I stand

"Because of these two beautiful faces and so many more amazing people who are a part of the JP fam. My heart is heavy, and I am overcome with emotion as I reflect on a heart change in myself after years of walking through life and serving through Justin’s Place. 


Throughout the Bible “a servant’s heart” is referenced over and over in the Book of James. He often highlights what it looks like to have a servant’s heart and how we can use it in our world. He speaks of what it looks like to act on a “heart change” that takes place when you become a follower of Jesus that causes you to long to serve and love others well. God is concerned with the posture of our hearts. The apostle Paul also gave many instructions regarding how we are to behave toward one another. “Love one another with brotherly affection. “Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10) Live in harmony with one another.” Comfort one another, live in peace.” (2 Corinthians 13:11) Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)

 Serving others can mean so many different things … maybe that’s taking the trash out, or bringing food to your neighbor, or maybe that service is mentoring a teen through JP who is facing challenges that I will probably never face. While I pour into them, they simultaneously are pouring into me more than they know and through them the Lord is slowly changing my heart one day at a time - teaching me to love more and more deeply. Through Justin’s Place, the Lord has changed my heart and as a result, my life. 

Devoting ourselves to love and serving others creates a fire in our hearts that allows us to love others without barriers and without judgement. We must proactively seek relationships that model love and unity. 

I will stand up for these faces for my entire life…because we have formed a relationship that is based on love and unity, and a relationship that stirred in me a heart change and passion that can’t be stopped.  

I stand with you." 

Maggie Crockett

Director of Programming