by Lynne Faris Blessing
Morning services, Sun, Feb 25.
Lunch & discussion to follow the 2nd service
While a number of people have impacted the way I’ve tried to live out my faith over the years, Dr. John Perkins has been one of, if not the, very most influential. I first met him twenty years ago when I spent a summer volunteering in Mendenhall, MS.

As a white kid from a wealthy suburb, I had no idea that the sin of racism had seeped its way into my being. Through Perkins’ ministry, I began the journey of recognizing that sin and finding great freedom and joy from participating in the ministry of racial reconciliation.

John Perkins walks the talk. He loves God. He loves people. He loves God’s Word. He wants God’s reconciling love to be known in all communities. He is a man of purpose, passion and integrity. He has vision and is constantly dreaming of ways to help people realize their God-given potential.

A few years ago, Ryan White asked if I had any suggestions for the senior high youth group’s summer mission trip. I immediately recommended Jackson, MS. I thought that if the youth could spend just one session in a Bible study lead by John Perkins that it would be worth the trip. John not only led Bible studies, but he also worked side-by-side with the group, planting bushes and cleaning the ministry grounds.

Dr. Perkins is the founder of the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) and currently directs the John M. Perkins Foundation for Reconciliation and Development, Inc. (see www.jmpf.org). He founded The Mendenhall Ministries, the Voice of Calvary Ministries in MS, and the Harambe Center in Pasadena, CA (where the youth are going this summer).