FRANKLIN COUNTY (WSIL) -- A great-grandmother in Christopher has secured a building for young people to have a safe place to hang out and learn about Jesus.
GG Severs started Jesus Cats two and a half years ago inside her home with her three grandchildren. Now, with about a hundred kids, the youth group meets every week to learn about God, play games, and work on service projects.
"They are truly loved, and they have a purpose," said GG.
Some of the service projects include adopting a grandparent, feeding the homeless, volunteering with Nubabliity, and putting up flags at the Mound City National Cemetery.
"People talk politics. They talk about this and that. I don't! I want them to feel love. I want them to have love! That's the number one thing," said GG.
When the group began to grow, GG called Township leaders who voted to let the Jesus Cats use an old civic center building.
With help from volunteers, donations, and a group called Nehemiah Men, who work on building renovations, GG hopes the facility will be a safe and fun place for the children and a place they feel welcome.
"I believe in them. They are going to be world-changers. I see that greatly in these kids. And it's my heartbeat. It's just my passion, and I love them," added GG.
GG wants the building to be multi-purpose, like a place for CASA and foster parents and other youth activities. The Genesis Jesus Cats are first-third grade and meet on Saturday, and so do the Junior Jesus Cats, which is fourth-sixth grade. The senior (teens) Jesus Cats are a seventh-high school, and they meet on Wednesdays.
A Grand Opening and ribbon-cutting is June 1, 2021. GG said she is 100 percent invested in this project and this generation, whom she calls the greatest generation. If you are interested in learning more about the Jesus Cats, contact GG Sullivan Severs Facebook page.
