In October 1994, a vision took root in the hearts of Jasper and Carolyn Bacon. After serving in pastoral roles for over eight years, this dedicated couple, with the support of Riverwood Bible Church in Jackson, felt called to establish a ministry focused on reaching unchurched and unevangelized individuals in their hometown of Canton. In His Steps Ministries was incorporated in November 1994 and received 501(c)(3) non-profit status from the Internal Revenue Service in April 1995. Following state registration, a board of directors was formed to oversee the ministry, transferring responsibilities from Riverwood Bible Church to a diverse group of dedicated supporters from across the country.
In 2005, a generous family from Wheaton, IL, donated $150,000 for the acquisition of a 15-acre plot of land to establish the In His Steps campus, along with an additional $200,000 for the construction of a multipurpose building. This building was constructed and became the main campus for IHS. Thanks to God’s provision and the incredible generosity of IHS friends and partners, the ministry made its final mortgage payment of $35,677.27 on January 30, 2013. This financial freedom allowed IHS to further develop the 15 acres into a sports complex, now featuring a basketball pavilion, a cultivated football/soccer field, and ample space for future growth.
In 2019, entering debt-free, Rev. Bacon felt led by God to expand the ministry to include a Christian camping and training program. In His Steps acquired a 19-acre plot of land featuring an antebellum home and a small pond, ideally situated for this new venture.
Now, in 2024, the newly established Agape Campus, located just 0.2 miles from the main campus, aims to offer a camping experience that deepens children’s relationships with the Lord. This site will include four overnight cabins, a dining hall, and an amphitheater. So Far IHS is grateful to have raised over 1 million dollars for the new Agape Campsite and will continue to trust in the LORD for the 3 million more that is needed. As we continue to grow, we ask that you will pray alongside us. We are immensely grateful for all that the Lord has provided over the past 30 years, and we are assured that He will continue to guide us. Therefore, we invite you to prayerfully consider becoming part of this ongoing provision.