SERVING GOD — AND THE COMMUNITY

JACKSON — Jeff Palmer, director of community outreach for Madison-Chester & Crockett (MCC) Baptist Association understands the need to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

One of his responsibilities is to work with churches to minister to the community, “It’s a way to tell others about Jesus, to pray for their needs, and show the love of Christ to all people,” says Palmer.

Jesus tells us in Mark 12:30-31, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” We obey God’s commandment when we help those in need.

“Prayer makes a difference,” says Palmer. “It makes a difference in the person receiving the prayer and it changes the person who is praying.”  Palmer says that people that are ministered to often ask for prayer. “It’s good to get out and serve and pray for families. It’s a good way to involve young people in volunteer missions.” Research shows that when children and young people are involved in missions when young, they usually continue as adults.

There are numerous opportunities throughout the year for volunteers to help those less fortunate. One of the programs where they partner with the City of Jackson is “Love Your Block.”

Projects such as helping those in need allow Southern Baptist Churches occasions to encourage volunteer service within their membership. This is a meaningful opportunity to serve neighbors in need, build relationships, and bring visible change to communities through simple acts of care.

In 2021, the city of Jackson was chosen as one of eight cities nationwide to receive funding to revitalize their neighborhoods — one block at a time.

As of 2021-2022, the program had completed over 460 mini-grant projects, activating over 10,000 residents and partner volunteers, removing 303,000 pounds of trash and debris, clearing 13,000 acres and installing 18 public art displays. This work was made possible by 29,000 hours of combined residents and many churches in historically underserved neighborhoods.

Palmer explains that a church does not have to volunteer on the same day as the MCC Association designates. A congregation can choose their own time to serve. “Love Your Block” was set for July 25-26 as volunteer service days for churches to partner with the City of Jackson this year. However, helping those in need knows no boundaries—it’s needed throughout the year.

Volunteers will be working on home repairs, neighborhood beautifications projects, including painting, landscaping, pressure washing, and other small tasks that help restore pride and safety for local properties. All projects will take place within city neighborhoods.

MCC churches are encouraged to send both small and large groups. Volunteers must be at least 12 years old. No special skills are required.

To qualify for this service, there are several qualifications for homeowners or those who are renting the residence.

One is the income cap. Another is the situation. Is this repair a safety concern for the homeowner? Do handicap individuals live in the home? Are there small children present? Is deterioration immediate, such as steps or porches that need repair?

• Madison-Chester & Crockett Baptist Association is fortunate to have a mobile tool shed available year-round. Well-stocked with basic tools, this shed can be reserved by your church at no cost to carry out service projects. The shed contains all the tools needed for repair and cleanup.
• Churches in the MCC Baptist Association are active in serving and looking for ways to help in local missions.
• First Baptist Bemis has a comforter or quilt project that makes lap throws for the elderly or those experiencing illness. Women in the church and community gather twice a month and work on throws or lap comforters and give these to those in need.
• Woodland Baptist in Jackson realizes the need to teach English to those who speak another language. This is a mission project that is greatly appreciated by those who want to learn English as a second language.
• Old Friendship Baptist Church near Finger, Tenn., provides a free yard sale for missions. For more information on the date and how to donate items, call 731-989-4254.
• Woodland Baptist in Brownsville plans a Disaster Relief Training, Sept. 20. Participants will attend a Bucket Truck classroom and hands-on training.
• Englewood Baptist Church, Jackson, offers training, Oct. 25, for an introduction to Disaster Relief, Chainsaw operation & Safety, Flood Recovery, Mass Feeding, and Rebuild will be offered.

Larry Murphy recently retired as director of missions of MCC and Kevin Ward began leading this office Aug. 1. B&R — Carolyn Tomlin lives in Jackson and writes for the Christian market and teaches the Jackson Christian Writers Fellowship.