O ur scholars need mentors, not criticism. Would you become a faith-based or layperson mentor?
Pastors must speak out and share the works of Christ through their involvement in schools and the community, as it aligns with our calling. Our endeavors are driven by the Holy Spirit, not by human effort.
God has granted us an unprecedented chance to engage with schools in Pine Bluff and tangibly show Christ’s love and care for the children. The Lord’s guidance in Matthew 5:16 is clear.
We are making significant contributions to the schools during a critical time for our city, state and nation. It is reprehensible for anyone to belittle our clergy’s efforts and sow division among the clergy.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Disseminating false information about our pastors in Pine Bluff when unity and collaborative problem-solving are needed is absurd. As clergy members, in the name of the Most High God, we must speak up and overcome this discord to unite the entire community and progress together.
Pine Bluff, a city where schools have experienced multiple lockdowns within a school year and where homicides are rampant for a city of our size, is witnessing remarkable work. Amidst this turmoil, God, through Jesus Christ, has called upon clergy members to act. Pastors on Patrol have answered that call to support the PEN OR PENCIL Mentoring Movement and the Woodson Center’s PBICVR Community Affiliate Network.
During our lunch meetings, we are moved by the testimonies shared about our clergy interactions with the youth. However, many of these young individuals are grieving the loss of a loved one — be it a brother, father, sister, mother or another family member — due to senseless violence or natural causes.
They carry this pain and confusion with them to school, often feeling isolated and believing that no one cares or understands what they are enduring. Yet, God has purposefully placed clergy members in schools to bridge this gap. We must convey the testimonies heard to shine the light of Jesus’ love, uplifting the spirits of these children and the community at large.
Our words of hope and the power of faith in Jesus have the potential to expel darkness from our schools and cities across this state and nation.
As members of the Pine Bluff Faith Community Coalition Ministerial Alliance, we in Pine Bluff have ignited the first flame. The adversary may wish for us to hide our good deeds, but God has called us to display them brightly for everyone to see bringing glory to the Almighty God of Israel (I Kings 8:23). We are inspired and positioned by God to serve as a resource and to answer the call.
We declare our intent to preach, pray, and dismantle the adversary’s domain. It has been established in this city for too long, and every clergy and denomination regardless of faith must be committed to demolishing it in the name of Jesus/Yeshua. Amen.
The Rev. Jesse Turner is the executive director of Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration Inc.