Connecting Families to Jesus One Relationship at a Time

Chaplain Jamelle Hargraves baptizing a Granville School student.

A  City for God (ACFG) has been making a profound impact, serving over 5,000 students each week during the school year. Despite this remarkable reach, the heart of ACFG's work lies in personal connections—discipleship and building relationships with families, one student and adult at a time. Your prayers and support play a vital role in making this possible.

Granville Lutheran School Welcomes Chaplain Hargraves

This year marks an exciting milestone for ACFG with the introduction of a chaplain at Granville Lutheran School. Chaplain Jamelle Hargraves began his journey with the school community over the summer, when he joined A Center for Urban Teaching’s summer program as a chaplain intern. In August, he officially stepped into his role, forming bonds with staff, students, and families.

The results have been a testament to God’s blessings. Granville Lutheran School has already celebrated dozens of student baptisms this year, including two just last week. Additionally, a gospel choir has been established, performing not only at weekly chapel services but also at Fairview Lutheran Church, one of ACFG’s key discipleship partners.

Building deep relationships takes time—typically about three years for an ACFG chaplain to fully establish their presence in a community. With Chaplain Hargraves’ dedicated work, the future at Granville Lutheran School looks bright, and we eagerly anticipate what God will accomplish in the years ahead.

More Than Baptisms: Building Community Through Connection

Chaplain Hargraves’ impact extends beyond the spiritual. On March 22, during a snowstorm that closed many schools, Granville Lutheran School and Fairview Lutheran Church went ahead with their quarterly Family Fun Bingo Night despite the weather. Though attendance was lower than usual, one new family joined the event.

Chaplain Hargraves took special care to sit with the youngest member of that family, helping him follow the game and ensuring he didn’t miss a single number. These small moments of connection lay the foundation for deeper relationships and, eventually, faith-building opportunities.

We continue to pray that moments like these will lead to Bible study, baptism, and worship, trusting God to bless these efforts.

Your Support Makes It Possible

Your generous support and donations empower chaplains like Chaplain Hargraves to carry out their ministry. This year alone, ACFG chaplains have performed 140 baptisms and hosted numerous events that bring families and communities closer to God.

We look forward to sharing more stories of transformation as God continues to work through ACFG’s mission.

Thank you for partnering with us in this important work!

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