Fuse 2010 Summer Mission Trip
August 1-6, 2010
Cortez, Colorado

Mission Team Members:
Kristy C, Julia K, Chelsea K, Andrew W, Parker C, Rachel W, Christianna F, Eric Z

Cortez

Experience the adventure and fascinating heritage of Mesa Verde Country in Cortez, Colorado. The spectacular mountains, mesas and canyons offer outdoor recreation and vast archaeological treasures. As you immerse yourself in the culture of this region, your group also will have the opportunity to help those residents who struggle with poverty through a variety of work projects. Groups will also show Jesus’ love by facilitating a Kids Club.

Demographics

Located in the southwest corner of Colorado, Cortez is known as the archaeological center of America. The Navajos called Cortez “Tsya-toh,” meaning “rock water.” The region’s most popular destination is Mesa Verde National Park, which features old Indian cliff dwellings. The park was selected as the number one historic monument in the world by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. Today, the population of Cortez is approximately 8,000, 10 percent of whom are Native American. The rest of the population is primarily white (81 percent). While the region’s rich archaeological industry has helped much of the community thrive, 19 percent of Cortez residents live below the poverty line. Your outreach to this group, and many others, will most certainly be an encouragement to the community. Come to Cortez to share a life-changing experience with the people of this great town.

About the Ministry

Participants serve in a variety of ways during a YouthWorks mission trip. Students may spend all week at one ministry or switch between ministries during the week. Ministries that your students may participate in are Kids Club and Work Projects. Kids Club is a hands-on program led by your youth offering high-energy games, crafts, skits, songs and interactive lessons all designed to help kids learn about Jesus. Whether we’re painting houses, performing minor home repair, cleaning up debris, volunteering in community gardens or other projects in the community, the projects students work on will serve as our way of blessing people in need. We cannot confirm until all groups arrive exactly what ministries your students will be a part of during the week. We ask that you come with a willing and flexible spirit!

Activities

Evening activities during a YouthWorks week are designed to give participants an insight into the lives of local residents and the culture of the area. A list of evening/cultural activities we have done in the past include: take a hike at McPhee Reservoir; enjoy frybread and learn more about the history of Cortez; attend a church service at Evangel Assembly of God; and attend a community Bar-B-Q. These are examples of what your group might partake in during your mission week. These examples are subject to change due to weather or availability. In case of change, suitable substitutes will be provided. We try to arrange for free evening activities, but from time to time, an additional cost may be required for an activity. Please plan to bring an additional $10 per person to cover any extra costs. We will confirm the details closer to your trip.

Ministry Week
Kids Club and Work Projects