Paske talks history, past success of Friends With Jesus Ministries
Published 3:20 pm Friday, May 25, 2018
- Bainbridge Lions Club first vice president and president elect Michael Jarrett right, looks on after presenting $250 checks to three organization heads. From left are Herbert Hughes, secretary of the Cordele Lions Club, Josh Paske of Friends With Jesus Ministries and a representative from the Leader Dogs for the Blind.
The Bainbridge Lions Club honored three organizations they annually support with $250 checks during their regular Wednesday meeting.
Representatives of those organizations, Friends With Jesus Ministries, Decatur County Special Olympics and Leader Dogs For the Blind gave the club a report on the continued strong progress of their organizations.
Paske of Friends With Jesus Ministries talked about how Jane Forsyth began the ministry 32 years ago by visiting underprivileged youngster and introducing them to the Bible and letting them know how much Jesus loves them.
Paske gave the Lions a brief roundup of Friends of Jesus Ministries activities today. “Friendship House has experienced growth in attendance, averaging 150 children a day on our Bainbridge campus and 40 children at the Rambeau gym located in Donalsonville. Both sites exhibit a welcoming atmosphere of love and grace peace for all involved. We have kids who have graduated from high school, earned college degrees, joined the military and entered the workforce.”
Paske further pointed out that Friendship House graduate Jasmin Bell is a real Friendship House Success story.
“Jasmin Bell, like so many of our kids, was raised in a single parent home and encountered many struggles growing up,” Paske said. “She found a place of refuge when she started attending Friendship House at age 5. She encountered a safe place and loving mentors who walked with her daily in her search for God.
Paske said it was at Friendship House where Jasmin began to fully understand about Jesus, develop a relationship with Jesus and began to live for Jesus. Today, Jasmin is a participant in the dual enrollment program through Bainbridge High School and Bainbridge ABAC. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has recently completed the Certified Nursing Program. She plans to pursue a career in nursing at Valdosta State University after she graduates from high school.
“We know that she has a future because she had a place of refuge called Friendship House of Jesus,” said Paske.
