Reflections on the Homegoing Celebration Weekend for Dr. John Perkins

I had the privilege of visiting Jackson, Mississippi the weekend of March 20-22 to attend services for Dr. John Perkins, who passed away on March 13 at the age of 95. As previously shared, his was a legacy of Gospel love and forgiveness, with a focus on reconciliation because of the reconciling work of Jesus.

The entire weekend was markedly Christ-honoring, with a striking thread of consistency woven throughout the stories and memories shared, a fact that becomes quickly apparent in viewing any portion of the services, which are available to watch below. 

Remarks began with Friday's wake at New Horizon. Saturday's service lasted over four hours, with many in attendance later sharing that, despite the unanticipated length, they were hesitant to leave the room and miss anything, while some took pages of notes. The tributes continued for at least another hour and a half following the service at the first of two repasts we attended that weekend. Additional memorials are scheduled in a number of cities in the coming weeks.

Truly a remarkable legacy, and one that I continue to note wasn't just about racial reconciliation. It wasn't just about community development. It was all about Jesus.

The Wake (Friday)

Homegoing Celebration (Saturday)

Interment
The graveside service on Sunday took us an hour south to the family plot in New Hebron, this, too, a significant and God-honoring moment.

Grateful to know his true final resting place is Jesus.

Homecoming
While we celebrated a homegoing for Grandpa Perkins on this weekend, I've shared that this experience was more a homecoming for many. Several of us have been acquainted for years exclusively online via a Tuesday Zoom Bible Study, and several regulars had the opportunity to meet in person, many for the first time. Several of us also took the opportunity to gather at the Westin lounge to spend some time face-to-face. 

(I am anticipating photos from this event which I hope to post soon.)

I was also very thankful to catch up with the Perkins family, especially Priscilla and Elizabeth, this weekend, as it's been some years since we have seen one another in person.

I am so grateful the Lord made it possible for me to attend this deeply meaningful weekend, to process my own grief at the loss of Grandpa Perkins, to hear others' memories and recall my own, to catch up with friends, old and new, and to recognize the significance of the ongoing work ahead as we who remain carry on. As was shared, John Perkins can rest, but we cannot. The Lord has called us to many different mission fields, and His work of reconciliation continues until the day we all see Jesus face-to-face. This weekend was just a small pointer of what a reunion that coming day will be. 

Come quickly, Lord Jesus, bringing the complete reconciliation and restoration for which we so long, that promise guaranteed by your blood, which has already brought down the dividing wall of hostility between us and God. And continue to show us, even today, that there is truly only one race — the human race.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers for the Perkins family and the ongoing mission of The John and Vera Mae Perkins Foundation.