An event this afternoon in Jackson will celebrate 20 years of ministry by Mission Mississippi, an organization of people who have been prayerfully working to bring communities together across racial and denominational lines in towns throughout the state.

Members of the Brookhaven Chapter of Mission Mississippi will be present at the celebration ceremony, as will those representing Mission Mississippi chapters in our surrounding counties.

This afternoon’s program at the Jackson State Mississippi Memorial Stadium is scheduled to begin with a parade of county delegates at 4:30 p.m., followed by a celebration and worship program from 5 to 7 p.m.

Today’s event is the culmination of a partnership between Mission Mississippi and Fellowship of Christian Athletes members to carry a cross to each of the state’s 82 counties this summer. Lincoln County hosted the cross’s visit with a well-attended celebration on the government complex’s steps Aug. 16. At that time, those attending were inspired to bring a local cross to this afternoon’s parade of counties.

A beautiful cross bearing the word, “Lincoln,” was created by James Minter of B&O Machine and Welding, and it will be carried by our local delegation into the stadium, where they will join like-minded and like-spirited worshippers from throughout the state.

At a time when so much exists to distract our attention and divide us from each other, how wonderful it is to see an event bringing so many people in Mississippi together to remember that the message of the cross is for everyone.

“Love, unity, grace, hope, peace, reconciliation” are the positive messages that today’s event seeks to share, according to a Mission Mississippi press release.

An often-repeated quotation reminds us that “the family that prays together stays together.” Today’s gathering – and Mission Mississippi’s message – urges us to reach out and extend our definition of “family” and, in so doing, help bridge our differences and allow us to work together for positive good in our communities.

This afternoon’s event is free and open to all who wish to attend.