"In him was life; and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe." - John 1:4-7 (NIV)

We live in a dark world, and God sends Love In Action International Ministries into some of the darkest corners of our nation. But, God has given us the light, His name is Jesus Christ. When the light comes, darkness must flee.

That's what happened on Love In Action's trip to Atlanta on Sept. 25. We hosted Jesus Jam 2001 in one of the poorest and darkest housing projects in the city. As we walked through the housing area the day before handing out fliers telling people about Jesus Jam, we could smell marijuana around every corner we turned, and crack papers were scattered under the trees.

The Pool Creek Gilbert Garden Complex is an area that the city of Atlanta would just rather forget about. It's close to the airport and huge jet planes fly nonstop overhead and often rattle the windows of the apartment buildings. Though the area was filled with darkness, we came as a witness to testify about the light.

What happened that Saturday afternoon was truly miraculous. It could have come right out of the pages of Acts. The day started with games for the hundreds of precious children that live at Pool Creek. We also served hundreds of hotdogs, hamburgers, chips and drinks. We had giveaways, including a scooter for the children and a VCR for the adults.

During all of the games and fun, we ministered the love and joy of Christ to the people. Then, we gathered the large crowd together for praise and worship. The Love In Action Praise Band did an awesome job leading worship. It warmed our hearts to see children clapping and adults, who once had hard, cold looks on their faces, raising their hands in adoration to Jesus. Then, Love In Action President Mike Shroades delivered a powerfully anointed message of love and salvation through Jesus Christ. The response was incredible.

Hundreds, close to 200 people in fact, came forward and encompassed Mike. Then something totally amazing happened. The people fell to their knees in humble submission to God and right there under a beautiful blue Atlanta, Georgia sky, asked Jesus into their hearts. PRAISE GOD!

All of you who are prayer and financial partners of Love In Action had as much to do with what happened at Jesus Jam as those who participated in the outreach. Without your prayers, this never would have happened as a great deal of planning went into this outreach and a great deal of spiritual warfare took place. Prayer is a powerful weapon.

It also couldn't have happened without those of you who so graciously give financially to this ministry. Outreaches like Jesus Jam cost money, and we couldn't have done this, or any of our outreaches, without your support. Jesus Jam was such a success, the host church and our ministry brothers in inner city Atlanta, Eagle's Nest Ministries, has asked Love In Action to host four to six Jesus Jams in various sections of inner city Atlanta in 2002.

God is moving in such a mighty way in the inner cities, and through prayer and giving, you are part of this awesome movement. Thank you for praying and giving. There's much more work to do in the inner cities and we pray we can continue to count on your support. May God richly bless each of you, and praise Him along with us for the great things He has done!