LOCATION

Dalton, GA

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Dalton is often called the Carpet Capital of the World due to the large number of flooring manufactures in the city. Dalton is located in the northwest corner of Georgia, about 20 miles south of the Tennessee border. The city and surrounding area has a high Hispanic population (around 40%). Poverty is rampant and the needs are great.

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Grace Presbyterian Church developed a vision for reaching Dalton and surrounding areas. A key aspect of this vision is to bring in mission teams to work in the local community. We began hosting mission teams in the summer of 2007 and the ministry has been growing steadily ever since. 

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We encourage you to partner with us in these ministries and spread the gospel in Dalton and the surrounding area. You will find the work tiring but very rewarding. We always have projects under way and take teams any time of year.

THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL IN DALTON

Grace Presbyterian Church is committed to impacting our community through any possible means. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel; that I may share in its blessings.” We have many opportunities for construction teams, VBS teams, athletic camps, and are continually seeking to expand our ministries.

THE WORK

For construction teams, we are repairing and building homes for the elderly, handicapped, and destitute. There is a great need for skilled laborers in everything from framing to roofing to the licensed trades. But if your team does not have skilled laborers we can still use you. We perform all aspects of home construction so there’s always a place for everyone to fit in.

 

For the construction teams, we may be doing anything from foundations to roofing to flooring and finish carpentry. Requests for help are always coming in, so we remain flexible in assigning tasks and rearranging priorities.

MEALS

Each team is responsible for purchasing their own food and meal preparation.  Grace has a great kitchen that is available for your use.

TRAVEL

Driving is the best means of transportation, but if you want to fly, the two best options are the Chattanooga Regional Airport (CHA) located about 30 minutes north of Dalton, and the Atlanta Airport (ATL) is located about 100 miles south of Dalton. If flying, rent cars or vans at the airport, then drive to Grace. It will be necessary to have vehicles for travelling to and from the jobs sites each day.

GROUP DYNAMICS

The maximum capacity of our housing is 40 people. We typically divide teams to about 6-10 people per job site. This obviously changes based on the specific job requirements. Smaller groups are also welcome, even just one or two people. Due to the technical nature and safety hazards we set the minimum age to 15 years old.

LODGING

Travel time from the worksite to any possible jobsites is typically less than 20 minutes, but some sites are up to 30 minutes away.

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We have a bunk house located on the Grace Presbyterian property. This is air-conditioned and houses a total of 40 people, with two large rooms, each sleeping 20 people. These are all bunk beds with mattresses. Each side of the bunk house has 4 showers, 4 sinks, and 4 toilets.  

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The church is available for your use anytime during the week and includes a gymnasium and meeting rooms. There is also an athletic field for your use.

COST

Cost is $100 per person per week. This fee covers the cost of the lodging. Teams are encouraged to “give above and beyond” that to help cover the cost of materials.

WHAT TO BRING

Safety is the highest priority. Bring work gloves, sturdy shoes or work boots (flip-flops and sandals are not permitted on job sites), safety goggles, and any other items you need to avoid injury. Please make sure tetanus shots are updated.

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You will also need to bring sleeping bags or sheets for the bunk beds. You also need to bring towels and your own toiletries. A Wal-Mart is close by. Bring your Bible. You may want to bring spending money for souvenirs or sight-seeing. Valuables like a camera or laptop are generally safe at the mission house but any risks to valuable goods are completely your own.

CAN NON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES COME?

YES! The majority of teams have come from Presbyterian churches, but welcome everyone in Christ’s body to put feet on the Gospel. This is a project where we can celebrate the unity of the Church.

DO WE NEED TO BRING TOOLS?

We have a tool truck and a good supply of tools for one job site. For larger teams that will be working several sights, you should plan on bringing tools. Each person should bring a tool belt with hammer, pencil, tape measure, utility knife, etc.

DO WE NEED INSURANCE?

Yes, everyone needs to have their own health insurance and you will need to have proof.

TYPICAL SCHEDULE

In a typical day, we will leave the church around 8 am. We pack our lunches and take them to the worksites.  We will work with your schedule to accommodate evening activities.  We normally will leave the construction sites to get back to the church around 4:30 – 5 pm. In regard to a weekly schedule, we appreciate it if week-long teams can arrive on a Saturday or Sunday, and depart the following weekend. However, we are willing to accommodate teams who are unable to spend a full week with us. We normally do not work on Sundays. Prior to beginning work, all teams will be given a full orientation. Some teams take a half or full day off during the week to rest and sightsee. We also welcome teams for long weekends and partial weeks. In short, if you’re willing to come, we’re willing to have you.

SPIRITUAL ASPECTS

You should appoint a person or persons to lead in short devotions each morning before you leave for work. Some groups have had amazing experiences of sharing and/or prayer with the homeowners. Remember—by serving others, you are being Christ’s body. This is no small responsibility. We often have a “prayer chair” at each job site where each person will take a 10-15 minute shift praying for the homeowners, the team, and the work.

HOW DO YOU SELECT WHAT HOMES TO REPAIR?

Many of those we help are referred to us by social workers, personal contacts and other ministries. City and county officials also point us to needs in the community.

WHERE ARE THE HOMES?

Most of the homes we work on are in Dalton and the surrounding area.

HOW DO YOU SELECT WHAT HOMES TO REPAIR?

Many of those we help are referred to us by social workers, personal contacts and other ministries. City and county officials also point us to needs in the community.

ARE SENIORS WELCOME?

Some of the most skilled and energetic workers we’ve seen are seniors. But some older folks who may not be able to endure the heavy labor come and work in the kitchen, or help clean the team’s housing site during the day while they are working.

HOW DO WE SET THE DATE?

Rebuilding Hope maintains the calendar. We have limitations on space, and need at least a month’s notice, so please contact us as soon as possible. It is important also for us to plan the work and have the appropriate supplies available and ready.

DO HOMEOWNERS HELP?

Most of the homeowners are elderly and/or disabled and cannot help. Many times their families are there and willing to help and just need encouragement and guidance.

WHAT GOOD IS IT IF NO ONE COMES TO FAITH IN CHRIST?

The Church is Christ’s body, and we have a mandate to offer compassion and healing to our neighbors. We are called to serve and leave the results to our sovereign God. Since the church is a permanent establishment in the community, your week of service is just the beginning of a relationship with these families. We will continue to follow up and minister to these people.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact: Jim Boyd, rebuildinghope@live.com, 706-934-9261

Videos: Rebuilding Hope on Youtube

Website: For website CLICK HERE