MEET JESSE -> BIOGRAPHY 

BIOGRAPHY:

The usual joys of birth were swept away when Jesse Crooks was born and the doctor announced a difficult delivery. Mother and child were in danger; if the child lived he would never walk, talk, or care for himself. (God, in His infinite wisdom, had other plans). After two unsuccessful tries at first grade, Jesse stayed at home. Jesse didn't want to return to 'school because everyone laughed at his talk and walk. However, Jesse decided he could laugh with them. It was time to get an education. In his senior year, Jesse was voted "Most Likely to Succeed" and "Most Popular Boy." He graduated with honors.

During the summer following high school, Jesse was called to preach during a Sunday night worship service. It took some convincing to persuade the college dean to accept him as a student, to say nothing of pre-ministry! But with a lot of help, Jesse "crammed four years of college into just five." During his junior year, a local church called him as an associate minister to work with youth.

During seminary days in New Orleans, Jesse met and married Linda. They ministered together in the ghettos. Jesse and Linda were appointed by the Home Mission Board to the Coliseum Place Mission and then to the Rachel Sims Mission in New Orleans following graduation from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. In 1974 they were called to serve as childcare workers with the Baptist Children's Home of N.C. After six years, personal family needs led them into secular work, a move into their first "real" home and pursuit of Jesse's call to revive the church.

Some who have heard Jesse...

"A Competent Minister of the Gospel"
It has been my privilege to know Jesse Crooks for over 10 years. Jesse Crooks is one of the most competent ministers of the Gospel that I know. Whether Jesse is sharing His amazing personal testimony or preaching a revival, your church will be strengthened and enriched. His humor and unique gift to communicate the Gospel under the direction of the Holy Spirit is used by the Lord to revive the church and encourage others to follow Christ. I will sum it up like this. A Sunday with Jesse Crooks is a like a week of Revival. I recommend Him to you and your church with my utmost confidence.
Pastor Dave Williams, Pastor
Faith Baptist Church - Statesville, NC

Jesse has spoken several times in the chapel here at Fruitland. The students have been responsive and appreciative of his messages. The last time he was here the Lord moved on our student body and many came forward to pray at the invitation. We were stirred and blessed. Jesse is a man of integrity and commitment to our Lord and to His service. God has given him a unique ministry. I encourage you to consider prayerfully the possibility of inviting him for a series of meetings or for some special service.
Sincerely,
Dr. Thad Dowdle
Vice President for Academic Affairs
Fruitland Bible College

Have you ever heard a testimony that really moved you, a message that you know was of the Holy Spirit, or met a man you sense is anointed of God? Well, these are just a few of the ways God is using Jesse Crooks to reach untold thousands of people with the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Old Gospel Story comes to life in Jesse's anointed preaching, and has revitalized entire churches, by encouraging them to again become Lighthouses, proclaiming the Love and Light of Christ Jesus. Jesse truly has God's message for our day. If your people really need to hear inspired preaching and witness God's transforming power, I urge you to schedule Jesse in your church very soon.
Dr. Mac Brunson Senior Pastor
First Baptist Church
Jacksonville, Florida