Living in Community: Missions Update from the Fullers

Dianne and I have been at Jubilee Partners in Comer, Georgia, for about two weeks, and it's been an interesting journey. It’s also an interesting faith journey. People at Jubilee Partners try to intentionally live out their faith. They do this by living in community, living simply, worshiping almost every day and engaging the world for Jesus. This means they share washing machines, never watch TV, help refugees, grow much of their own food, share vehicles, recycle, and do not air condition their buildings. It's a different way of living from typical America.

Community life has a different rhythm. It's not as frantic. It's oriented around their faith and relationships. Community decisions are made by teams of volunteers. Every morning begins with prayer time, and every weekday noon there's a worship/reflection time. Meals are shared together several times a week although that’s currently on hold since Omicron arrived.

The Jubilee community is composed of about twenty-five people of all ages, from three weeks to over eighty, and that’s not counting the refugees. This community was started back in the late 70's, waxing and waning in size in the years since. They envisioned a community that would live simply and serve God. Jubilee is a campus of many different buildings situated on 260 acres of woods. With trees, paths, gardens, fences, and farm animals, it is beautiful here!

Dianne and I have been engaged in training, learning about the community and learning how to teach English. We've already taught several lessons. Dianne teaches the Afghan refugee women and I teach the men. Neither the men nor the women have ever been to school! It's a real challenge. Dianne has also been organizing the school resource room and engaging the women in other activities like sewing. I have been doing maintenance and construction. We are often busy but not over-worked.

We live in an apartment suite with about 300 square-feet of private space plus 300 square feet of common space among all the four apartments. We walk everywhere, to the Jubilee School where we teach, to the library where we often pray and worship, and to the laundry house where we wash clothes. We’re cozy!

Living simply for Jesus has been a good transition for us as believers. Trying to be conscientious and contributing community members has been meaningful. This experience has brought me closer to Dianne and closer to God. Thank you for your many prayers and encouragement. Continue to pray for us as we minister and adjust.

In Christian Partnership,
Chris