By: Tom Williams | March 24, 2025
Clarksdale, Mississippi – Cheers erupted and cameras flashed as But God Ministries celebrated the grand opening of a brand-new, $3 million baseball and softball complex in Jonestown, Mississippi. The ribbon-cutting marked a powerful moment of progress for Coahoma County youth, ushering in new opportunities for recreation, mentorship, and community pride.
With its sleek artificial turf, 6,000 square feet of field space, and top-tier security features, the facility is a game-changer. Two softball fields sit on one side of the complex, and a full-size baseball diamond anchors the other. The complex will serve as the official home field for Coahoma County High School baseball and softball teams. It will also host T-ball, coach pitch, and kid pitch leagues for the communities of Jonestown, Lula, Coahoma, Friars Point, and Lyon.
But God Ministries, led by Executive Director Stan Buckley, is headquartered in Madison, Mississippi, and has 10 full-time staff members working in Jonestown. The organization is deeply rooted in service, providing housing, education, dental care, and medical assistance to underserved communities.
The land for the sports complex was generously donated by John Cocke, and construction was made possible through major contributions—including $1 million from Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association. The remaining $2 million came from private donors and supporters. Gorrie Construction played a major role in bringing the dream to life.
Bennie Brown, Director of Economic Development for But God Ministries, called the facility “a dream come true” and said the goal is to reconnect the next generation with the game of baseball. “It means so much to the kids,” he said. “We want to bring the youth together through this sport.”
Recreation Director Billy Fields emphasized the importance of community involvement. “We need more parent support,” he said. “MLB is working hard to get more Black kids involved in baseball, and this is our chance to help that mission succeed.” Fields noted that participation fees for youth leagues are affordable and that students who maintain strong academic performance will be rewarded with special events on the field. He also highlighted the complex’s enhanced safety features, including surveillance cameras and license plate recognition.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together a host of local leaders and supporters, including Jonestown Mayor Vivian Burnett, Coahoma County Sheriff’s Department, Superintendent Dr. Vivian Young of CCHS, and notable donors such as Amber Bee, Mike Rozier, and Jim Gorrie.
“I’m excited to see the beginning of something great for the children of Coahoma County,” said Dr. Young. “I’m incredibly thankful to But God Ministries and all the sponsors who made this possible.”
Dina Ray, Director of Development for But God Ministries, led the charge in fundraising, which began in 2023. “It’s incredible to see all our hard work pay off,” she said. Director of Accounting Janna Parrish echoed the excitement, saying the new field represents a bright future for local youth.
Corporate sponsors included Major League Baseball, Coca-Cola, Atmos Energy, BankPlus, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
To celebrate the opening, the complex hosted a full slate of games:
- CCHS Softball vs. Leland
- CCHS Softball vs. Quitman County
- CCHS Baseball vs. Rosa Fort
- Northside Baseball vs. Shaw
With the completion of this long-awaited project, But God Ministries continues to prove that with faith, community, and commitment, anything is possible—especially when it’s for the kids.
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