In July 2001 a New Life Youth Media group - trained at Curtis Park Community Center in Denver - traveled to the Tallahatchie Development League (TDL) in Tutwiler, Miss. The youth videotaped and interviewed young people from American Baptist Churches of Metro New York who were at TDL on a Youth Mission Study/Work Tour.

Curtis Park and TDL are Christian centers related to National Ministries Neighborhood Action Program. The study/work tour was a NEW LIFE 2010 Home Mission Action Team, coordinated by National Ministries Volunteers In Mission program.

Youth Responses to their experiences:

The most rewarding part of my experience was working in Tutwiler because it made me appreciate my city and the living conditions that my family provides for me. Compared to people in Mississippi I am very fortunate with what I have.

I'll always remember the people and how much the people from TDL were grateful that we came.

I'm really happy knowing what I did helped.

The trip was personally rewarding to me because I got the opportunity to see how others' lifestyles are, and it made me extremely grateful for everything I have.

My favorite would be meeting the mayor of Glendora. It was nice to know how much he does for the town.

I met pioneers who lead the way for us. Coming up here and giving back is our way of expressing gratitude to them.

The trip was rewarding because I have a new group of people to call my family.

I liked seeing the countryside and its green fields.

One youth leader wrote of her experience: Where you expect to find despair you find hope. What you have read and seen in the news of horror inflicted on people of color was only part of the story.

Click here to read about Youth Reflections