Background/History
Beginning in the 1960's, under the name of "Voice of Calvary Ministries," TMM was
started by John Perkins, who was concerned about the appalling conditions faced
by the poor Black community in this rural Mississippi area. Seeking to show
God's love in action, his vision grew into a ministry known for providing
progressive and aggressive local leadership within the community to address
problems of poor housing, segregated education, lack of employment
opportunities, and lack of capital-tapping institutions within the Black
community.
The purpose of TMM is to disciple people and develop ministries to meet
the spiritual and physical needs of the rural poor.
The Mendenhall Ministries received national recognition by President Bush in
1991, when he acclaimed TMM the #541 Daily Point of Light.
The Mendenhall Ministries (TMM) is the social outreach arm of the Mendenhall
Bible Church (MBC), a non-denominational, predominantly Black church located
in Mendenhall, Mississippi. Though a ministry of MBC, TMM is separately
incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation and is
governed by a board of directors elected by the church body. This board
meets semi-annually, with an executive committee to oversee operations. 
In 1963 and 1964, Artis Fletcher and Dolphis Weary -- both of whom grew up
in the area -- became part of his (John Perkins') early vision. They both
worked steadfastly at TMM until November 1997, when Dolphus resigned as
president. Artis continues to serve as senior pastor of MBC and as
chairman of TMM board of directors. TMM/MBC now owns and operates a
120-acre farm, a school, a law office, and a health center.
A variety of services are offered through these programs which include
summer recreation activities, youth leadership development, nursery three
through seventh grade education, low-cost clothing, subsidized legal
assistance, low-cost health care, health and legal intern programs, and a
pastors training program. TMM is supported by individual donors and churches
nationwide, by fees charged for services, and by grants from foundations
and corporations.