Newsletter #12
Mennonite Service Center is a faith based, non-profit organization. We do human service and ministry programs in rural east-central Mississippi. We believe and adhere to Romans 6:4: “Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in
Newness of Life.”
No.12 – August 1, 2016
“Macon, MS – the poorest town in the nation.” http://247wallst.com/special-report/2016/05/24/poorest
(Michael B. Sauter, wrote the 247 Wall Street article on May 24, 2016. It is titled “Poorest Town in Every State.”)
No one asked but this is what I think.
By Larry Miller
Most people in Noxubee County didn’t react to the above headline in the recent Jackson, MS Clarion Ledger. To be exact 49.9% didn’t say anything about the designation nor were they asked about it.
There were those who did voice dissenting sentiments and were quick to laud Macon’s population of 2,687 souls, “as a quiet and comfortable town.” None of these were from the above percentage of poverty stricken families.
So does it matter that Macon is now recognized as the USA’s poorest town? Does it bother anyone? It all depends on who is asked the question.
Yes, Macon is deserving of the headline above. My answer is based on having lived here for fifty years and having experience aiding those who hurt, hunger and suffer the humiliation of being poor. The town is home to a disturbing food wilderness. Many rural poor and elderly have to drive more than 10 miles for a purchase of produce, fresh meat and milk. Emergency food efforts are unheard of. So hungry persons beg, try to borrow and mostly wait.
Don’t have a car? There is little chance to find employment because jobs are not here. If the school system fails, you can’t get a GED, because the community college has no class here. Even having access to transportation, yet not having a drivers license and insurance is a sure bet to a court summons.
Looking in from Highway 45, Macon appears to be well manicured and a neat place – like the beautiful shrubbery maintained by the town at the 4 way stop sign. It’s misleading but deception is a prominent part of Macon’s façade of comfortable living.
There is a field for soccer but no high school coach for it. Dogs and cats are neutered but the compulsory school law is compromised. Children eat summer meals here but many more have no access to food and activities. Manufactured homes that are decades old are falling in on families. The elderly and impoverished are vulnerable to the heat of this summer.
A disturbing observation about Macon is social and religious acceptance of poverty here. The poor themselves often appear to be apathetic about their plight. Does anyone really care? Macon is quite deserving of it’s latest publicity. Adjoining Cedar Creek and Pineywoods were not included in the calculations. If so indicators would have been tragically higher.
What does the Bible say? It reveals that God’s heart is for those in poverty:
“Can he who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One? Is he not the One who says to kings, ‘You are worthless’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’ who shows no partiality to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor; for they are all the work of his hands.” Job.34:17….
The census reports median household income for Macon at $18,232. Luckily half of the residents make more than $1500. a month. Sadly though, half of this town’s families live on much less!
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MSC Home Repair Project Abound.
The coming of 32 young Amish adult volunteers during the 2015 Christmas week, resulted in 26 household projects being done in Noxubee County.
Woodcutting & splitting ….. 3 trees
Roofing and shingles……3 jobs
Roof sealing & repair… 4 jobs
Porch/railing/roof/ramps.. 8 built
Repairing doors and floors…..4 houses
Painting elderly & disabled…. 8 houses
Clean up yards/homes…..5 houses
Alterations/frame rooms… 3 families
Install at Dormitory.. 25 storm windows
Mailboxes restored/repaired….half dozen
Other repair work groups who came in the spring were: Living Stones, Ft. Payne, AL; Waterford/Holdeman Mennonites, Goshen, IN; and the Jerry Beasley family. MSC’s waiting list for elderly, widows, disabled and veterans needing assistance is growing. This ministry has necessitated the building of a shop/shed/showers facility at Mashulaville Dormitory. (next story)
Kevin, Harley, David, Joe & others…. came in June and July to build a 30 ft x 40 ft pole/metal building to house tools for MSC repair work. Showers, toilets, storage and equipment space will be available when the building is completed. Your financial and time contributions are still needed as we complete this facility this fall.
Summer Food & Recreation
MSC’s effort at nutrition, recreation and teaching for rural children and youth reached a total of 18 centers being served this summer. The count is still not in but upwards of 600 kids ate breakfast and lunch in June and July. Greatly appreciated are the volunteers and churches/groups in our partnerships. They with Beverly Mayo and a hardworking staff have made this a reality.
34 Camp scholarships
Carmen Walker headed up the fund drive and placement of local youth who went to summer camps. Campfires, canoes and character development was our goal.
Guest House & Hospitality
Thanks to Candi Nolt and Maxine Miller who relentlessly wash and change the Dormitory bedding. Our walls record the exploits of continuing guests here.
After-school tutoring
The application deadline for centers who wish to be sponsored for fall, 2016 Child Nutrition suppers is September 25.
Your gifts of time & money help us.
Mennonite Service Center (a non-profit 501-c-3 organization)
105 Dormitory Dr.
Macon, MS 39341
phone: 662-361-0383