The History of New Beginnings

          Bishop Edwin Jeffres along with his wife, Lady Theresa Jeffres founded New Beginnings Christian Center in 2004 in Foley, AL. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they modified the name of the ministry to New Beginnings International and also relocated to Memphis, Tennessee in 2015.  In 2022, Bishop Jeffres celebrated his retirement from Pastoring and discontinued the Memphis location.  New Beginnings is a thriving and cutting edge church where we wholeheartedly embrace our motto,  "Where Love Abides and Change is Possible."  New Beginnings is a church that strives to please God and build Kingdom Leaders. 

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           On June 9, 2009, New Beginnings -New Orleans was seeded and Minister Jai Reed was installed as Pastor.  New Beginnings New Orleans began with Bible Study services, which were held at the Best Western Avalon Hotel in New Orleans East, progressively moved to larger locations on Read Blvd., and moved to our current location within the Gentilly neighborhoods in 2012.  Immediately after the Spirit-lead relocation, New Beginnings quickly became a vital partner within the Milneburg and Seabrook neighborhoods located within Gentilly.  Under the leadership of Pastor Jai Reed, the HOPE Project was established and the following events were sponsored: Regular assistance to homeless individuals and families experiencing financial hardship; Community Fairs; Women’s Empowerment Conferences; Domestic Violence Support Meetings, Annual Back-2-School Supply Give-Away and Career Fairs; After-school homework assistance; Voter registration Drives; Annual Thanksgiving Basket Give-Away; Annual Adopt a Family for Christmas; Annual Night Out Against Crime, and New Beginnings partnered with NO Police and Fire Departments, along with neighborhood leaders in sponsoring two Marches Against Crime. Also, New Beginnings is proud to have equipped its Disciples to pursue new career paths, to continue their educational goals, to launch new businesses, and to author books.

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           In 2017, the H.O.P.E. Project, of New Beginnings-New Orleans was incorporated as a 501c3 nonprofit, and also established the Mary Johnson Scholarship Foundation. The Mary Johnson and Georgia Williams Family Scholarships have been award to deserving high school graduates from the past three graduating classes.

 

          In August 2019, during our 10th year celebration, New Beginnings relocated back to New Orleans East to our present ministry location at 8000 Crowder Blvd. Unit F.  In 2021, we purchased land at 4000 Dodt Street in New Orleans East, which is scheduled to be the new home for New Beginnings.