Added Power...

Our Bible study took on an added dimension with the presence of Dr. John Perkins and Chris Rice. John moved us with not only an impassioned study of the texts that have motivated him during his life. Primary among them has been 1 Timothy 1. With added power he stated that, “he knows his time on earth for ministry is coming to and end but that in obedience he presses on.”

During his ranging study (truly, you have to be there to appreciate his command of scripture) he pointed a finger squarely at the evangelical church for its tepid response towards the issues of the day. Issues like poverty, health care, debt, foreign aid, and the like.

We were also joined by Chris Rice, who is one of the Directors of the Duke Center for Reconciliation. Chris and his wife Donna lived in Jackson in intentional community with John’s son Spencer (d. 1998) and his family. He had joined us this day as he was bringing one of his kids, Christopher, to revisit his early childhood and celebrate his 13th birthday. What was significant, at least in my mind, was that we are the first group of families to come to Jackson on a mission experience. It was as if what Chris had started those years ago was finding some sense of fulfillment in our being there.

The rest of the day was spent going on a tour through Jackson and then on to Mendenhall. Our first stop was the Meadger Evers home. Meadger was the field secretary for the NAACP who was assassinated in 1963 and the subject of the movie, “Ghosts of Mississippi.”

From Meadger’s home we traveled to Mendenhall the birthplace of John & Vera Mae’s ministry. We toured around seeing the significant places that marked their ministry. We were particularly marked by our time spent on the “other” side of the tracks. Literally the black side of town is separated from the white side with a set of RR tracks. The other side of the tracks is called the “quarters” as in slave quarters. Yet in the midst is the Mendenhall Ministries a sure sign of light and hope in a desolate place.

Our day ended with some great time spent on the playground with the kids from the neighborhood. A true joy for all!

Have a Blessed day!
Mike