Last week, I had the joy of returning to MN Adult & Teen Challenge to lead worship for an event. It was my first time back in over a year and half since things shut down with Covid. Such a joy! I put together a team of musicians and wanted to share what one of our team members wrote about from his experience there:

"I have a confession.

I am a self-centered worshiper. I love worship music. I love playing on worship teams. There is nothing better than sharing that experience with a team of musicians that exude joy and praise with their whole being. But, I am self-centered.

Now, I don't mean that in an idolatrous way. My focus and joy in worship is singing truth and honoring God. It's just when I sing these songs I am always seeing it from my own personal perspective and my own lived experience. That's unavoidable I suppose as many of these church songs are intended to be self-reflective and applicable to all the saints. But, sometimes change in perspective is required to see a full picture.

Tonight I had the awesome opportunity to lead worship with a team for MN Adult & Teen Challenge in Minneapolis. It has been years since I played with a team in a parachurch ministry, and forgot how rewarding it is. Pouring over the lyrics this week from a perspective that was not my own seemed to just open these songs up. Songs I've played dozens of times and heard hundreds of times, heard now in a completely new light.

Sharing the room with all those those voices rejoicing in that freedom from such an honest place. It's hard not to be jealous of that pure redemptive experience.

But then, I remember that while perspectives and lived experiences may differ, we share the same gospel and the same freedom from the bondage of this world and the darkness within.

Prodigals come home
The helpless find hope
Prison doors fling wide
The dead come to life
Miracles take place
The cynical find faith
The Jericho walls are quaking
Strongholds now are shaking
Love is breaking through
When the Father's in the room."
​

These lyrics are from one of the songs we sang at the event, called "The Father's House". You can listen to it below.

Also, if you wanted to tune in to the Gala but missed it, here is a link you can watch it from: MN Adult & Teen Challenge Gala. You will be blessed by getting to listen to their choir and hear inspiring testimonies!

Thank you for your support and helping to make this kind of ministry possible!

Jackie

Hello family and friends! I am writing to share an update about some exciting new opportunities for ministry that God has been providing. 

PRISON FELLOWSHIP
The Shakopee women's prison has not yet opened up for volunteers to come in to teach classes, be involved in ministry programs, etc. But in this, God has opened some new doors for ways to continue to be involved with Prison Fellowship and is redirecting my focus in prison ministry to re-entry: 

1. Late last year, a monthly breakfast gathering began for women who were a part Prison Fellowship as inmates inside the Shakopee prison and have since been released, as well as mentors and staff. At the breakfasts, we fellowship together, listen to a message, share testimonies, and I've had the joy of getting to lead worship as part of these. We just met for our May breakfast this past Saturday and I was so encouraged by what God is doing among these women!

2. Another opportunity that has just begun is a weekly discipleship group for women who have come out of the Shakopee prison. Many of the women who attend the breakfasts are also a part of this, but because this group is meeting weekly, we are able to get to know each other better. To build trust. To be honest and vulnerable in our struggles. To learn from Scripture together each week. I really count it a privilege to be a part of this group--Thursday nights have become a real highlight in my week!


MN ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE
1. Very excited to share that the doors are open here again for volunteers to be a part of this ministry! I've just been invited back to MN Adult & Teen Challenge to lead worship for one of their large group gatherings on May 20. This event will be for clients who have graduated from the program. Love that this opportunity is open again! 

2. Also, MN Adult & Teen Challenge is hosting a virtual Gala, that everyone is invited to (it is free to register and attend). There is also an online auction they are sponsoring as a fundraiser for their ministry. It is on May 21 from 7-7:45pm. You can register at this link and view the online auction items HERE.


Thank you for reading. Your prayers, support, and encouragements are such a blessing to me!