World Servants first came to Jellico in June, 2000. Over the past few years, our partnership with local leaders, Good Soil Ministries, and the Woodland Community Organization has grown and is now key to our work in Tennessee today. Together we are working to meet the needs of this community.
Located between Knoxville, TN, and Lexington, KY, Jellico is part of the Appalachian Mountain range. The scenery is breathtaking and people are very friendly. Its native inhabitants represented a variety of Native American tribal groups. Tennessean’s passion for the outdoors and love for music, especially fiddles and other stringed instruments, speak of their early European roots even to this day.
Today, Jellico has a population of approximately 2,400. During its ‘boom days’ until the 1960’s, when coal was king, the population was more than 10,000. Times have changed—sixty percent of its current citizens are on government assistance, the schools are struggling with resources, and employment is a problem.
WHAT WE'RE DOING
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
Teams will work alongside the community; improving living conditions and opening doors to share Jesus. The majority of the mission week will be spent on home renovation projects. Most of the homes we encounter are in disrepair and will benefit from the work of loving hearts and hands. Projects can include installation of vinyl siding, windows and doors, roofing, constructing a wheel chair ramp to give an elderly person easy access to their home, building a deck, painting and general clean up around the property.
You will learn about the Appalachian culture with its strong emphasis on family values. By participating in outreach events such as Kids’ Club (VBS), Mega Sports Camp, and neighborhood cookouts, you’ll build relationships as you interact with the people in the community.
TRIPS TO THIS COMMUNITY
Not seeing a date that fits your schedule?
Contact us to discuss organizing a custom trip.
LOGISTICS
FOOD, LODGING, & TRAVEL
Participants are expected to provide transportation to and from the mission site, as well as travel between the housing site, work projects, outreach activities and the day off event.
The team will stay at the Clear Fork Community Center, local church or schools; facilities are set up with separate rooms for women and men. Showers and restroom facilities are available.
Electricity and hot water are available. Meals are prepared by local cooks.
On the day off, teams have several options available, both free and fee-based activities, which include the local water park, train rides, whitewater rafting, canoeing, or time spent at a state
park.
IS IT SAFE?
TRIP SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Trip safety is extremely important to World Servants and our host community. The community we are working and staying in is considered very safe and we do not anticipate any safety issues.
COVID-19 Safety Response
We are working diligently to address the directives of the communities we serve in regard to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Be assured, World Servants will not hesitate to cancel or suspend a trip if appropriate.
While World Servants does not require participants to be vaccinated, some countries in which we serve may require proof of vaccination and/or a negative COVID test in order to gain entry into the country. World Servants will work with you and your team to make sure you are aware of any travel requirements prior to trip onset.