The Program Ministries Department is now accepting applications for 2010 SOUL Staff!  

This year will be different from the past years as SOUL is expanding to Matamoros, Mexico in 2010.  In addition to three program weeks at the MOWA Choctaw Center in Alabama, SOUL will offer groups the opportunity to help lead VBS at Iglesia Evangelica Amigos in Matamoros.  Staff will live on site at the MOWA Choctaw Friends Center for six weeks of the summer and in Matamoros for two weeks.

Applicants can apply online or download the application form, fill it out, and mail it to the Yearly Meeting Office.  Some information regarding the regarding the requirements for staff members and further details about the program are listed below.  For complete information, download the Application Info Packet.

• Apply Online

• Complete Reference Form Online

Form Downloads

Application Form

Reference Form

Important Information

Dates Required for Employment:

• December 18-19, 2009
• December 29-30, 2009 (tentative)
• March 12-15, 2010
• May 26-29, 2010 (tentative)
• June 4-30, 2010
• July 5-August 2, 2010

• 3 references, one from your pastor or monthly meeting clerk
• United States Passport (required to travel to Mexico)
• Raise at least $500 of financial support for your mission work as a SOUL Staff Member

Background on Service Sites

• Iglesia Evangelica Amigos de Matamoros-  North Carolina Yearly Meeting has been affecting the lives of individuals and entire communities in Mexico for nearly 50 years. The ministry began in 1960 with a single site in Monterrey, Mexico and soon after, in 1970, grew into a second site in Matamoros. The current pastor in Matamoros, Jorge Reyes, has been serving since 1983 and presently leads two worship sites, a church in the village of Esperanza Reforma and one at his own home in the city.

              While NCYM has already established a church, a worship room in Pastor Reye’s house, a playground, and a thriving congregation, there is still much work to be done in this community. Currently, there are work projects being done to enhance both the spiritual and physical aspects of the village. A brand new fellowship hall has recently been built for the church which provides not only a place for the youth to meet but also an area for visiting work teams to be housed. In addition to improving the church, efforts have been made to enhance the surrounding community by improving the living areas of members of the village.

              For years, the Young Friends Activities Committee has collaborated with the Missions Committee and sponsored a group to present VBS for the children of the village in Matamoros. Our teams have assisted in teaching VBS for approximately 100 community children, complete with puppets, crafts, skits, games, and songs.  Last year, several older youth and adults from the village became upfront helpers.  This year we plan to extend this opportunity to many more by featuring our SOUL ministry in Matamoros.

• MOWA Choctaw Friends Center- The Friends Center is a ministry of North Carolina Yearly Meeting.  The center, which was originally owned and operated by the Associated Committee of Friends on Indian Affairs, is located in McIntosh, Alabama.  The Center serves as the gathering spot for recreation, meals, education, and fellowship in the local community.  Some programs include After School Tutoring for pre-school through fifth graders, Kids Club - weekly meetings for children, a youth group for teens, and weekly Rummage Sale. Visit the MOWA webpage to learn more.