Mission Education

Back Bay Mission became widely known in other parts of the country as staff members traveled to local church congregations  providing the “Shrimp Boil” dinner for which the Mission became famous. The dinner and fellowship it offered was a means of sharing information and news of the Mission and its ministry. Hundreds of people each year had an opportunity to learn of Back Bay Mission’s work at the same time they met the delicacy (shrimp) that was at the root of the ministry’s origin. Hurricane Katrina changed Coast life, making it difficult for the Mission to continue this tradition. Perhaps sometime in the future we will once again be able to travel far and wide, telling our story through “Shrimp Boil” dinners.

When possible, Executive Director Rev. Shari Prestemon often travels to Conferences and congregations of the United Church of Christ to share the story of Back Bay Mission’s ongoing ministries of transformation. Contact Shari Prestemon.

In addition, Back Bay Mission has Board Members and Development Associates throughout the country who are willing to speak at churches on the work of the Mission or provide materials. Some have also picked up the Shrimp Boil tradition and now share that custom with interested congregations.
Contact Lola Kane,Assistant for Donor Relations

Meanwhile, other resources have replaced staff road trips. A DVD is available as are printed materials (brochures, church bulletins) (click here to download).

We also encourage members of congregations to visit when “in the neighborhood,” and to send volunteer “work campers” here to involved themselves in changing lives for the better – an experience they’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Contact: Volunteer Coordinator