Jackie Reed addresses congregants of the Second Baptist Church in El Centro on Saturday during the second annual Gospel Jubilee. |
Jackie Reed knows of where she speaks when she told congregants of the Second Baptist Church on Saturday that any change in life must first come from within.
Reed, a former convict, alluded to her spiritual redemption with the churchgoers as they all celebrated the second annual Gospel Jubilee.
“Instead of destroying the things I can’t do, I’m creating the things that I can … and instead of hating the ways I’m imprisoned, I’m loving the ways I am free,” Reed said from a prepared statement.
“Because instead of trying to change the whole world, I’ve accepted,” Reed said before adding, “I must change me.”
More than 80 congregants at the El Centro church on Brighton Avenue applauded and sang for nearly two hours as the presentation by the Urban League of San Diego/Imperial Valley got under way.
“I do this for the glory of God,” said Reed of the six-month effort to coordinate the religious event. Reed, a native of El Centro who lives in San Diego, said she had done a three-year stretch in prison for an assault with a deadly weapon conviction.
As for bringing the jubilee back for a third year, it would be an undertaking that would require funding, Reed said.
“I don’t know,” Reed said with a smile. “We’ll see.”
Having a third Gospel Jubilee would be just fine for congregant Willie Thomas of El Centro, who was clapping and singing and expressed his elation at the joy the music brought out in others and their loved ones.
“I’m thankful, man, for another day,” Thomas said as the cheers grew louder. “I’m thankful for the blood of Jesus Christ.”
Staff Writer Silvio J. Panta can be reached at 760-337-3442 or at spanta@ivpressonline.com
Reed, a former convict, alluded to her spiritual redemption with the churchgoers as they all celebrated the second annual Gospel Jubilee.
“Instead of destroying the things I can’t do, I’m creating the things that I can … and instead of hating the ways I’m imprisoned, I’m loving the ways I am free,” Reed said from a prepared statement.
“Because instead of trying to change the whole world, I’ve accepted,” Reed said before adding, “I must change me.”
More than 80 congregants at the El Centro church on Brighton Avenue applauded and sang for nearly two hours as the presentation by the Urban League of San Diego/Imperial Valley got under way.
“I do this for the glory of God,” said Reed of the six-month effort to coordinate the religious event. Reed, a native of El Centro who lives in San Diego, said she had done a three-year stretch in prison for an assault with a deadly weapon conviction.
As for bringing the jubilee back for a third year, it would be an undertaking that would require funding, Reed said.
“I don’t know,” Reed said with a smile. “We’ll see.”
Having a third Gospel Jubilee would be just fine for congregant Willie Thomas of El Centro, who was clapping and singing and expressed his elation at the joy the music brought out in others and their loved ones.
“I’m thankful, man, for another day,” Thomas said as the cheers grew louder. “I’m thankful for the blood of Jesus Christ.”
Staff Writer Silvio J. Panta can be reached at 760-337-3442 or at spanta@ivpressonline.com
