Just a few blocks from the Jay Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Cherokee Nation has a housing project.  During the past year, there have been several attempts by the Jay Church to get to know the people that live in this area.

 

The Pathfinder and Adventurer groups of the Church have passed out different literature and magazines, including Native Vibrant Life.  In addition, several of our members have passed out books, DVDs and other material in this neighborhood.

 

On September 16, the Jay Church began a 3 weekend, 2 week evangelistic series with Elder Harvey Kornegay speaking.  In addition to sending out handbills, several members went out in the different neighborhoods and personally invited people to come.

 

Each evening, there is a separate meeting for children ages 4-10.  Pastor Jim Landelius presents a child-friendly sermon using the "Truth4Youth" material on PowerPoint put out by the Carolina Conference.

 

Melissa Willis, a member who was recently baptized was picking up children she knew that lived close to the Cherokee Housing.  Several Native children saw her picking up the children and asked, "Where are you going?"  She replied, "To Church for some meetings."  The oldest child asked if he and his sister could come.  When Melissa told him that they could if their parents agreed.  A moment later two ladies came out of the house.   One mother gave her permission for her children to go.  The other mother said she wanted to see if the white lady would bring back the other children before she would give permission for her children to go.

 

Melissa did bring the children back and we now have 5 Native children coming to our meetings.  This evening, Pastor Jim was talking about the importance of spending time reading the Bible.  One young lady raised her hand and said, "Pastor, we don't have a Bible at my house".  Pastor Jim asked how many did not have a Bible.  Of the 15 children in the meeting, all but 4 or 5 did not have a Bible.  Every one of the Native children do not have one.

 

Pastor Jim promised each one he would get them a Bible before the next meeting...

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