That’s right. Mission Jackson is an awesome ministry and I am thankful to be a part of it. The featured image for this post was taken at a cookout at one of our MJ leader’s home last evening. It was great to gather with ministry friends to relax and catch up on life a bit. The burgers, hotdogs, deserts, and fixings were lovely too. Brent and Mary, thank you for opening up your home to us!
Now, to give you a better idea of what we do, think about this…
- Within the last week, we presented 150 or so backpacks full of school supplies to Mission Jackson kids. These young people were from all over Jackson. Some were black children, some were white, and some were Hispanic. We made efforts to visit with the families of these children. I can say that my team had some awesome encounters with people. We stood in the courtyard of a very poor and difficult apartment complex and prayed for the homes represented there.
- At one home, I was able to share testimony and words of encouragement to a struggling sister. I could feel her struggle as she is trying to be a good example for her girls.
- At another home, the mom of the house expressed interest in coming to Englewood for Wednesday night Bible studies.
- Yet other families talked with me about their struggles and financial needs. Although I cannot do much personally to help those situations, I can direct them to organizations here in the city that can sometimes help.
- Today, I had the opportunity to share the Word of God with a group of kids on a grassy hillside down on Burkett Street. At times, I am not sure that some of them are listening well, but nearly every time, one or two will make comments that confirm they listen more than we may think. I do my best to continually plant seeds of love and grace in their lives. Most importantly, I tell them to be serious about developing a relationship with Jesus. Some have… some are still working on it.
Well, let me wrap up by saying that this is worth it. To my ministry brothers and sisters working through Mission Jackson, I know there are times that it gets tough. There are days when you wonder if it is all worth it… all the preparation and planning, all the dealing with crazy kids and their sometimes grouchy parents. It is worth it… don’t give up. Don’t faint. Remember this verse: Galatians 6:9 and claim it as a truth in your life. Any one of those kids could, through your influence, rise up to be a great evangelist for his or her community. It can happen!
