In high school, Brother James Jones of Team Brotherhood Mission was an athlete.
In West Philadelphia High School, James used to play basketball, run track and even placed second in the city for gymnastics. After high school, James received his associate’s degree in business administration from Pasadena City College.
His life took him in many different directions and years later he found himself at a low point in his life.
He knew he had to make some definite changes and “get back into the swing of God,” he says now.
Late November, James asked his pastor and spiritual mentor, Sister Pruitt, to pray for him. He entered Brotherhood Mission in December of 2009 and began running with Back on my Feet a short time thereafter.
On his first morning out, he was so excited that he “ran himself out of breath.” He told the circle that he was there to break some records but he wound up breaking some of his old ways in the process.
James’ life took a turn for the better with his health, education and spirituality. This summer, James ran his first two races and plans to run a marathon in the next eight months. He enjoys the energy, positivity and determination around him.
James says of a fellow runner “I am inspired by Stacy Stone because he is a great athlete. I admire his style, He doesn’t talk much but he gets it done.”
James has also hit the ground running professionally.
Watch Member Services Director Kristen Gallagher interview Jones.
Through Next Steps in BOMF, he obtained his weatherization certification with the Energy Coordinating Agency. Just two weeks after completing the certification, James was offered employment through a contact he reconnected with while in the Green Jobs training program. He plans to work part-time as he continues to work toward additional certifications.
He believes that “through faith, let God restore your life and his blessings will overtake you.”
James shares his blessings and strong faith with many in the community. James leads devotion twice a week at Brotherhood, as well as leading “Joy Night” on Fridays. He receives great encouragement from Pastor Alexander Hall and Minister Dorsey.
He himself is a minister for the Full Gospel Church of the Sons of God and would like to attribute some of his success to Brother Byron Lampkin and his wife Sister Lampkin.
Brother James inspires others on the track field, in the classroom and in faith. He has been a tremendous asset to each of us and an organization as a whole. We are so proud of your accomplishments.
Here is what Brotherhood’s Team leader Dan Colameco had to say about Brother Jimmy.
“He is an exceptional man, with seemingly unlimited compassion for those around him. I can’t think of a better example of this, than during our morning walks this summer. During which, he would pause his walk to say “good morning” to several men who were still sleeping out on a few park benches that line our path. One morning in particular, I can remember him stopping for a considerable time to speak with one man. It became very evident to me that this was not merely a passing hello to Brother James, but something he takes very seriously, to spread a gift that he has received to others in need. I am very lucky to have met him.”
Brother James would like to send a special thanks to Kim for telling me to “Make it happen, Jimmy” God bless always.
[...] bigger than the thrill the team had to have our own Brother James Jones as the Philadelphia Back on My Feet chapter’s Member of the Month. Brother James had worked hard to graduate from a Green Jobs training program, in addition to being [...]