WHAT IS A COLONIA?
The development of Texas colonias dates back to the 1950s. Using agriculturally worthless land, developers created unincorporated subdivisions with little or no infrastructure. Housing is primarily constructed by residents using discarded wood, cardboard or other materials - usually lacking electricity, plumbing and other basic amenities.
WHO IS BUCKNER?
For more than 135 years, Buckner International (www.buckner.org) has been transforming lives through hands-on ministry. In 2002, Buckner International began to provide innovative programming to support vulnerable children and families living in poverty in the colonias along the Texas/Mexico border (www.buckner.org/rio-grande-valley/).
2026 IS OUR THIRTEENTH YEAR
It is our thirteenth year working with Buckner International in the Penitas Colonia, we had a 2-year hiatus with Covid. Each year, beginning in 2011, over 230 Woodlawn and Memorial Baptist Church in Taylor regulars have joined one of the teams to use their gifts and abilities to impact the Penitas Colonia. This is your year to be a part of the Colonia Mission Project!
WHO CAN GO?
This summer’s mission project, June 6-12, is open to adults, families with children (who have completed 1st grade), college-age adults, and high school students who have completed the 9th grade. Children/Students younger than 9th grade will serve on a team with their parent.
Project Teams
Building Team-build a house in a week
Sewing Team-teach sewing classes to ladies in the Penitas
Serve Team-providing a STEM camp in the mornings to the kids in Penitas and serving at different sites in the afternoon providing for the needs of the people of Penitas (Food Bank, Capable Kids, Paint Team, Bed Building, etc.)
HOUSING
Colonia Mission Project team members will be housed at the Valley Baptist Retreat Center (www.valleybaptistretreat.org/). There are a limited number of private rooms available for families with children.
COST(Register by March 8th to guarantee your spot)
*All deposits must be paid at Registration. Fundraising funds cannot be used for deposits.
Individual Cost $375 with a $50 non-refundable deposit
Family of 2 is $750 with a $100 non-refundable deposit
Family of 3 is $850 with a $100 non-refundable deposit
Family of 4 or more $950 with a $100 non-refundable deposit
Mission Trip Meetings (Mandatory)
Sunday, March 22 at 12:15PM in Fellowship Center with lunch provided
Sunday, May 3 at 1:15PM in Fellowship Center (fundraiser lunch option to purchase)
Individual teams will schedule additional meetings as needed.