By TJ Gordon, Jr.

Traveling to a war-torn country on summer break is not the idea of a good time by most young adults, but Georgia Tech alumnus Alex Jackson did just that in June to help set up a ministry for those affected by the crisis.

Jackson, full-time campus minister for Alpha Omega Campus Ministry (based in Marietta’s North River Church of Christ), went to Ghana, which is reeling from the influx of refugees fleeing the civil war in neighboring Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). The second Ivorian Civil War “has caused some emotional and mental stress in many individuals,” according to Jackson.

In Ghana’s capital, Accra, Jackson helped create a youth ministry, teaching other college students to interpret the Bible and minister to youths in need who have had to flee their homeland.

The mission was an extension of what Jackson does in the metro Atlanta area. He usually mentors and assists campus ministries at Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, and SCAD-Atlanta. From Bible talks and ministry functions, to deep discussions with fellow students, he works fervently to inspire people to follow Jesus’ footsteps. He also encourages people to gain renewed insights on topics, such as humanity and relationships toward other people through the Bible.

“I love being able to help people get to know God,” Jackson said.

While Jackson’s mission to Ghana is complete, you can still support missions in Africa via HOPE worldwide (an international charity that provides community based services to the poor and needy) at www.hopeww.org.