The Jackson Parish Unity Team (JPUT) is a collaboration of over 20 churches coming together collectively to focus on domestic issues and missions within Jackson Parish.
Their mission is to create a supportive environment that helps residents reconnect with God and strengthen their faith in Christ while fostering alliance among pastors and churches to positively impact the wider community.
The JPUT Team recently celebrated its first anniversary, having been established in November 2023 following a significant incident involving local youth. Since its inception, the organization has developed a distinctive strategy that has united 24 churches in collaboration. This effort has successfully transcended relational, social, political, racial, and denominational divides.
In 2024, the JPUT organized its inaugural Jackson Parish Unity Service, featuring over 30 represented churches and drawing an attendance of 700 people. Hosted by North Hodge Assembly of God, the Prayer Concert showcased a unique combination of singing and prayers from local pastors. The palpable spirit of unity at the event confirmed that this collaboration among pastors was divinely inspired.
Following that successful event, the team organized a city-wide cleanup, enlisting over 100 volunteers to clean and pray for those they encountered. In July, they held a Back 2 School Giveaway, distributing a record-breaking 600 school supply bags and offering free haircut vouchers to ease the financial burden on parents. They wrapped up the year with a largely successful clothing drive, gathering clothes for students at Jonesboro-Hodge High School. As a gesture to the school, they refurbished the resource closet to ensure students had a comfortable and shame-free space to access new and gently used clothing, shoes, belts, socks, jewelry, and purses.
Dr. Shevonda Leonard remarked, “This was an answer to prayers for me and our students. We are forever grateful for the JPUT.”
While this article highlights only a fraction of the Unity Team’s accomplishments, the impact of their missions resonates deeply with those they have touched.
On January 11, they will kick off the new year with their Annual Unity Service Prayer Concert, an event eagerly anticipated by the community. This year’s Unity Service will be hosted by Hodge United Pentecostal Church, led by Pastor Jeff Stroud, with Bishop Kelvin Stewart of Rivers of Joy Ministries serving as the event chair. The concert will begin at 6 PM, with doors opening at 5 PM. Attendees can look forward to heartfelt prayers from local pastors and powerful worship by the community choir.
As the Jackson Parish Unity Team begins another year of service, their dedication to nurturing community spirit and spiritual growth continues to inspire those around them. The upcoming Annual Unity Service Prayer Concert promises to be a powerful event, reinforcing the unity and faith transforming Jackson Parish. Together, they demonstrate that collaboration can lead to incredible change.
