Video: Local Church Sends Mission Team To Inner City Jackson For Spring Break Trip

[syndicaster id=’6275335′]

JACKSON, MISS. (WCBI) – The temperature was 86 this past Tuesday in Jackson, perfect a game of two hand touch football.

Nineteen West Jackson Street Baptist Church members from Tupelo spent three days at “We Will Go” Ministries in Jackson.
Ten years ago, David Lancaster and his wife Amy, moved from the suburbs to inner city Jackson. Friends and neighbors thought they were crazy, but the Lancaster family had a clear vision.

“It is amazing, we really felt called to be a missionary on our street, we wanted to be a place that, if somebody needed prayer or needed help, they could come to our house and we would pray with them and talk with them and we would be the light in a dark place,” Lancaster said.

It was tough. On one occasion , someone stole the family’s Christmas presents, and their lives were threatened several times. But, with prayer, faith and hard work, the ministry has spread to three bases in the Farish Street area.

The most recent addition is “The Fountain”, where a former YMCA is now an after school program.

Food and clothing are available for neighbors. Young men can also play basketball and hear a devotion.

The ministry also runs a coffee shop called “The Urban Sip.”

Visitors can buy merchandise to help support We Will Go. The items are made in a wood shop, teaching the homeless a new trade.

The youth pastor for the Tupelo church wanted young people to see the how the organization is working in the Capital City and how they can make a difference.

“I’m hoping they will see how they can be used by the Lord, in maybe some contexts that they normally don’t get to see at home, maybe some places or things they haven’t experienced,” said WJSBC Youth Pastor Chris O’Daniel.

A row of old crack houses are now used as housing for missionaries, volunteers and church groups.

Youngsters on this trip say they learned about ministering the homeless and helping those who are going through tough time.

“I’ve learned I can go up to them, talk to them, not be afraid to talk to them and minister the love of Christ to them,” said Maddie King.

“I can take back how , just preaching more of the gospel and getting more out into my neighborhood and just walking around the neighborhood like we do here, just talk to people,” said Tatiyan Arnold.

“It is important to do stuff like this so we can help people who don’t know Christ,” said Connor O’Daniel.
We Will Go Ministries always welcomes volunteers. For more information on the ministry and ways to help, go to www.wewillgo.org