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Rev. Jimmy Jack named CBC Distinguished Alumnus

Published on Sep 27, 2014 by Evangel University News

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – During Evangel University’s homecoming celebration, Oct. 9-11, Rev. Jimmy Jack will be recognized as the Central Bible College Distinguished Alumnus for 2014.

The award presentation will be made during a noon luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the University Plaza Convention Center.

Jack is the founder of the Long Island Teen Challenge, Freedom Outreach Coffeehouse for at-risk teens, adults and families and Freedom Chapel in Amityville, N.Y., among other ministries.

About Rev. Jimmy Jack

A survivor of drug addiction, Jack had sought the counsel of Teen Challenge, a recovery organization for teens. The success of this ministry in his life inspired him and set him on a path of service to others.

Jack and his wife, Miriam, moved to New York to begin their ministry career immediately after his graduation from CBC in 1989. He became an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, and in 1990, established a Teen Challenge Coffee House Outreach in Amityville, New York. He also founded Long Island Teen Challenge, which now has five residential homes for men and women.

Jack also founded Teen Challenge centers in Albany, N.Y., and in Santiago, Dominican Republic.

In 1994, the coffee house expanded, and Jack founded Freedom Chapel International Worship Center. He also has founded Hoop Challenge Basketball Camp and Freedom Kids Christmas Outreach. Both programs are designed to reach at-risk children and youth.

In 2004, Jack pioneered Rock the Block, an urban, evangelical street ministry featuring contemporary gospel music, drama and preaching. Rock the Block is an international, evangelistic outreach.

With a desire to reach as many people as possible with his inspirational story, Jack published his first book in 2008, I Can Dream Again – The Jimmy Jack Story. His second book, Miracles of a Misunderstood Woman, will be released this fall.

“Rev. Jack’s story and his life’s work are an example of God’s grace, restoration and the sacred nature of the call to serve,” said Doug Jenkins, director of CBC alumni and church relations for Evangel. “I’ve known Jimmy for years, and the enthusiasm with which he began his ministry has never waned.”

Jack resides in Amityville, New York, with his wife Miriam (Navarro), a 1989 CBC graduate. They have two daughters and a son. Daughter Dionnza graduated with a youth ministry degree from CBC in 2014 and is serving as full time worship leader and youth pastor at Freedom Chapel. Dominique is a senior worship leadership major at Evangel.

Three additional alumni awards are being given during this year’s homecoming celebration, and the recipients are chosen by the Evangel University Alumni Association board:

  • Evangel Distinguished Alumnus — Dr. Candace Wicke
  • Evangel Outstanding Young Alumnus — Dr. John Clements
  • CBC Outstanding Young Alumnus — Rev. Bobby Hawk