Church is about family And Jackson family is all around church

--- Nikolas Cobiella Wilets/The Capital-Journal

By PHIL ANDERSON

The Capital-Journal

Nearly everyone has heard sayings such as "the family that prays together stays together," "blood is thicker than water" and "the apple never falls far from the tree."

Those who may view such statements with skepticism may wish to meet the Rev. Milton P. Jackson Jr. and his family, who are serving together as ministers at Abundance of Life Cathedral of Praise Church of God in Christ, 1239 S.W. Western.

The Rev. Jackson and his wife, Dr. Betsy Vaughn-Jackson, are themselves the children of ministers.

"We accepted Christ into our lives at an early age," the Rev. Jackson said. "We've been involved in church work nearly all our lives."

As for the couple's two sons, DeVon, 23, and Dante, 19, he said: "We dedicated them back to the Lord in the delivery room. We prayed God would bless and use them.

"Both accepted Christ at an early age. We were hoping and praying they would instrumental in working with the Lord."

As the children grew older, they remained faithful to Christian principles taught by their parents and today are active in both youth and music ministries at the midtown church.

On any given Sunday, as well as during the week when services are scheduled, all family members take part in their church's programs.

"We want to be a church where people can feel a lot of life, where they can feel love and hope," the Rev. Jackson said. "We want to be able to make a difference in a hurting world by filling in missing pieces to people's lives."

Vaughn-Jackson continues to work outside the church, serving as principal of Lundgren Elementary School in the Topeka Public Schools system.

She stresses the importance of the Bible in the Abundance of Life church's various ministries, which include: tutorial programs; men's, women's and youth groups; and a "spiritual warriors" program through which members participate in outreach activities.

"The foundation for all successful living is found in the word of God," Vaughn-Jackson said. "We don't just want people to read it -- we want them to apply it."

Vaughn-Jackson said the church feels "blessed" to be in the heart of the city, even though it is an area known for high crime and where human problems brought about by drug abuse and prostitution are prevalent.

"We're all about families," Vaughn-Jackson said. "We're trying to make the world better, and we're doing it as as family."

Among the most enjoyable parts of the ministry for the elder Jacksons is working with their two sons.

DeVon, who has a mass media and communications degree from Washburn University, is an expert musician who also heads up the church's youth program. Among his goals is to develop local musical talent while marketing the church in the community.

Although he has received offers to minister in other areas, DeVon said: "I feel God put me here for a reason. I'm going to stay here."

While Dante attends Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, he continues to commute home on weekends to play the organ and assist in other church ministries.

He recalled coming to church as a child and being active in Sunday school and other programs. It's a lesson he won't forget.

"When I was 10 or 11 years old," he said, "I started seeing why I was in church. That's why I wanted to come."He added that the godly example set by his parents is a strong influence to this day: "I appreciate our parents instilling that in us."

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