Our Mission
The mission of Joy of Jesus is to
equip urban youth to lead and succeed; to positively influence
their families and environment
through exciting Christ-centered programs that can be replicated.
Our History
Joy of Jesus is a faith-based nonprofit
organization founded in 1976 by the late Reverend Eddie K. Edwards.
The
ministry was
founded as a result of prayer, fasting and crying out to the
Lord to help the young people in the City of Detroit, Michigan.
Since its inception, Joy of Jesus has developed programs that
enhance academic achievement, build leadership skills, and
promote self-sufficiency in young adults and their communities.
Joy of
Jesus has received recognition and numerous awards over the
years for the impact made in the lives of youth, their families
and
communities. One of those awards was the 107th Points of Light
Award received in 1990 from President George H. Bush for its
work in the community.
On June 22, 2001, at the “A Joyful Celebration” event
celebrating 25 years of faithful service to youth, families
and churches, Reverend Edwards retired and handed the mantle
of responsibility
for Joy of Jesus to Pastor Allen T. Sheffield. Pastor Sheffield
had served Joy of Jesus with Rev. Edwards in various capacities
over the previous 10 years. Prior to becoming President of
Joy of Jesus, Pastor Sheffield served as its Chairman of the
Board
for three years.
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Statement of Faith
We believe that Jesus Christ,
the Son, is fully God and became truly human through His virgin
birth. His sinless
life, voluntary death, shed blood, and bodily resurrection were
necessary and sufficient for the redemption of man—the
justification of sinners through faith in Him. He will return
to earth in glory.
We believe the Holy Spirit is fully God. Through
His power and presence, He is the effective agent in the new
birth, and through His indwelling, empowers the believer
for godly living and service.
We believe that God created man in his image
as a moral and rational being. The historic fall of man into
sin and his disobedience, individually and corporately, produced
divine condemnation.
We believe the redeemed will be resurrected
to the everlasting presence and enjoyment of God, and the unredeemed
will be resurrected to judgment and everlasting punishment.
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