N. 15th Street and Colcord Ave. The corner had once been a thriving location for the neighborhood with a grocery store, beauty salons, and the Texas Theater. But as the encroaching ghettoization of the area increased, the local businesses and residents fled to the west side of Waco and negative businesses including street drugs and prostitution replaced the formerly thriving area. There were now four bars and a porno theater (“The Capri”) spreading darkness in the area. Mission Waco immediately gutted the six buildings and began renovating them as funds and volunteers allowed. When completed, “Jubilee Center” was opened to offer a variety of empowerment programs for the community. Today, it is the main offices for Mission Waco and has a computer lab, job training, G.E.D. classes, and a 243 seat theater for dance, drama, neighborhood meetings, and a 28 foot climbing wall. Mission Waco won one of five national “Audre Nelson Community Development” Awards for the restoration and positive impact of the facility.

An outreach Bible study established in 1992 for five homeless men who slept under the Interstate 35 underpass near Baylor continued to grow. Within a few years, the group had grown to include significant numbers of the poor, marginalized, and unchurched and “Church Under the Bridge” was established. Though initially connected for a few years, Mission Waco separated the church away from the non-profit to allow it to grow as its own incorporation. Today the church still meets under the same interstate bridge and runs around 300 persons each week. Mission Waco has continued its “Friday Morning Breakfast” with these folks at First Lutheran’s facility since 1993.

Due to growing numbers of homeless people who had no safe place to sleep, Dorrell gathered four other pastors together in 1994 to create Compassion Ministries as another separate non-profit for homeless women, children, and families. However, it was not until 2004 that Mission Waco chose to establish their own chronic homeless shelter, called “My Brother’s Keeper.” Other ministries including Manna House, a ten bed residential alcohol/drug recovery home, was established in 1995 by Jason Pittman of Mission Waco, to target very low income persons, including the homeless who could not access other treatment programs. A transition house for those completing the program was established on North 15th Street.

Founded by Dr. John Perkins and Dr. Wayne Gordon, CCDA (Christian Community Development Association) became an early source for Mission Waco’s mentoring and encouragement. Through national l conferences and workshops, each year Mission Waco learned more about urban ministries and Christian development in cities around the nation. Practitioners from all over the nation provided guidance with each new step.

In 1997, Christian Mission Concerns donated an 18-unit apartment complex on Washington Ave. These units were completely remodeled and today offer mixed income Christians a program-based living center with spiritual mentoring and accountability.

In 2000, Mission Waco established Waco Community Development Corporation as another separate entity. The purpose of the CDC is safe and affordable housing for both the poor and to attract and encourage middle-class Christians to return to the area. Mike Stone was hired as executive director in 2001. The organization also seeks to help bring new economic development to the area.

In January, 2005, Mission Waco opened the “Meyer Center for Urban Ministries,” a former church in downtown Waco that provides assistance and social services for the poor. Through the generosity of the Paul and Jane Meyer Family Foundation, the building was purchased to help create a “one-stop shop” for the poor and marginalized in the community. Showers, laundry, clothing vouchers, and shelter vouchers are provided each day. Other organizations are locating in the facility to provide easier access for various needs of the poor.

On January 9, 2006, World Cup Cafe, the 42-seat corner restaurant at Jubilee Center (1321 N. 15th at Colcord), opened with specialty coffees and pastries. On January 31st, breakfast and lunch became the norm. On February 14th, the Cafe held its official Grand Opening. The World Cup Café not only offers coffees from around the world, but also is training men and women in the food service industry.

As the ministry grows, community organizing and coalition building has become the primary strategy in the imporverished neighborhoods of the community. Residents of changing neighborhoods are “re-neighboring” through block parties, community empowerment meetings, leadership development, and coalition building.

Through its entire history, Mission Waco staff and volunteers have worked hard to balance “hands-on” relationships with the poor, local churches, and the community. The call to bring good news to the poor has been a driving force since its first day. And the desire to create a biblical base for empowering compassion is still at its core. God has birthed, blessed and sustained this venture through the years! Thanks be to God.