Joy at Jaguar Junction
We all love the feeling of accomplishment and pride when we’ve worked hard and been devoted and earned an honest pay, and then we get to go SHOPPING! The 500+ students at Jeffries Elementary School know and experience that feeling every month with the Jaguar Junction’s Cents of Pride Store. Students work throughout the month to earn their “money” and then are rewarded with spending time at the store, which is run by Ridgecrest volunteers. There are a variety of items for the students' shopping pleasures - food, games, health/beauty aids, jewelry, stuffed animals, toys, etc. Prices vary from ten dollars to one hundred dollars, as does the level of quality for chosen items. Throughout our time as volunteers, we have experienced God’s goodness and grace as we've worked with the staff and students at Jeffries. We’ve witnessed students choosing treasures for themselves as well as gifts for mom, brother, grandmother, and friends. Their excitement is contagious, and we are blessed to view true and pure giving through these students.
The volunteers from Ridgecrest are essential to the success of the Jaguar Junction. Their outpouring of love on these students as they visit their table is godly and heartfelt. However, each and every one will tell you that they receive more than they give. Here are a few examples:
Donna Bryant: This ministry is about making relationships with the kids, teachers, and staff. I love how we bless those whom we serve, and the ones who serve are abundantly blessed. I’ve seen God provide every time through volunteers, donations, and having just the right thing for the right child. Working at Jeffries has strengthened my faith. His hand is on the ministry, and it is showing me His presence over and over again.
June Wright: Working with the students of Jeffries is a blessing and a most rewarding experience. The smiles and sweet comments are unforgettable. My prayer is that we are helping make strides to improve discipline and early understanding regarding spending money wisely and supporting the teachers and staff.
Marilyn Corson: After retirement, I searched for new ways of following Jesus with my time. The Jeffries ministry gave me love, joy, and new relationships with the children, volunteers and staff.
Debbie Carlstrom: What a privilege it is to spend one afternoon a month with the children at Jeffries. They are so excited when they come to Jaguar Junction. God fills my heart with so much joy, reminding me that these children are our future and we are the example of His love to them.
Jesus never traveled more than a one-hundred-mile radius from where He was born. Yet His name is spoken and known in every corner of the world. There is evidence of God’s divine presence all around us and within us. The goal of our volunteers is to continue to spread the name of Jesus through their service. We pray, through our time spent with the students and staff, that the name of Jesus is reaching the corners of Jeffries Elementary.