In an ever-changing world, we serve an unchanging God. Because of this, we have remained faithful to our calling and vision for 80 years at Fred Jordan Missions.
That means:
We stand in FAITH, trusting that Jesus will supply all our needs as we proclaim His truth to the hurting, hopeless, homeless, and helpless.
We trust YOU, our friends and partners, to join us in our mission to declare and demonstrate the love of Jesus to those in need.
What does Easter mean to the people of Skid Row who are oppressed, marginalized, and struggling with food insecurities and a lack of companionship and connection?
I believe this is the most significant celebration we have all year because our sole
focus is “Soul Focus,” as we share the hope of Jesus with hopeless souls.
I hesitated to write this letter, but I firmly believe that the Lord has placed an urgent need on my heart to share with you.
Last year was truly a remarkable year for FJM in our mission to “declare and demonstrate the love of
Jesus” to those we serve on Skid Row and beyond.
However, a few months ago, we faced an unexpected challenge when a new fire marshal from Los Angeles conducted a walk-through of the Mission. The news he brought was surprising and demanded immediate action.
February is a beautiful month, especially with Valentine’s Day at its core. As Hallmark cards, flowers, and candy boxes fly off the shelves, we are reminded of the world’s impression of love. I am proud to be a contributor to this expression, as my wife, Kris, and I always celebrate Valentine’s Day together.
However, I also want you to know that you are loved! This letter is not a Valentine’s message but a realization of what love means and how we should extend it to those around us, not just in February but throughout the year.
Since 1944, Fred Jordan Missions has been serving those in need in the heart of Skid Row.
This is why we exist – to give hope.
Every time you donate to FJM, you’re helping us share hope, which is something we cannot live without. As one wise person once said, “Man can live about forty days without food, about three days without water, about eight minutes without air - but only for one second without hope.”
What do you say to a homeless person at Christmas?
No pre-written cards by Hallmark can provide the right words to alleviate their pain and suffering. It is disheartening to witness the emptiness in their eyes, as if life has been drained from them. It leaves me speechless. Their pain runs so deep that I struggle to find the right words in my own human capacity to express the empathy and sorrow I feel for them. However, in these moments, I am grateful that words come to life within me on a spiritual level. Words that are rooted in Scripture, stories, and the promises of God that dwell deep within my soul.
We all know that November is significant for holidays like Thanksgiving and Veteran’s Day. But it is also an important month for Fred Jordan Missions because it marks the start of our “Season of Caring.”
This Thanksgiving Season, we will serve an incredible Thanksgiving Dinner to our friends on the streets who are alone or have nothing to eat. This includes men and women who live in tents or cardboard boxes. They are all welcome to “come just as they are” and are encouraged to sit down, eat, fellowship, laugh, and hear a message about Jesus…
Just a few days ago, we gathered at the corner of 5th and Towne in Los Angeles to celebrate and support impoverished kids and families. It was an incredible time when we openly and tangibly demonstrated the love of Jesus.
As you can see from the radiant smiles on these children’s faces, their expressions speak volumes. It’s a testament to the impact we made through your generous gifts and contributions.
“Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.” This line is from a timeless song my mother, Willie, sang as a child. She taught it to me, and I taught it to my children. Today, these words hold an even more significant meaning in our world.
ONE THING I KNOW IS SURE IS THAT GOD IS BIG ON KIDS!
Hundreds of tents in various shades of blue, green, and gray stretch along the scorching streets of downtown Los Angeles. These flimsy structures constructed from plastic, cardboard, and pallets serve as the only refuge from the relentless sun for those living on the streets.
Life can hit us from all different directions and cause us to lose sight of Jesus by putting our attention on ourselves and our difficult circumstances.
When that happens, one of the best ways I’ve found to pull ourselves out of that pit is to help others who are struggling, give to those in need, or serve the less fortunate. Doing these simple acts can restore our joy while we weather the storms in our lives.
Do you know we can have joy even when we face unhappy circumstances?
Psalm 16:11 says,
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”