Stephen and Natalie Jones moved to Mankato, Minnesota, to plant Great Oaks Church and launch a Salt Company college ministry reaching students at Minnesota State University. Forty-four adults and 10 children relocated from five different churches to help launch the new congregation, which aims to be a multigenerational church that faithfully passes the gospel to the next generation. Stephen says he has had a front-row seat to God’s faithfulness, watching 49 adults and college students be baptized, new members grow in faith, and five local elders affirmed to lead the young church. A partnership with a Christian school provides facilities, and a network of churches and partners continues to support the work. God has also provided a field the Joneses hope will one day become the church’s permanent home, and Stephen says that faithfulness brings him tremendous joy and confidence as Great Oaks continues reaching college students and families in Mankato.
Southern Baptists’ generous giving through the Cooperative Program sends and sustains missionaries like Stephen and Natalie Jones to plant churches and launch college ministries like Great Oaks and Salt Company.
Pray for unity, wisdom and guidance for the Great Oaks team as they prepare to plant a church in Grand Forks, North Dakota.