John M. Perkin (b1930)

John Perkins is an American Christian minister, civil rights activist, Bible teacher, best selling author, philosopher and community developer.
Despite having been a third -grade dropout he made it Into the Ambassadors for Christ book with recognized for his work for Christ with 16 honourary degrees.

John was born in 1930 in rural Mississippi into a family of Sharecroppers. He lived in a world which said to be black was less than whole;maybe about half.

In 1957 God showed him how to be truly whole through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God told him to go and share his love with his people in Mississippi. In June 1960 they migrated back to the south. He helped found a nationwide movement called Christian Community Development. The 3 Rs came to the fore- Relocation to a community in need. Reconciliation between the Races and Redistribution of the economic base.

In the mid 60’ John was caught up in issues for rights for blacks. The KuKlax Klan were in involved. On February 7th 1970 it exploded. (read build-up in Evangelicals and Justice)

John Perkins was arrested and assaulted (read Brutality) He recovered but 5 months later had a heart attack. Whilst recovering he wanted reconciliation this gave rise to Voice of Calvery Missions in 1975.

10 years, to the day of the beating,he was honoured by the governor of Mississippi by being named outstanding religious leader of the year.

In 1982 he founded the Harambee Christian Family Center (now Harambee Ministries. In1989 He founded the Christian Community Deveopment Association. On death of his son he established the Spencer Perkins Centre,
In 20i6 John became President Emeritus of the John and Vera Mae Perkins foundation their 3 daughters were co-presidents.

John continues to call for making real Jesus’ sermons.

Sources
I have used the chapter ’ Jesus’ Transforming Power ', written by Christine Weerts in ’ Ambassadors for Christ ’ as my main source for John’s first 65 years.

wikipedia for the last 25