Ben & Leonora Newell


Location: Helena-West Helena, Ark.

Hometowns: Danville, Va., and Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil

Commissioned: 1996

After serving in Southeast Asia, the Newells began ministry in Helena-West Helena, Ark., in 2002. Their ministry is part of Together for Hope, CBF’s rural poverty initiative in 20 of the poorest counties in the United States.

The Newells’ ministry includes community gardens that teach about and provide nutrition, a traveling literacy bus ministry called Stories on Wheels, several economic development projects, and a significant ministry with children and teenagers at the local community center. Their ministry provides many service opportunities for churches, including the two-week All Church Challenge held each summer.

The Newells also work with Open Hand Enterprises, an economic development non-profit inspired by Together for Hope. As a way to combat poverty, Open Hand works to create jobs that pay a livable wage for people living in impoverished areas.

Their ministry philosophy is based on community development principles, where they seek to empower local residents to better their own community. That’s what makes relationships so important.

“We come to realize that the end product – though important – is not the most important. It’s the relationship [with community members],” said Ben Newell. “A lot of times people come on mission trips and it’s like, ‘How much can I accomplish? How much can I work?’ But it’s the relationships that really make the difference.”

Photo Galleries:
• Addressing Poverty in Arkansas
• Summer Ministry in Arkansas

Related stories:
• 2010 Winter fellowship!: Jewelry co-ops create opportunities for girls, women
• In one of the nation's poorest places, the presence of Christ is changing lives
• Hands on projects kick off week of CBF General Assembly
• Fellowship Baptists enjoy spirit of Christmas
• Diverse partners work with Arkansas community
• Together for Hope ministry in Arkansas inspires local resident
• Arkansas youth participate in camp sponsored by CBF

Related links:
• 2009-10 CBF Offering for Global Missions resources
• Together For Hope 

Videos:
• Addressing Poverty in Arkansas
• Delta Jewels MicroEnterprise startup in Helena-West Helena, Ark.

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, 2930 Flowers Road South Suite 133 Atlanta, GA 30341
800.352.8741
contact@thefellowship.info