GANDHI SAID, “Be the change you want to see in this world.” Jasper Wilson, director of High Calling Ministries (HCM), his wife, Israel along with a team of staff and volunteers are living this daily. Their ministry website states: “After seeing the needs in the local communities as well as on a national level, HCM is set out to change the demographic of poverty, addiction, and hopelessness.”
Wilson said, “Our dream for HCM is to serve our community the way Christ has loved and served us. We would love to see Shelbyville mimic what heaven will be like with multiple churches, cultures, and ethnicities serving and worshiping Christ together.”
Wilson was working for Tyson and living a comfortable life when he said that everything changed. “God spoke to me and told me to leave my job to go into full-time ministry. Of course, I was confused and nervous. I didn’t fully understand what He was asking. I did not have much of a plan, but I took that leap of faith. Ever since then, God has been opening doors and guiding me and this ministry to where He wants us to be.”
In November 2021, with generous donations that keep their nonprofit serving, HCM helped a family of three secure temporary housing, they provided groceries for one month, and the Wilsons spent Thanksgiving with the family. “They got back on their feet and began working. Once they received a couple of checks, the family moved out and were able to have a fresh start. Being able to help guide this family into a church and back onto their feet was so beautiful and heartwarming,” said Wilson.
In June, HCM partnered with Caleb Arnold, the new owner of Lightning Lanes Bowling Alley in Shelbyville. Reflecting back on this event, Wilson said, “Our Bowling with Dad night was one for the books! Seeing fathers spend quality time with their kids was truly a sight to see. We were even able to have a few mentors spend time with kids who are being raised by single mothers. The children really enjoyed it and so did our ministry.”
The future for HCM looks bright. Wilson said, “We would love to start a community center to create more resources for our citizens. Right now, we are meeting in my home and in local churches. Being able to have a building designated for us would provide more stable resources and enable us to spread our mission more efficiently.”
On November 5, HCM will be hosting their Second Annual Serving Shelbyville Banquet in the heart of Shelbyville— the town square–from 5-8 p.m. “We will have a dunk tank and will be dunking local law enforcement. I mean, how fun is that? We will also have activities for kids as well as local food trucks and worship. This is a free event that will help raise awareness of our ministry, build more sponsors, and help add volunteers to our team. We would love to see you there!” GN
