What is Mississippi River Ministry?
A partnership of the area’s eight state conventions (Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana) has developed to address the needs of the people of the lower Mississippi River region through the development and coordination of volunteer mission projects. The partnership networks with the North American Mission Board and Woman’s Missionary Union to resource and respond to projects and ministries developed and sponsored by associations and churches. The 165 county region of Mississippi River Ministry has been referred to as the “third world along the Mississippi.”
The people in the region suffer from inadequate health care. The area has the highest infant mortality rate in the United States and the lowest ratio of doctors and nurses per 1,000 population. Low family income reduces the availability of health care. In some counties, newborns stand less chance of survival than in Chile, Cuba, or Malaysia.
The people in the region suffer from poor housing and homelessness. Many live in substandard or deteriorated housing. Generation after generation is trying to live without the basic human needs.
The people in the region suffer from lack of education. Slightly more than fifty percent of the people 25 years of age and older have a high school diploma. There is a high rate of illiteracy.
