Church News
Walkabout Purity - Jeannine Smith Stops in Dexter Along Her Journey Across America
September 12th 2017 by Dee Loflin
Dexter, Missouri - On April 1, 2017 Jeannine Smith, a native Arkansan, began walking from California to Maine in an effort to raise awareness about adult sexual purity.
Through social media, video teachings, and photographs, she will share lessons learned from over a decade of attempting to fumble along in chastity. Formerly living an anything but pure lifestyle, Jeannine now offers a transparent and in-your-face perspective on just what it takes to accomplish this challenging topic.
On August 26th Jeannine Smith arrived to spend the night in our backyard, as she is walking across America. She had gotten to Missouri from her starting point of Long Beach, California and then on to Maine.
"I did not know her previously," stated Rev. Doug West of the First Church of the Nazarene. "Someone who I had helped out a few months ago, who lived in Campbell, MO and had car trouble in Dexter had referred her to me as a possible contact and place to stay."
"We were a little leery, but soon found a godly woman and new friend that my girls could not get enough of."
She is making the cross country trek on behalf of her ministry Walkabout Purity, a movement calling adults to purity in relationships, single or married.
She ended up attending church on Sunday and shared her testimony Sunday night which was extremely powerful.
She is doing this walk on faith and arrived in Long Beach, CA with $200 and the Lord has provided her with the means and safety along the way.
"If you would like to contribute to her PayPal account, I believe her website gives the details," asked West. " She is from Little Rock, AR, and involved in ministry in her church and churches around her."
Here is Jeannine Smith's story of the West Family of Dexter, Missouri.
The West Family
Meet Pastor Doug, his wife Priscilla, and their awesome kiddos Dustin, Matthew, Hannah, and Jayda. The West's live right next to the church that they serve, Dexter First Church of the Nazarene.
After walking another eleven mile day (still easing in slowly) I found the church and walked up into the yard, knowing that Pastor Doug was expecting me. There were three young people playing in the empty lot beside the church- three of the West Clan, and I was immediately greeted with enthusiasm. Their parents had ran an errand, so we visited in the churchyard while playing soccer until they returned.
Before long, an SUV pulled up containing Pastor Doug and his wife Priscilla. Seeing as I already unfolded my camp chair and was enjoying a nice spot underneath a shade tree, they soon followed suit and pulled up their own folding chairs.
The three of us struck up an immediate conversation. The afternoon was sunny and cool, and it made the perfect setting for sharing stories about where we have all come from and what had let us all up to this point. Pastor Doug and Priscilla met in Bible college. They just moved to this area to take their assignment at this church a year and a half ago. Pastor Doug, is a professed "wild child" and plays the drums. He was in many rock bands before he finally turned his life over to the Lord in his late teens. I knew that we were going to get along as soon as I saw his tie-dyed T-shirt. As a matter of fact, he wore several different ones during my stay. Towards the end of our conversation, Pastor Doug invited me to join them for Sunday services. I don't get to attend church very often out here, so I gladly excepted the offer.
After about two hours of nonstop conversation, we started talking details about where I would camp out. They initial plan was for me to set up my tent under the carport. But after we all got to know each other better, I was invited to stay inside the church in one of the Sunday School rooms, instead. When the two girls, Hannah and Jayda, learned about my soon-to-be-digs in the church next-door, they immediately suggested a "Girls Camp Out". No boys allowed. So after a wonderful chicken dinner prepared by Priscilla, the girls hauled their sleeping bags, pillows, stuffed animals, eye masks, and blankets over to the church and set up our camp in perfect little rows on the Sunday School room floor. From that night on, I had an instant all girls entourage. Where ever I was, you were sure to find Hannah and Jaden just a few feet behind or next to me. I nicknamed them my "Shadows".
Today is one of the best Sundays I've had in a while. It started off with muffins for breakfast, an impromptu make-up party with the girls, Sunday School classes, a powerful service preached by Pastor Doug, and finally a homemade grilled hamburger lunch. Priscilla is an amazing chef and I was sure to mention how spoiled I was becoming.
At first, I was completely unaware that this church had an evening service on Sundays, as well. This afternoon, I asked Pastor Doug what the topic of discussion would be at the service tonight. He sort of smiled, sank down in his recliner just a touch, and said, "Welllllllllllllll, actualllllyyyyyyyyy... I wasnt planning this, but I was going to see if you would be willing to share your story and give the messsge tonight...?"
I was thrilled!!! I put together a short slideshow of some photos from the trip and prayed for the right words to reach (and not offend) the First Church of the Nazarene's mostly mature congregation. Pastor Doug, Priscilla, and I knew that this message would be received one of two ways. Good, or NOT so good.
I can't go into a whole lot of detail about the night because it was just way too powerful, and there is no way that I can adequately express it in words here. I will say that there were tears, amens, and many attentive and accepting eyes. This is the first invitation and opportunity that I have had to speak during this Walkabout so far. God was present and the Holy Spirit moved.
The night ended with my entourage invited me to sit out in the church yard and watch the sunset. We sat on and unfolded sleeping bag, cookies, and played with Snapchat. It was a beautiful and to a wonderful introduction and visit. I'm going to miss these two girls.
I am SO THANKFUL for my time here with the West Family. Not only to be given shelter (sleeping in a church, no less!!!) but to be given the opportunity to share and speak freely for the purpose of this mission. I am recharged spiritually and raring to go!
Please add some prayers of abundance, growth, and favor to your prayer list for the Dexter First Church of the Nazarene. They are doing GOOD WORK here.
Last Updated on September 12th 2017 by Dee Loflin
https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/v8fq/Walkabout-Purity--Jeannine-Smith-Stops-in-Dexter-Along-Her-Journey-Across-America
