Dear MJM Family,
Today, we are thankful to begin a celebration for our dear friend, Cecil Cottrell. We have accepted Cecil’s notification of his retirement, potentially set for December 31, 2024, pending the hiring of our next director of resource development.
Cecil has poured himself into the kingdom’s work that is Mount Jubilee Ministries, for almost ten years. He worked these past 12 months to ensure my transition was seamless and I could not be more thankful for that. He has also assured the board and I that he will never be ‘gone’ from MJM. If you know Cecil, you know he could never remove his commitment from this amazing ministry, and you will still see him around. He has put in so much work and dedication and will now get some well-deserved freedom and rest. And for that, we celebrate!
Cecil shared this lovely note with us that we are passing along to you.
“Recently, I had the opportunity to reflect on an inspiring treasure from the Mount Jubilee Ministries archives: An Open Letter from a Mother’s Heart, written in 2011 by Janice Bishop, the founder and director of Mount Jubilee Ministries (MJM). This letter included not only the vision behind MJM but also the profound purpose that drives our mission. As I read, one date resonated deeply with me—the first guardian/parent workshop and day camp hosted by MJM on January 13, 2007. It was on this date that I first encountered the incredible vision that God had laid on Janice’s heart.
Approaching the end of my first career as a probation officer in 2008, I found myself fervently praying for direction. I longed for a new calling, one that would allow me to serve in an unexpected way. Little did I know that Janice was simultaneously praying for her successor, and together our prayers were answered. I never could have imagined that God would lead me to help transition MJM from an event-centric nonprofit into a sustainable organization aligned with Janice’s vision. With the purchase of eleven acres of land in March 2024, her dream of a residential community where adults with disabilities can live, work, and play is coming to fruition. Our dedicated staff and committees are tirelessly working to implement the best strategies for this exciting development.
Recognizing this season of my life coming to a close, I am filled with gratitude for the Lord’s protection, provision, and guidance over the past nine years. It was a blessing to take the leadership reins from Janice in 2015 and then pass them on to Jessie Meador in October of last year. Jessie has proven to be an incredible leader for the MJM team, fully capable of bringing this beautiful vision to life. Reflecting on the past two decades, our team remains confident that God’s timing is crucial for success, and we have made every effort to walk in step with Him.
As I retire from my development role at MJM, I carry a deep appreciation for how God has woven my journey into this unexpected calling. He has surrounded MJM with a community of supporters and resources that continue to advance this Kingdom Work. Though my employment with MJM is coming to an end, my heart will always remain in the heart of Mount Jubilee Ministries.”
Today, especially, we are thankful for the time that Cecil has given to Mount Jubilee Ministries. His time here has brought us into a new season of development and opportunity that we could not have foreseen 10 years ago. He has faithfully followed our God down every road he was sent down to complete good work for the Lord. Please join me in congratulating Cecil on this momentous occasion.
We have begun the search for our next director of resource development. Should you or anyone you know be interested in the position, please reach out by email at . Cecil will be directly involved in the recruitment and training of his successor over the next 3 – 6 months. We appreciate your prayers during this time of transition. We are confident that God will send the right next person to our team to continue to develop our ministry as He sees fit.
God bless,
Jessie Meador Roger Church
Executive Director Chairman of the Board