The pre-school lobby at First Baptist Church was struck by gunfire over the weekend. Senior Pastor Chip Stevens send the following email to his congregation today.
Dear Church Family,
We are so grateful that God has given us the location that He has. I have often quoted Matthew 5:14 with you about being the “city on the hill” and how we are strategically placed to be an influence in our city; to share the love of Christ and be light in a dark world and to bring joy to the city. Now more than ever, we see the need for His light in a dark world.
We also recognize that our location presents a few unique challenges that we are aware of and continually monitor. For the past several years, we have been diligent to update and maintain security including uniformed officers and security cameras as two of our most important resources for the safety of our members. In the last several months, we have even begun the process of an updated access entry control system into our building. With the recent events in our community, we have already been discussing items we could update further. The security of our members and guests is extremely important to the leadership at First Baptist Jackson.
This morning, upon arrival at church, members of the Preschool Ministry became aware of a bullet hole in the wall of the lobby of the preschool area. Immediately, the area was secured, Jackson Police Department was contacted, and our Director of Security arrived in the preschool area. In addition, the Deacon Chairman was immediately notified. JPD arrived and gathered the evidence from the scene. We wanted you to know that the mark on the wall was not present at 3:00 p.m. on Friday when the facility was vacated for the weekend. Therefore, the projectile entered the facility sometime during the nights of Friday or Saturday or during the day on Saturday. At no time was the safety of our preschoolers or teachers compromised. No one was in the area when the projectile entered the facility, nor was our building occupied in any way.
On any given Sunday, we have seven to twelve uniformed officers including five law enforcement officers providing security. We secure a perimeter from all of our parking lots to the FBJ buildings and within. In addition, JPD and Capitol Police patrol the area while we are in service providing extra security. During the week officers are assigned according to events scheduled on campus, however, there are always officers onsite if the building is open in any capacity.
We believe this incident was not an attack on our church, but rather a random mishap that we were the unfortunate recipients; however, it does prove that our diligence is not in vain. We live in a time where many need the Gospel. Our city needs the Gospel. As Paul states in Galatians 6:9, “May we not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up!”
Let us shine even brighter as we endeavor to be the City on a Hill.
Sincerely, |
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50 comments:
The fact that they need that much security on a Sunday morning is insane. The judges of Hinds County must be proud. The JPS staff and the corrupt teacher’s union must also be proud. The Mayor is most certainly proud of how he runs “his” police department. First Baptist Church of Jackson, soon to be located on Highland Colony Parkway. Unthinkable? Ask those that attend Colonial Heights Baptist Church.
Terribly sad when you need that much security for Sunday services. And then you are hit with stray bullets over the weekend. Hard to stay downtown and keep a congregation under those circumstances. Not sure Jackson will ever answer its wake up call
Listen,
Many at FBJ live in city of Jackson and I can assure you that the mayor could give a rats a$$ about them or there families. He could care less about FBJ… I mean it. He is only consumed with black black and black issues
White tax payers be damned. Well little does this fool know don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
To require that much security just for worship services is shocking. Very sad for First Baptist and its congregation. Prayers sent.
I probably respect FBC more now than at any time in the past when it was easy to attend and the place to be seen. It’s not the place for the cool kids anymore. The cool kids moved on. I respect that they are dedicated to worship and minister in an area that needs all of the Jesus it can get. Wasn’t easy for Jesus either.
Calvary down the street is a good example of taking the hard road. Much respect to them also.
2:57 - What teacher's union? I'll kiss your ass on the church steps if you can point to one in this state.
Meanwhile, nothing is said about how the 'projectile' entered the building, only that it appeared to have hit the wall. Was window-glass broken? Was a glass door shattered? Did it penetrate the wall? Did it come from inside the building? Lot's of drama in the letter.
2:57, the thing is, if they wanted to be on Highland Colony like the other churches that fled, couldn’t they just go to one of those churches? There’s no shortage of upper class baptist churches in Madison and Rankin counties.
Is sad.
Tho, the minister could have cut the response, by 90 pct and said as much.
Pastor Chip said in his sermon today God will protect his Church. I pray for the thug to turn to the Lord instead of fighting Him.
Colonial Heights was not the first monstrous church to fold up its tent in Jackburg. Calvary Baptist on Capital did it decades ago. It was one of the largest churches in this state and the building is now part of flop-house-soup-row.
And what about the large congregation that moved north to Ridgeland just to the east of the Mall?
What's that song...Nowhere to run to, nowhere to hide.
Was there a previous incident that caused them to "need that much security' for Sunday services as stated by the first writer at 2:57 and 3:23 or was it simply a matter of an abundance of caution? What's next? What if you find
a bullet hole on Highland Colony Parkway? My God. Unthinkable.
The best advice I can give anyone is do not enter the City of Jackson limits if not necessary.
I thought Broadmoor was the first to leave Jackson around 1995. Colonial Heights went into enormous debt to purchase 200 acres and build new buildings near Northpark, only for attendance to drop 50% and now crime is quickly moving into Ridgeland.
Is there a difference between "wanting security" and "requiring security"?
When I took a handgun safety course at Boondocks Firearm Training Academy a couple of years ago, an instructor mentioned he had recently participated in an active shooter training exercise at one of the largest Baptist churches in Jackson. The church's response makes it seem reasonable that it probably was the church involved. If so, FBC is doing a good job of looking out for its members & attendees.
Being a property owner in Jackson, I've thought, and thought, and thought about what the Mayor and his administration see as their "end game." Seriously, when things get THIS bad, to not have any practical or well-thought response (or even objective) on restoring civility to this city, one has to believe there is none. And, based on his parentage, one might logically presume it's by design.
It wouldn't have been unreasonable to believe his father would have done anything possible to ensure the change of Jackson to a 100% black population. After all, isn't that what he sought? Aren't there still videos out there showing him taking that position? Wouldn't he have been happy to have had the all-black nation he sought have its grand beginning right here in Jackson? Is it unreasonable to believe that Baby Chock is simply carrying the torch for his father? Can anyone come up with another logical reason why an administration - one charged with the protection of ALL of its citizenry - would be this completely inept, emasculated, and quiet in the face of such current calamity? If this theory is true, is there anything else anyone can see that would run law-abiding, tax-paying people out of Jackson?
It's looking more and more like mission accomplished! (Sure hope KF will post this. Now's not the time for silence about what's going on in Jackson!)
4:46PM
“Unsolicited advice.”
Way to GO Mr. Kingfish.
Looks like Jackson Jambalaya scooped WAPT, WLBT, WJTV and the Clarion Ledger. How does he do that?
Either this isn't that newsworthy or all the other NEWS organization are not serving the public. I choose the latter.
4:36, your ignorance is egregious. Calvary is still at 1300 W Capitol and not only has regular Sunday services but also does weekly ministry in the neighborhoods. Members regularly walk the streets inviting children to after-school services. They have out lasted the Boys Club next door and the Miss Employment Security Commission next door. They have stayed the course through much more than FBC could fathom. Not sure what church you reference but Calvary voted overwhelmingly in the 90’s NOT to move to the suburbs. Feel free to visit.
I didn't realize Calvary is 'just down the street from First Baptist. Where exactly is that?
PS: First Baptist of Jackson does not remain where it is in order to 'worship and minister in an area that needs all of the Jesus it can get'. I'm told a large majority of its membership is still just as it has always been...white. Ain't nobody doing an adequate job of 'ministering' to the thug element of Jackson.
@4:31 PM - Pucker up as they went union last week. Don't worry, I bathed last month.
@6:13..none the less, wise to adhere.
Just copying and pasting faster than they did. Thanks.
Republicans trying to live in a democratic world.
I’m not coming down there and wouldn’t know where he takes questions, but why won’t Lemaster or someone with credibility, ask Chokwe the tough questions? Hold him accountable to all the citizens. Make him admit that he is far too incompetent to hold a position of leadership. He’s only the mayor because of his father. He wants to be JayZ so bad. He’s living off of kickbacks and life insurance. And, I’m sure he’s sued some Crackers for their insurance policy.
7:09, sorry, Calvary is about half way between FBC and the zoo. And the “white” congregation still attends and ministers to the area although, granted, many of them are very old. It’s a beautiful building and the people are sincere. I enjoyed my visit there.
7:09. The thugs care not to be ministered to. They are out still clubbing at that time
7:09 PM & 8:04 PM
Let's get our definitions down. They are not thugs, they are Demons.
And Demons are sent out by the devil to steal, kill and destroy.
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. NIV
6:51PM - WAPT at least is no longer interested in reporting local news. WAPT mostly has national news (January 6, Ukraine, George Floyd), since many of us won't waste time watching David Muir. David Hartman's weather report is the only reason to watch WAPT anymore. I have to come to Jackson Jambalaya to know what is happening around here.
I am leaving, moving to downtown Baton Rouge, they got their problems but nothing like this.
Can't see it from his Lordship Chowke's gated street.
I thought Calvary had been defunct for years. Once the largest congregation in the state, the place has been nothing more than a shell of its former self, a building. A decaying, rotting, water damaged building that apparently is still open for services performed by a Linda Smith. I was married in this church over 50 years ago, the most beautiful church building in Jackson, if not Mississippi.
One WLBT article says folks left for the suburbs and therefore the congregation dwindled to almost nothing. Those of us who face reality know full well why the 'congregation dwindled'. The same reason the Employment Security Commission pulled up stakes and left town...gunfire, thefts, vandalism in the parking lots, hoodlums hanging around creating mischief. This church was originally named Second Baptist, and like First Baptist, it's fine for them to pretend they are ministering to the neighborhood. Maybe they are. Maybe without these two churches things would be even worse in town.
When did Jackson get a teacher's union?
Note to whomever is moving to Baton Rouge. I think you are in for a big surprise . . .
Yes some moved. But many stayed and just died out over the years. Here’s an updated shot of the sanctuary somebody referenced. Kudos to them for their efforts. https://www.calvaryforjackson.org/welcome.html
...And Eric Stringfellow, then with the Clarion Ledger, wrote a scathing article asserting that the Employment Agency State Headquarters, just down Capitol Street from Calvary, owed it to Jackson and the immediate community to stay put and set an example. An example of WHAT, I'm unsure. Maybe an example of foolishness and how to sacrifice safety for appearance of community unity or some such nonsense.
@2:57 I teach in JPS. I've taught in 5 districts in the Metro for 25+ years. There is no teacher's union in Mississippi and never has been.
FYI, there IS the liberal Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE), an affiliate of the ultra-liberal National Association of Educators. The MAE is not a union, though it is often erroneously referred to as such. Those making such referrals are likely products of MAE's membership. MAE's website states that it exists "to support, protect, and strengthen those who nurture Mississippi's children," but apparently not to support protect, or strengthen the actual children.
From what I can remember here is the relocation of churches to other parts of the City and the suburbs.
Griffith Memorial from near downtown to south Jackson near Byram in the late 70's or 80's. Almost dead now.
Parkway Baptist Church from Capitol Street to Clinton in the 90's. Never regained the size and influence it once had. Building is now only partially used and falling down near the Zoo.
Alta Woods Baptist hung in there as long as it could. Small group still meets but the larger church has turned it over to another congregation to try to revive a ministry in the neighborhood.
Hillcrest Baptist Church moved to Byram and has not thrived like it once did.
Woodville Heights now defunct.
Van Winkle Baptist Church tried to move to Highland Colony Parkway and become Church of the Highlands. I believe they are now defunct and the building is another church right off I55 in Ridgeland.
Calvary Baptist Church is still trying to hang in there. They had a plan to repurpose the facility and use it for community services, but the program was usurped and funds diverted in another direction. They still try to reach the community. Kudos for not running.
Woodland Hills Baptist, sold and reconstituted to Fondren Church.
Broadmoor Baptist followed the money to Madison. Old facility is now Grace City and seems to be thriving with other ministries using and sharing the space.
First Jackson started ministries like Mission First and has tried to serve their community like they were called to serve when they started.
Southside Baptist has integrated and serves the community it always has served on Ellis. Multi-cultural and community outreach efforts make it an example of staying put and surviving.
Our Redeemer Pres. stayed put and is now a multi-cultural PCA church that is thriving. Galloway has stayed pout and ministering as they can.
Probably a few more, but I can only recall these.
We at Southside Assembly on Raymond Road have stayed and are growing with effective miistries. We have had to beef up security on Sunday's and Wednesdays installed tons of cameras and just be vigilant. It didn't stop someone from shooting our one of our front windows in the summer bullets lodged in the wall just glad it wasn't service time. Also lots of bullets in the roof that cause leaks, but our roofer checks once a month. It can be done but no help from the police or the city so you are kind of on your own. JPD won't even answer calls when our alarm goes off. I have gone up there myself packing of course to clear the building because JPD is doing whatever they do. The Lord gives you strength and He will always provide. The poeple of the city are too important for us to leave.
What portion of your tithe is spent on security costs?
Close the zoo-
@9:16 more than it should be
Those "in the know" at FBC--does anyone in power want to move and, if so, do you think it will ever happen?
9:16 and 10:19 - Unless you are a member there, it’s none of your business how they spend their tithes. Know this, if they don’t have good security, people will leave and there will be one more huge building sitting empty to rot and deteriorate. This church pays electric bills, rent, water, etc. for the most needy every week. They provide Christmas every single year for children of inmates, and even some gifts for the children to give their imprisoned parents. They provide a gorgeous Christmas program repeated 5 or 6 times for EVERYONE, free. This is in addition to Mission First which is amazing. Check it out: https://www.missionfirst.org/. These are just some of their ministries of which I am aware. Please don’t made snide remarks.
@12:25
9:16 here
I am a member
Being a property owner in Jackson, I've thought, and thought, and thought about what the Mayor and his administration see as their "end game." Seriously, when things get THIS bad, to not have any practical or well-thought response (or even objective) on restoring civility to this city, one has to believe there is none. And, based on his parentage, one might logically presume it's by design.
It wouldn't have been unreasonable to believe his father would have done anything possible to ensure the change of Jackson to a 100% black population. After all, isn't that what he sought? Aren't there still videos out there showing him taking that position? Wouldn't he have been happy to have had the all-black nation he sought have its grand beginning right here in Jackson? Is it unreasonable to believe that Baby Chock is simply carrying the torch for his father? Can anyone come up with another logical reason why an administration - one charged with the protection of ALL of its citizenry - would be this completely inept, emasculated, and quiet in the face of such current calamity? If this theory is true, is there anything else anyone can see that would run law-abiding, tax-paying people out of Jackson?
It's looking more and more like mission accomplished! (Sure hope KF will post this. Now's not the time for silence about what's going on in Jackson!)
I would bet my paycheck, that none of the white mayors in the surrounding suburbs could solve the issues in Jackson either. And to be honest with you, I would challenge any of them to relocate to Jackson to prove whether or not they're worth their mettle when it comes to running a city/municipality and provide evidence there's a way of improving the conditions.
It's not like Jackson a bulk of the Jackson residents don't care either. But the shootings are random and they are personal disputes between people, where often one person feels they need a firearm to settle that dispute. Unless you are going to get a psychic who can predict this stuff before it happens, you can't get mad at the mayor or the local government, for why people can't settle their personal issues without running to a damn gun.
This place is a powder keg full of egos and pride with dumb asses that run to guns to solve their problems, and consequences be damn.
Feb 7 @ 8:36...In all of your tossing of flower petals and granting of kudos, can you honestly say any of that has had one iota of impact on feral youth and crime in the city of Jackson?
Are you the one passing out donuts and hot coffee to the able bodied at the intersection of 55 and Lakeland? Not a damned one of 'em homeless, poor and trying to get to Memphis.
@12:25 i am a member my comment was taken out of context what i meant to say is we shouldn't have to spend all the tithe money on security if the city and JPD would do it's job. I am fine with spending it as long as it is protecting the members. In fact we are going to add another security guard for Sunday AM services.
2:12 Show me proof that Jackson leaders want suggestions from anyone...much less white mayors from the suburbs and I will give you my paycheck.
They want money with no strings. That's it.
And honestly, that is all ANY color leader wants.
The difference is, the other mayors are not dumb enough to alienate the tax base (resulting in flight of ALL colors) in the name of racial retribution.
Other mayors at least keep the water flowing and general safety...then they line their pockets with the remaining tax dollars.
You leaders have managed to create an environment with so little tax base that they simply don't have enough left for basic services after they take their cut.
And they ARE getting their cut no matter what.
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