Here at FPC we take seriously the call in Acts 1:8 when Jesus tells his disciples that they “will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” Our call then is to be Christ’s hands and feet both locally, nationally and internationally as have opportunity. People often ask, “Where can I plug in?” The answer is the same…find the place where your gifts and your passion collide and serve the Lord there. Below you will find a list of the different ministries that we partner with throughout the region, state and world. He hope you will find something that you love and become a part of that ministry through the giving of your time, talent and resources.
LOCAL MINISTRIES: (Jerusalem)
Our Daily Bread
Church Contact: Christine Denton
Our Daily Bread was started over 25 years ago to feed the unemployed, homeless and older people unable to feed themselves. We have 3 routes: Gautier, Moss Point and Pascagoula, Ms. We feed a noon meal on site 7 days per week. Our Daily Bread is run on monetary donations and donations of can goods, meat, vegetables, styrofoam serving trays, plastic spoons, forks and knives.
Jackson County Salvation Army
The Salvation Army Mississippi Gulf Coast Area Command has been serving South Mississippi since 1907. We celebrate service to South Mississippi with two active Corps, an active Bible Study outreach, a shelter, a community center and social service offices actively working and geographically located in each of these counties, Jackson, George, Harrison, Stone, Hancock, and Pearl River.
Adrienne’s House
Church Contact: Paige Roberts
The Gulf Coast Women’s Center for Nonviolence opened as a safe house in 1977, providing help to victims of sexual assault. Their mission at Gulf Coast Women’s Center for Nonviolence is to support and service victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and family members of homicide victims; educate the community, and act to reduce incidences of violence. Adrienne’s House is the local shelter for abused women in Pascagoula.
Backpack Buddies
Church Contact: Erin Wilcutt
Every week hundreds of students go home on the weekends to houses without food. The lack of proper diet is one of the key indicators to poor performance in school. Backpack Buddies has made it their mission to make sure children have plenty of food over a weekend. Backpacks are filled with food on Fridays so that children will have enough to eat throughout the weekend. Backpack Buddies is located here at First Presbyterian Church in Schneider Hall. Check out the Backpack Buddies Facebook page for more information.
STATE/NATIONAL MINISTRIES: (Judea/Samaria)
Cursillo
Church Contact: Rick and Maura Whitlock
Cursillo is a three-day spiritual renewal event designed to rekindle, deepen and strengthen your desire to live the Christian life. Led by lay members and clergy of the Presbyterian Church, its purpose is to inspire and equip disciples for Christian action in their homes, churches and communities. In a thoughtful, prayerful and joyful environment, you will enjoy fellowship with other Christians and leave with a desire to serve and live boldly for Christ.
Belhaven University
Church contact: Rick Whitlock
Located in Jackson, MS, Belhaven University prepares students academically and spiritually to serve Christ Jesus in their careers, in human relationships, and in the world of ideas. Belhaven University affirms the Lordship of Christ over all aspects of life, acknowledges the Bible as the foundational authority for the development of a personal worldview, and recognizes each individual’s career as a calling from God. By developing servant leaders who value integrity, compassion and justice in all aspects of their lives, the University prepares people to serve, not to be served. FPC is beginning to partner with Belhaven to provide students with an opportunity to participate in our summer youth internship program.
Outreach Foundation
Church Contact: Melanie Moore
Engaging Presbyterians and global partners in proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. This is done through creating dynamic relationships that deepen mission passion and build mission capacity.
Home of Grace: (Men’s and Women’s Campuses)
The Home of Grace, a nationally known addiction recovery program, has helped tens of thousands of individuals battle addiction. In operation since 1965, their mission is to offer freedom from addiction through Christ-centered recovery. The Home of Grace addiction recovery program is built on the foundation of Christian principles. Their program is rooted in the Biblical virtues of truth, honor, integrity, respect, faith and disciplined living.
INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES/MISSIONARIES: (Ends of the earth)
Mercy Ships
Church Contact: Vanessa Gibson
Mercy Ships, a global charity, has operated a fleet of hospital ships in developing nations since 1978. Following the 2000-year-old model of Jesus, Mercy Ships brings hope and healing to the poor, mobilizing people and resources worldwide. We support the Grizzards in their ministry to Mercy Ships. We are always looking for families to “adopt” our missionaries and send them letters and other means of encouragement. www.mercyships.org
Haiti Outreach Ministries
Church Contact: Joseph Powell
HOM shares the gospel with the people of Haiti through evangelism, education and medical care. FPC has worked with HOM for the past 5 years by bringing medical and dental teams, building schools and installing several water filtration systems throughout the city.
Belize Mission Trip
Church Contact: Matt Mitchell
FPC has been partnering with The Word at Work (www.twaw.org) for the past several years and is building a lasting friendship with the people of Belize. Over the past few years we have been involved in the building of houses, churches and a school. However, the best work we do is in building relationships with the beautiful people of Belize. We usually send a large team every year in June. Please let us know if you are interested in joining us.
Middle East Missionaries (EPC world Outreach)
Church Contact: Melanie Moore
Our missionaries, Nick, Amanda and Jacqy, currently live in the Middle East and are a part of our denomination’s push to plant 25 churches among refugees in the Middle East by 2025. Please pray for Nick and Amanda and their family, and our newest missionary, Jacqy, as they continue to build relationships with people in the Middle East and as they build their team to plant a church.