Greg Jackson - Taking The City Movement
Gregory W. Jackson was raised by a single mother in Fort Myers. As Greg got older, he was strongly influenced by his environment and chose the lifestyle he witnessed around him. These choices led him to serve five years in prison where he came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Even though Greg had a relationship with Jesus Christ, he did not realize the call that was on his life. When Greg was released back to the same environment, he ended up returning to drugs and crime. One day, he overdosed and asked God to allow him to live. The next day, Greg was in church! Greg became involved in his local church and became the pastor’s armor bearer. For some reason, Greg still felt something was missing. It almost felt like wearing shoes that didn’t fit. One day, God spoke to Greg and told him his prayer life needed to improve. In the midst of this, he met his future wife, Carla. After they were married, a shift took place. God spoke to the both of them that it was time for them to leave. We did not know and see the full picture, but out of it, God gave us a heart and burden for cities and nations.
Taking the City Movement Ministries, Inc. started as a special event for a Vacation Bible School in 2010. Because of the success of the event, it was put on Greg’s heart to continue the ministry. Along with the co-founder, Greg began to understand the need for positive influences in the urban communities; especially in regards to the arts. The young people who listen to hip-hop believe the lies that this lifestyle will bring fame, fortune and success. Greg started to use Christian hip-hop as a way to reach the youth on the streets who would never step foot in a church and would never hear the gospel.
Since 2010, an annual event is held in July called Taking the City Bash. The bash has increased in size from the few people at VBS to over 1,000 in 2015. Every July, Taking the City Movement Ministries, Inc. has been able to utilize and promote local talent to open for a national artist. The bash has been a free event. Along with the music, the bash has spoken word, skits, a dance competition, testimonies and most importantly, an alter service where attendees can receive prayer, if they desire.
Taking the City Movement Ministries, Inc.; namely, Greg and Carla Jackson, organize, promote and sponsor the annual bash as well as provide travel and lodging accommodations for the national artists. Greg is still highly involved with the youth group at his church, visits area churches to preach the gospel and is employed as the youth outreach coordinator at a local youth center.
Taking the City Movement Ministries, Inc. is not content with just hosting an annual event and sees a greater need in the local community. Street ministry is extremely important. Greg and his wife reach out to homeless individuals and help provide them with food, clothing, Bibles and resource information to further assist them in their recovery.
Taking the City Movement Ministries, Inc. is not singularly focused on their own ministry. Greg is Kingdom minded and knows souls matter more than anything else which is why he offers his time and talents to help promote other ministries as well as community events which promote a positive message to Fort Myers and beyond. Taking the City Movement Ministries, Inc. is prepared to travel across the United States and the globe to help spread the gospel.