Know Your Why
Transforming long-held beliefs, attitudes and ways of life is a challenge. For more than 20 years, Mission Waco has offered programs that engage orthodoxy (right beliefs) and orthopraxis (right actions) around the issues of poverty. We aim to destroy old myths to help others understand the realities of poverty and the biblical call to action on behalf of the poor.
By mobilizing the middle and upper classes in empathy and action, groups can directly impact the Waco community and draw on transformative experiences to help inform those around them.
We recently expanded our summer program to offer deeper transformative experiences and discussions around other critical social issues for youth and adults alike. Topics will include:
- Racism
- Homelessness and Empowerment
- Global Missions and Worldviews
- Church Renewal and Spiritual Gifts
- Economic and Social Justice
Along with learning comes serving! Every year, we welcome over 40 groups with about 1,000 people and 10,000 hours of help from the various youth, college and adult groups—the equivalent of over five full-time staff members to help maintain buildings, relate with neighborhood kids and serve the community in other capacities. These groups operate in addition to our regular volunteer base.
Real Experiences, Real Results—Read Our Testimonials!
Plan your group’s journey with Multi-Day or One-Day Groups!
Multi-Day Groups
Please read the Group Info and Rates for information about typical schedules, learning topics, available dates, lodging/meal rates and more! Our training center is available for group housing. There are two dorm areas, each with 24 bunks, two showers, toilets and sinks. The building also has a meeting room, kitchen, fenced back yard and parking.
One-Day Groups
In addition to multi-day and overnight groups, we welcome individuals or groups for one-day projects. Groups participate in cleaning, mowing, painting, sanding, construction and special projects like the annual Toy Store and Back-To-School Store.
Service Projects
See Ideas for Service At Mission Waco to see a variety of ways your group can connect with Mission Waco Mission World for serving, learning and supporting our ministry.
- If adult members of your group have special skills such as carpentry, painting, etc., please let us know ahead of time so we can assign them projects that would best use their skills.
- Due to the volume of groups and volunteers and changing weather conditions, we may not be able to tell you the exact project until a few days before your arrival. Feel free to check in with us at any point.
- Most volunteer service projects will be related to Mission Waco programs and located on Mission Waco property (cleaning, mowing, painting, sanding, construction or flyer distribution) or in low-income neighborhoods (King’s Club, Street Camp or helping a low-income homeowner).
- Funding some of the service projects or supplies that we use regularly is not required but is appreciated! Here’s a list of ways your dollars or skilled contractors can help: Project Resource Wish List
Street Camp
Street Camp is a 3-day summer camp held at various Waco apartment complexes. Volunteer groups come from out of town to serve at these sites, play games, host Bible studies and do crafts with the children.
Ready to Serve?
If your group is ready to get involved with Mission Waco, please complete the Groups Inquiry form below to tell us about your group, preferred days of service, etc.
After we have confirmed the date(s) with you, all group participants (youth and adults) must complete a Waiver Form. Please distribute these before the trip (parent/guardian must sign a youth waiver form for those under 18), and bring the completed forms with you to the assigned site.
What to bring: Participants should wear appropriate clothing, including shoes that cover their whole foot (no flip flops or slip-on shoes) and no spaghetti strap tops, revealing or tight clothing, or clothing with messages that are not consistent with Christian values. It is helpful if each participant brings a water bottle and work gloves.
Group Numbers: Please confirm your numbers with us about a week before your visit so that we can plan content and volunteer service projects accordingly.
Are you a community member with a non-emergent need? Would you like to know if one of our groups could help? Please submit requested information and as much detail as possible below.
