Where is Jonestown, MS located?

Jonestown is located in the northwest part of Mississippi, in Coahoma county, approximately 12 miles from Clarksdale, MS. Jonestown is an hour’s drive south from Memphis and approximately two and a half hour’s drive north from Jackson, MS.

The BGM Hope Center, where your team will stay, is located at 412 Coldwater River Rd, Coahoma, MS 38617

What kind of work is done on mission trips?

Depending on the team, there could be construction work, medical work, dental work, business mentoring, agriculture work, work with local children, evangelism, Bible studies, Vacation Bible School activities for children, sports activities, and other work. There is a place for everyone regardless of his/her skills. Please Click HERE and keep in mind the 7 SPHERES of But God Ministries.

How long is a mission trip to Jonestown?

Mission trips are scheduled during the summer months from Saturday to Friday. During all other months, there are two options: (1) Monday to Friday and (2) Friday to Sunday. For other arrangements, please call BGM at 601-983-1179.

Who can go on a team?

We ask that you be a professing Christian actively involved in a local, Christian church. We reserve the right to decline an application for team membership or deny participation of a team member on the mission field for any reason, including, but not limited to, theological differences or personal behavior deemed incompatible with our ministry. Age requirements: Minimum age is 6. Children ages 6-12 must be accompanied by a parent. Teens ages 13-17 must be a part of a 4 to 1 ratio (teens to adults).

How many team members can we take?

The Hope Center at Jonestown has dorm space for 40 team members – 20 male and 20 female bunks.  (No co-ed rooms) If your team is less than the maximum, it is possible that another team will be scheduled to fill the available spots.

How much does it cost for each team member?

The cost per team member includes lodging, food, project coordinators, and local transportation. Six night trips during the summer months (Sat.-Fri.) are $420/person. Four night trips outside the summer months (Mon.-Fri.) are $280/person. Weekend trips outside the summer months (Fri.-Sun.) are $140/person. Breakfast is not provided and team members are encouraged to bring all breakfast-related items. (There is a refrigerator, stove, and microwave for team use.) In addition, team members may want to bring money to purchase snacks and drinks from local businesses.

Are there special rates for families?

Yes – special family rates apply to 3 or more immediate family members in the same household (parents, brothers, and sisters).

  • First two family members = full price
  • Third = 25% off
  • Fourth = 50% off
  • Fifth and above = 75% off
What does a typical week look like?

A full week during the summer (Sat.-Fri.) may look like the following:

  • Saturday – arrive at noon; lunch; orientation; work
  • Sunday – morning worship at local church; evening discipleship in local churches
  • Monday – Thursday
    • 7:00 – breakfast
    • 7:30 – team devotion
    • 8:00-11:30 – work
    • 11:30 – lunch
    • 1:00 – 5:00 – work
    • 6:00 – dinner
    • 7:00 – share time
  • Wednesday – evening worship at local church
  • Thursday – afternoon and evening, trip to Clarksdale sites and dinner out
  • Friday – 8:00 – leave for home

A partial week outside the summer months (Mon.-Fri.) may look like the following:

  • Monday – arrive at noon; lunch; orientation; begin work
  • Monday – Thursday
    • 7:00 – breakfast
    • 7:30 – team devotion
    • 8:00-11:30 – work
    • 11:30 – lunch
    • 1:00 – 5:00 – work
    • 6:00 – dinner
    • 7:00 – share time
  • Wednesday – evening worship at local church
  • Thursday – afternoon and evening, trip to Clarksdale sites and dinner out
  • Friday – 8:00 – leave for home

A weekend trip outside the summer months (Fri.-Sun.) may look like the following:

    • Friday – arrive in afternoon; orientation; work
    • Saturday
      • 7:00 – breakfast
      • 7:30 – team devotion
      • 8:00-11:30 – work
      • 11:30 – lunch
      • 1:00 – 5:00 – work
      • 6:00 – dinner
      • 7:00 – share time
    • Sunday – worship at local church, lunch, leave for home
What type of clothing should I bring?
  • Construction work: Long pants and long sleeves will protect from the sun and the environment, though some prefer to work in shorts and t-shirt. Bring a hat with a wide brim or a protective flap for your ears and neck.
  • Other work: Combine comfort and modesty. See specific guidelines below.
  • Shoes: Comfortable closed-toed shoes (hiking/work boots optional) required for construction related projects.
  • Church: Women – modest attire – no jeans or shorts; Men – Khakis/slacks, collared shirt

Please note the BGM dress code guidelines:

Regarding tops/shirts: Wear only t-shirts with sleeves and modest necklines. Do not wear tank tops. If you wear a sleeveless shirt or shirt with low V or scoop neckline, you will be asked to change. If you do not have t-shirts with sleeves and modest necklines, you will need to purchase or borrow them.

Regarding shorts: Do not wear Nike shorts or running shorts. Wear basketball or soccer length shorts. Shorts should be at least mid-thigh. If you wear inappropriate length shorts, you will be asked to change. If you do not have appropriate length shorts, you will need to purchase or borrow them.

We reserve the right to ask an individual to change any attire that is not appropriate.

Do medical and dental professionals have to provide additional documents in order to practice?

Yes. Each doctor, dentist, nurse, veterinarian, and pharmacist must provide the following documents to his/her team captain:

  • Copy of your diploma from your school (medical, dental, nursing or pharmacy school)
  • Copy of your annual license
Can medical, dental, nursing, or pharmacy students see and/or treat patients?

No. Only those professionals with diplomas and current licensure are allowed to treat patients. However, in many cases, students may work side-by-side with a professional assisting as needed with basic health care.

What does the Hope Center facility offer?

The Hope Center has:

  • Twin Size, extra thick Tempurpedic mattresses and pillows (20 male / 20 female bunks. No Co-Ed rooms)
  • Full kitchen with pots, pans, dishes, utensils; gas stove, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, ice machine, coffee pot (coffee, creamer ,sugar provided)
  • Showers
  • Double electrical plugs by each bed

Please note: Wifi is for BGM staff use only.  LAN jacks for Laptops are available for internet use.  (Cables are not provided)

Should I bring extra money on the trip?

Bring only the money that you think you will need for souvenirs, snacks, drinks, church offerings, meals while traveling, and other incidentals.

Is wi-fi available to team members at the Hope Center?

No. Wifi is for BGM Staff Use Only.  We want team members to spend time interacting with one another and the community rather than focusing on their phones and other gadgets.  LAN jacks for Laptops are available if you need internet use.  (Cables are not provided)

What should I take with me on the trip?

Click HERE to see Packing List.

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