What happens when faithful people say "yes" to serving an overlooked neighborhood? In this conversation with Addie Jarrett, Executive Director of Neighborhood Life House, we discover how a historic building from 1871 became the epicenter of transformation in North Joplin, MO.
The story begins with prayer walks and 200 people gathering to ask God what He wanted to do with a church building that was closing its doors. Sixteen years later, that simple act of availability has blossomed into comprehensive weekly programming serving children and families in a community where 85% aren't connected to local churches and 80% face food insecurity.
Addie shares beautiful stories of children who first asked "Who is Jesus?" in Kids Club now growing into teenagers committed to ministry careers. We hear about creative outreaches through art, dance, music, and basketball that provide multiple entry points for neighborhood youth to experience Christ's love. Most powerfully, she recounts how consistent relationship changed the life of a mother who moved from atheism to faith through the ministry's faithful presence during her family's darkest moments.
What makes Neighborhood Life House extraordinary isn't elaborate programs or substantial resources – it's the power of showing up consistently in a place many overlook, believing that small acts of faithfulness yield harvests "thirty, sixty, or a hundred times what was sown." This conversation will challenge and inspire you to consider how your own "yes" might transform the lives of those just beyond your doorstep.
Ready to support this vital kingdom work? Visit neighborhoodlifehouse.org to learn how you can volunteer, donate, or pray for this ministry cultivating gospel presence in North Joplin.
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