The John & Vera Mae Perkins Foundation – For Reconciliation, Justice, & Christian Community Development

A Shirt that Carries a Message

One of the most special moments connected to this year’s camp happened during our last pilgrimage trip, when a talented young artist named Gabriel Williams surprised Elizabeth with a portrait he created of Dr. John M. Perkins. The artwork captured Daddy’s joy, warmth, faith, and message of love in such a beautiful way that it immediately touched all of us.

As we prepared for camp, the image felt like the perfect reflection of this year’s theme, so we featured it on our Summer Arts Camp shirts. After many friends and members of our extended Perkins Foundation family began asking about the design, we decided to release a small limited-edition collection for those who want to honor Daddy’s legacy and carry forward his message of walking in love.

For those who have asked about the commemorative shirts, they are available through a $30 donation, plus shipping and handling. Every shirt serves as a meaningful reminder of Daddy’s life, love, and enduring witness to Christ.

To request your shirt, please make a donation of $35 or more ($30 for shirt plus $5 to cover shipping costs); then submit your Name, Address, and Tshirt Size HERE

Donate HERE for your shirt!

Dr. John M. Perkins

June 16, 1930 – March 13, 2026

Dr. John M. Perkins, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, pastor, teacher, author, civil rights leader, and servant of Jesus Christ, passed from this life into the presence of the Lord on March 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of family and the prayers of many whose lives were touched by his faith, courage, and witness.

For many years, Dr. Perkins poured his life into raising up the next generation of leaders who would pursue justice, embody reconciliation, and proclaim the hope of Christ in their communities. Continuing that work is one of the most meaningful ways we can honor his life.

We especially encourage those who have been blessed by his teaching, mentorship, or friendship—but may never have had the opportunity to give before—to consider making a gift in his memory.

To contribute, please visit: https://jvmpf.org/donate and select “John M. Perkins Memorial.”

65th Sapphire Jubilee Celebration

Blue Modern Start Your Journey Email Header (3)

Embark on a Transformative Journey with Us!

Join us for an unforgettable experience filled with life-changing dialogue, engaging Bible study, and immersive learning about reconciliation and justice. This spiritual pilgrimage invites you to reflect on our past, understand its impact on our present, and envision a future rooted in justice and unity. Let’s walk this path together, embracing our history and shaping a better tomorrow.

Applications are now open!

Learn More

Red and White Minimalist Fashion Email Header (2)

Join the Movement with Our Language of Love Tees!

Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve! Celebrate the spirit of love and justice with our Language of Love Tees. Each tee is more than just a shirt—it’s a statement, a movement, a way to show you care.

Donate $35 or more today and get your exclusive tee. Show your support and spread the message of love and justice!

Order your Language of Love Tee

Living Out Our Faith

John M. Perkins’ 3 R’s are foundational principles for community development and biblical justice.

RECONCILIATION

Reconciliation aims to restore relationships and build bridges between different racial, economic, and social groups by addressing historical injustices and fostering unity. Join us on a pilgrimage to learn about the history and theology of biblical reconciliation, and become equipped to be an agent of change in today’s divided world.

RELOCATION

Relocation is essential for those aiming to help communities in need. By living within these communities, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of local challenges, build trust with residents, and collaborate effectively to create meaningful change. This approach fosters genuine relationships and empowers both the community and those who relocate to work together for lasting improvement.

REDISTRIBUTION

Redistribution focuses on sharing resources and opportunities fairly to reduce economic inequalities. It aims to help marginalized communities by ensuring everyone has a fair chance to succeed. By promoting justice and economic growth for all, it seeks to uplift historically disadvantaged individuals, giving them the tools and support they need to thrive. Using this approach, our youth programs significantly impact the youth in our community, providing them with the resources and opportunities to become future leaders.

How Do We Respond?

Our country has faced upheaval and unrest due to the long-reaching effects of racism, including police brutality, mass incarceration, and discrimination. In response, many in the church have asked, “How do we, as Christians, respond to these injustices?” The complexity and deep-rooted nature of these issues can paralyze us into inaction. However, we believe the church has a responsibility to confront evil and injustice in all its forms, reflecting the character of God.

This conviction has guided our ministry in underserved communities for the past 60 years. It has also driven us to equip and empower Christians who share our vision to pursue biblical justice and reconciliation in their own communities. We aim to be an example and provide resources to help answer questions about confronting injustice today. We offer resources for Christians to learn about the realities of racism and injustice, the biblical basis for justice and reconciliation, and practical ways to be part of the solution.

Check out our featured resources page

Be a Part of Making a Difference!

Volunteer Today

Discover a variety of exciting volunteer opportunities where you can share your unique talents and gifts to make a real difference. Whether it’s through our youth programs, housing projects, or mission initiatives, there’s a place for you to shine. If you have a heart to serve, we need you! Let’s work together to uplift and transform lives.

Ready to Make an Impact?

Donate Today!

Our Story

The philosophy of John and Vera Mae Perkins is rooted in practical, community-based development. It wasn’t conceived in a classroom or by outsiders unfamiliar with the struggles of the poor. Instead, it evolved from years of living and working among the families in their target area. (Read more)

Our Co-Presidents and Founders Pictured (Left to Right): Priscilla Perkins, Dr. John M. Perkins, Dr. Vera Mae Perkins, V. Elizabeth Perkins, Deborah Perkins

Emmy-Nominated Film ‘Reconciliation Tour’ Illuminates West Jackson’s Inspiring Path to Hope!

Experience the Magic of the Perkins Baseball Camp!

In partnership with Baseball Beyond Borders, our inspiring journey has been captured in a film honored with an Emmy nomination. Now, you can immerse yourself in this incredible story, streaming to an audience of 44 million on Alaska Airlines.

Watch today and be a part of our mission to Inspire The Good!

Home