Cleaning Out His Backpack
May 29, 2026
Sandwiched between Independence Day and the first bell of the new school year is an annual event that leaves JRay Stephens giddy as he scans the hundreds of colorful backpacks
Partnering with believers to bring about lasting change
God is changing lives in inner-city Jacksonville. Through local inner-city churches, people are encountering the hope of Christ, building meaningful relationships, and experiencing lasting change. Cru® Inner City’s Circle of Hope equips our partner churches to walk alongside their neighbors and serve their communities with compassion and purpose.
We serve inner-city churches in Jacksonville by equipping them through Cru Inner City programs, supporting their work of evangelism and discipleship in their communities.
We provide Compassionate Products™ and training to support the church in establishing relationships with people in their neighborhood.
We mobilize volunteers, resourced churches, and financial investment to increase our inner-city church partners’ capacity for life-changing evangelism and whole-person discipleship that transforms communities.
We train, coach, and encourage church leaders. We work with churches to develop programs for effective evangelism and whole-person discipleship. These programs are for both children and adults and minister to their physical needs while introducing them to a relationship to Jesus.
Want to help reach more people in Jacksonville with the hope of Christ? There are several ways to help.
Whether you’re excited to do outreach or participate behind the scenes, your support makes a difference.
Stay updated on the heart of our inner-city ministry, from upcoming events to testimonies to prayer needs.
Support ministry work through financial partnership.
Sandwiched between Independence Day and the first bell of the new school year is an annual event that leaves JRay Stephens giddy as he scans the hundreds of colorful backpacks
JT was walking the cemetery grounds where tombstones listed the names of dozens and dozens of 19th- and 20th-century children, many younger than the high school freshman. When he and
At an age when many young men focus on college or trade schools to prepare for their life’s work, Turner majored in earning street cred, not a degree or certificate.