What would you call a girl who plays cello, guitar and
keyboards, loves horses, has lived in Camaroon and
Fiji, and recently turned down a full-time job managing a popular women’s
clothing store because she's looking for more than “just a job.” What if she has
a degree in Biblical Studies and leads worship at a maximum security prisons and also
teaches school children to become excellent singers and musicians… I’d call her the
newest staff member at Granny’s House: Natasha Jackson – “Tash” (pronounced
like “ash”) as some call her.
When Jane Williams, Love INC. founder, whom I affectionately
call “The Columbia Connector,” suggested that I interview her for a
position at Granny’s House, I jumped at chance because Jane is like E. F.
Hutton in Columbia’s church community. When she talks, people listen because
she has an uncanny way of discerning who would be a good fit for specific
ministries. When “Tash” and I first met some weeks ago, I sat there thinking: “This
is just too good to be true!”
I had planned to write a blog about Natasha Jackson, but I
think her “raw” responses to my questions are best unembellished! Welcome to Granny’s House, Natasha! We
are so thrilled to have you on the team!
**********
1. In what countries have you have lived?
Yaounde, Cameroon and Suva, Fiji.
2. What took you to those places?
College ministry. Orphan ministry in Africa as
well. I went with Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru). I have felt a calling to
Fiji since I was in the 5th grade, and finally went in 2011!
3. How would you describe your relationship with
the Lord?
My relationship with the Lord is a never-ending
conversation with Him. He is my best friend, counselor, comforter, romancer,
Savior, shield, and Rock. I strive to walk in the power of the Holy
Spirit.
4. When/how did you first hear about Granny's
House?
I first heard about Granny's House in high school
when my parents were home parents at Coyote Hill Christian Children's Home in
Harrisburg, MO. We volunteered [at Granny's House] one day, serving dinner.
5. How will you approach ministry to public housing children?
Completely relational! I want to get to know these
kids' hearts and provide a safe place of trust for them. Patience and
understanding. A lot of listening...I want to be a confidant and friend to
these kids.
6. What experiences (educational, spiritual etc.)
have most prepared you for your role at Granny's House?
Living at Coyote Hill for 3 years with so many
different kinds of kids from hard and various backgrounds. Living in Cameroon,
Africa for a summer and learning how to relate to Africans by being completely
immersed in their culture.
7. What impact do you hope/anticipate having on the
children and families involved with Granny's House?
I want to be a light in a dark place and encourage
hope in places where it may seem lost. I want to make the love of God and His
Gospel known to everyone. I hope that these children and families will see me
as a friend that they can truly trust--a safe person. I want to help provide
consistency in lives that may seem chaotic.
8. Anything else you want those who read this to
know about you?
I'm so excited to be joining the Granny House team! I hope to get to
know each one of the children and the families well and help provide a safe
haven full of trust, hope, and fun!
Nathash and friends in Cameroon...
Comfort to child while living in Africa...
Natahsa with fiancee, Kory Myrick...
With Sue Crane, Spirit Riders Founder and Director... we're thrilled that "Tash" loves horses!
Making many new friends at Granny's House...
.JPG)
