Why We Are Called Jonahville

By Sister Dearest Price

Every name carries a story. For us, at Jonahville AME Zion Church, our name is not just a title, it is a testimony, a mission, and a daily reminder of God’s mercy and grace.

Pastor Mark Evans has been leading us through a powerful series on the prophet Jonah, and together we have discovered why this biblical story is so connected to our identity as a church family.

A City of Mercy and Second Chances

Jonah was called to go to Nineveh, but instead he ran away, only to find himself in the belly of a great fish. In that dark place, Jonah cried out, and God heard him. God gave Jonah a second chance and through Jonah, God gave a whole city another chance too.

Our name, Jonahville, reflects that same truth: we are a people who believe in God’s mercy, forgiveness, and the power of new beginnings.

“But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.” – Jonah 2:9

Lessons from Pastor Evans’ Series

Through Pastor Evans’ sermons on Jonah, we have learned:

• You cannot outrun God’s call. Like Jonah, many of us have tried to run, but God’s purpose still found us.

  
  

• God’s grace is bigger than our failures. Even in the belly of the fish, Jonah was not abandoned, and neither are we.

  
  

• Our obedience can save a city. When Jonah finally obeyed, the people of Nineveh turned their hearts to God. Our obedience as a church can transform our community.

  
  

• God loves even those we think are unworthy. Jonah struggled with God’s compassion for Nineveh. But God’s love reaches further than our judgment.

  
  

Why Jonahville?

We are called Jonahville because we are a community of redemption, obedience, and purpose. We carry the message that no matter where you’ve been, God’s mercy is waiting. We declare that His call is still alive, His Word still transforms, and His compassion reaches every soul.

Jonahville is more than a name, it is our mission. We are a village of believers called to rise, repent, obey, and proclaim the saving power of the Lord.

“And the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.” – Jonah 2:10

God still delivers. God still redeems. God still calls.