Granny's House, Columbia Missouri: WELCOME TASH!!

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!

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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!