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Duke Divinity Renews Mississippi Ties

For a second consecutive summer, selected students from Duke Divinity School participated in 10-week field education placements in the Mississippi Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Serving in various venues, the students engaged in Hurricane Katrina relief ministries, poverty issues, and the role of local churches and church agencies in both faith communities and the larger surrounding community.

Ashley Lloyd, the Warren Pittman Fellow for summer 2006 and a native of Texas, served in Jackson at both Bethlehem Center, directed by Duke Divinity alumna Rev. Allison Carr Dickerson, and Epworth UMC, pastored by Rev. Jim Biedenharn, Jr. Bethlehem Center serves inner-city children in an impoverished section of Jackson, Miss., and Epworth UMC is located in a transitional neighborhood of Jackson. Ashley split her days in these contrasting settings.

“It is undeniable that the Bethlehem Center is alive,” said Ashley, who discerns that her future will involve serving children from low-income families. “Bright colored paintings from children on the walls and laughter streaming through the halls reminds one that there is life left behind here.”

Tim Catlett of Morrisville, N.C. learned that theological reflection can occur in unusual places with powerful realizations. Tim lived and worked in D’Iberville, Miss. along the Hurricane Katrina ravaged Gulf Coast. Tim was guided by Duke Divinity alumnus Rev. David Cumbest and the people of Heritage UMC. Rev. Cumbest taught Tim the witness of physical work that is grounded in the example of Jesus.

Tim reflected: “I was given the opportunity to see how the church can step into chaos and provide hope and love to a devastated community.”

Children singing at vacation bible school at Court Street UMC, Hattiesburg, Miss.

Teresa Cook of Creedmoor, N.C. describes Court St. UMC in Hattiesburg, Miss. as “huge in love and compassion for people in need. God uses this church to destroy the historical racial prejudice reputation of Mississippi.” Teresa, under the supervision of Duke Divinity Alumnus Rev. Bruce Case, was immersed in the life and practice of pastoral ministry in this racially and socio-economically diverse congregation.

“This church taught me lifetime lessons,” Teresa said. “I learned how to persevere through all obstacles. I saw racial reconciliation and social justice in action. Truly Court St. is a living witness to Mississippi of how God’s kingdom should look.”

Rey Mondragon, a native of Mexico, under the direction of Duke Divinity Alumnus Rev. Chris Cumbest, spent the summer engaging people of Latino/Hispanic origins who have come to the Gulf Coast in search of jobs in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Rey’s hope is that in this emerging ministry, Mississippi United Methodists will engage these people in their full humanity and explore how each can be in ministry together. Rey’s biggest challenge of the summer was forming bonds of trust with those who have migrated to the United States. Rey notes that dialogue carried out over time and with loving compassion is the key to engaging this growing segment of the population.

Terence Hagans II, from San Diego, Calif., represented Duke Divinity School’s Center for Reconciliation and its Teaching Communities Initiative. Terence lived in Jackson, Miss. in the Voice of Calvary Community and served both the Voice of Calvary Church and the John Perkins Foundation. Read more about Terence and other students who participated in the Teaching Communities program.