Now that Thanksgiving is over, we are in the midst of the holiday season, frantically working through our “To-Do List” to prepare for Christmas. It is hard to believe that Christmas is already upon us, but we are excited to serve those in Jesus’ name at Fred Jordan Missions.

Although the bumper sticker slogan “Jesus is the reason for the season” continues to be popular, the essence of Christmas truly lies in the act of giving.

As followers of Christ, we are called to declare His teachings and extend a helping hand to demonstrate His love to those in need.

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous instances where Jesus showed compassion towards the poor and needy, emphasizing the importance of caring for our brothers and sisters who are less fortunate.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus reminds us, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40).

In just five days, we will host a “MIRACLE EVENT” at Fred Jordan Missions, where we will provide underprivileged children with new shoes, clothes, backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, a nutritious lunch, and most of all—the hope of Jesus. Our Back to School event marks the beginning of our “Season of Caring” and symbolizes the hope and support we provide those in need.

However, the financial strain on the Mission over the past three months has been immense, pushing us to the brink of potentially canceling this event for the first time since 1989. During this challenging time, we experienced a true miracle—friends of FJM, such as Foot Locker and Paul Mitchell Schools, stepped in to ensure that Back to School remains on the calendar.

It’s that time of year—school bells ring across this nation, and kids of all ages are ready to return to school. They wear brand-new clothes, tennis shoes, backpacks, and sport fresh haircuts with smiles from ear to ear.

However, consider the contrast between them and kids in those communities, even in your community, who are affected by poverty.

These children have no option but to wear hand-me-down, tattered, torn clothes, shoes that are too small or too big with holes in the soles, or carry a paper bag to hold their school supplies. 

My mother, Willie, would say, “No child living in America should have to go to school with holes in their shoes or dirty hand-me-down clothes.”

I’m asking you to please step up and help change that. I’m asking you now to please consider what you can give.

“Can I have a drink of water?”

That is the most frequently asked question at Fred Jordan Missions, and the answer is always “YES.”

Desperate, hopeless, and helpless Americans live on the streets of Skid Row. We don’t know how they got here; everyone has a different story, but without a doubt, the one thing we know they all have in common is this: they are thirsty.

HOW DO WE HELP THEM AT FJM?

Our doors are open all day to provide a variety of cold drinks, from water to Gatorade to Vitamin water, as we aim to offer them good, healthy hydration options.

July 4th is just a few days away. Hotdogs will fire up on grills, fireworks will launch into the skies, and many will gather with family and friends to recognize and celebrate our freedom on this Independence Day.

In New York Harbor stands a 150-foot-high statue, famously known as “Lady Liberty,” holding a 30-foot flame that symbolizes our freedom.

The founding fathers of the United States cried for liberty under English rule, as penned in the“Declaration of Independence”:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Dear Friend,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. As you are aware, I am the son of Fred and Willie Jordan, who founded Fred Jordan Missions in 1944.

It has been my honor and privilege to lead this ministry since 2018. It is also a blessing to celebrate our 80th year of ministering to the poor and needy in 2024. Our calling and mission are to continue declaring and demonstrating God’s love to all we serve so they can lead victorious lives.

As you know, we are celebrating 80 years of “Declaring and Demonstrating the Love of Jesus” this year at Fred Jordan Missions.

“Est.1944 to 2024”

Since 1944, we have welcomed millions upon millions of individuals through our doors, offering them the life-changing message of Jesus Christ and addressing their immediate physical needs. Fred Jordan Missions has been here to serve, from nourishing meals prepared in our kitchen to essential items as simple as a new toothbrush.

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.

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.