Today we’d like to introduce you to James Jackson.
Hi James, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Everything began in 2021, when I was saved by the grace of God. At that time, I was an entrepreneur, with a real estate business and a rap label. I was often performing at local venues, out in the night life, partying, drinking, gambling and chasing money. One night I came home and I scrolled through YouTube videos. I was intrigued by a video about the death of Slim400, a rapper from California. When I clicked on it, a man named Sinful Tha P was talking about all the things that will lead you to Hell. It was like he was talking directly to me. Immediately, I was convicted and my eyes were opened by the Holy Spirit. I cried out to the Lord asking him to save me and to help me change my life. This went on for several hours and then I began deleting my social media, contacts and pictures to create a fresh start.
After this, I started talking to my family about the Lord. It took them some months to understand and adjust to this new way of living. My wife, Rebecca and I got married in December 2021. In a journal, I noted all the things God directed me to do. This included creating a ministry through which I would help save souls by passing out care packages with Bibles, preaching the Gospel to street people and the homeless, and designing Bible inspired merch.
Together, Rebecca and I founded OTM Ministries in 2022. We began carrying out the actions God directed me to do and we created a website – otmministries.org. Along with our children, we handed out Bibles and prayed with people in the streets. I began preaching and sharing my testimony so others could come to salvation.
In May 2023, our son Damian passed away in a car accident. The tragic news of his death devastated our family. In our grief, we turned to God, allowing him to bring us comfort and healing. His death emphasized the brevity of our life on earth and the urgent need to repent and trust in Jesus. In remembrance of Damian, we created the Damian Gunn LIFE Award which is given annually to a local high school senior. Students write an essay explaining how they embody the LIFE award characteristics that are inspired by Damian’s Life. This includes demonstrating a love for others, an imaginative spirit, faith in Jesus and encouragement to those who need it. We have now handed out 4 LIFE awards in a span of 3 years. We bless students with an award plaque and a monetary gift.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s not been a smooth road. The struggles include living in world full of sin and temptation and killing our flesh. We’ve had to learn to live for Christ and not ourselves. Losing our loved ones has been incredibly difficult. In addition to Damian’s passing, I lost my mom in 2016. There have been some dark moments and hard challenges we’ve faced as so many others have as well. Life is not smooth though and God does not promise us the journey will be easy. What he promises is that he will be with us and his presence in our lives has helped us through the spiritual battle we face on a daily basis.
When I face struggles in my life, I’m reminded of Jesus’ words.
John 16:33
“I (Jesus) have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
I want others to know there is hope. If God can change me, he can change anybody.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Our work is centered on serving God, being ambassadors for Jesus Christ and spreading the Gospel. This is accomplished through serving others, praying with people, giving them hugs, helping financially and supplying their basic needs like food, clothing and shelter. We seek to teach others about the Bible and the meaning of scripture so they can understand the Good News. When others need a Bible, we supply one to them.
The work we do is not about a profit or reward. We are not seeking money, praise or notoriety. I feel this sets us apart from a world that is often rooted in capitalism or financial gain. We are purely working for the Kingdom of God. Christ sustains us and fulfills our every need. Largely, our ministry is self-funded, although loved ones have donated and we welcome the kindness and generosity of others.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
We first and foremost give all credit and glory to God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
I also appreciate the prophetic message of Mr. Warren Adams. In 2019, he prophesized in New York that I would one day help save thousands of souls. He boldly brought this message to me at a time I was lost. Today, this prophecy is being fulfilled all thanks to the amazing power of God.
Our family is grateful for our dear neighbors Ona and Victoria Coker, who have been a joy and inspiration in our lives as fellow disciples of Jesus Christ. We have enjoyed their fellowship, encouragement and support. We appreciate the blessing it is to know them and pray together. They join us annually when we present the LIFE award.
Our kids have been through this journey with us, serving with us in the community and growing into beautiful followers of Christ. They have joined us in our street ministry and serving food at the local food kitchen. We thank God for them and for choosing us to be their parents.
For anyone who needs hope, I pray that they come to understand the mercy and Grace of Jesus Christ. I also pray for the body of Christ. May God strengthen my brothers and sisters in Christ, so they can fight the good fight and persevere in carrying out God’s work.
Pricing:
- Donations of any amount are appreciated
Contact Info:
- Website: https://otmministries.org
