[ad_1]
What began as a life-saving ministry to save drug and alcohol addicted lost souls has been transformed into a full-fledged ministry and campus that welcomes people from the Middle South and offers them a new life.
This new life is the Lord Jesus Christ, said Landon Wise, an instructor with John 3:16 Ministries based in Jonesboro, Ark.
Wise asks people from the other side of the Mid-South to spread the word about the annual Community Fest fundraiser for John 3:16 Ministries scheduled for August 18 at the First National Bank Arena in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
"We began 15 years ago in May 2003" his opening John 3:16 has often made the difference in life and death situations, whether spiritual or physical. "We raise the name of Jesus Christ first and always put it first We place the lives of others first What John 3:16 is all about."
The "Community Fest" is an opportunity to feed the great "The Southern Community both literally and spiritually."
"We plan to feed about 8,000 people," said Wise. "Our band will play – the John 3:16 band – which is composed of residents. "
Less than eight years ago, Wise was found knocking on John 3:16.
" I entered October 2010, "Wise said. "I had a horrible pill and methamphetamine addiction, I was raised by a great family, but I had fallen by the wayside, I was in jail for the fourth time and my dad said that something had to change., I've been changed. "
Wise said that residents who come to John 3:16 bring all kinds of talents and gifts with them when they arrive. Some are talented musicians. Some are artists. Most are individuals from all walks of life who are looking to make a major change in their lives.
An increasing number of John 3:16 campus residents come from DeSoto County, like Jonathan Benson, 32, from DeSoto County, and Dillon Gore, son of Greg Gore of Hernando and Ronna Gore of Senatobia, and the son of Diane Smith and the late Lester Smith.
"I'm struggling with addiction since I was 17," said Benson. "I spent most of my 20s in jail and rehabilitation, I purified myself, I relapsed and I retreated … My parents went to the hospital. church with sheriff Bill Rasco and he intervened in my situation. "
For Dillon Gore a time when he lost his twin brother Dalton in a car accident three years ago.
"I grew up in the church with my grandmother but I never really knew who Jesus was before I arrived at John 3:16" I said. "They have helped me realize what Jesus can do for all who follow him: I have been living in darkness for so long, it has taught me what Jesus has to do day in and day out."
Gore has a one and a half year old son whom he called Dalton in honor of his late brother. It is the loss of his brother who led him to try to numb the pain with addictive and psychotropic substances.
John 3:16 allowed him to change his life
"It is much easier to touch a person … and help them break a bad habit by focusing on something good when something bad hold them back … there is no despair. "
Michael Carter, 36, of Pine Bluff, Ark.
"I was addicted before I got to John 3:16," Carter said. "I was probably two months away from death, my parents convinced me to come in and get an interview, I knew who Jesus was, but when you come to John 3:16, you learn what it's like." Is a real relationship with Jesus. I do not want more alcohol or anything, what I want is Jesus. "
Robert Lee Long is editor-in-chief of the DeSoto Times-Tribune community and can be reached at [email protected] or 662-429-6397 ext 252
Source link
