Rev. Jacqueline Franklin (affectionately known as Rev. Jackie) is the daughter of Christian parents who migrated from Guyana, South America. Her first visit to Chicago was in 1965; she has been a resident here since 1970. Rev. Jackie has a global view of the world which is based on both her personal and family culture. From her youth, she was trained and prepared for leadership in the church and in the community. She is a quiet force that the Lord has blessed spiritually and physically. She is an Ordained Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME). After working 40+ years in the transportation industry, she retired in 2019.
Rev. Jackie’s goals in life and ministry are to preach, teach, and lead others to Christ by living the life of a true Christian. She has developed an ear to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to the church and to operate in obedience thereto.
Rev. Jackie’s journey with Co-Labourers With Christ (CLWC) began around the time that Way of Life AME Church was being formed. She recalls that Apostle Vessel was still a member of St. Stephen AME Church, however. Her journey with CLWC has been an anchor in both her personal and spiritual growth and development in active ministry.
CLWC was instrumental in ensuring that the Spirit of GOD was formed in her through teaching and the many opportunities for service. She has been honored to co-labour with Apostle Carolyn Vessel and all persons associated with running with the vision for the ministry. Her life has personally been enriched by this great ministry and the diversity of gifts in this body of believers. When asked why Rev. Jackie has chosen this journey, she believes that “as Christians, we should live what we say we believe.” To quote Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant: “Live God.”
Rev. Jackie also wants us to know that, since retirement, she is enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle. She started a business as an Independent Jewelry Consultant in which she can work at her own pace and explore her creative gifts and talents. Rev Jackie says that she has, “traditionally, been a very logical, numbers-oriented person.” Someone she recently met describes her as “all about business.” She iterates that her life has been about faith, family, and finances. She admits that she doesn’t have the largest circle of friends, however, she genuinely loves and respects others and appreciates one on one interaction. She believes in tithing and giving to the work of the ministry.
Rev. Jackie concludes by saying that “the LORD has blessed me to finance the work of the Kingdom. I walk in that anointing as a result of teaching that I learned through CLWC. I have been on the mission field to Kenya East Africa with CLWC at least ten (10) times and to India with the Fourth District of the AME Church.”
