History

Jabez Family Outreach was incorporated in 2004 by Dr. Daniel Cassell, his wife, Dr. Teri (spelled Terry, at the time), and Drs. Lawrence and Carol Lee.

The Cassells started out hosting weekly Bible studies and prayer meetings in their home from the time they married in February 2001. In just a short time, however, they needed a larger space to accommodate the increased number of participants. God answered their prayers and blessed them with a larger home that not only accommodated more people but also provided both Dan and Teri much needed office spaces.

The Cassells were still settling into their new home (owned by JFO) when they were confronted with an unexpected proposal, during one of the Friday night Bible studies. It was a situation that seemingly had the potential to take them away from what they originally thought they would be doing.

Dr. Dan was a gifted preacher and teacher, anointed to share the Word of God in such a way that it came alive to those who sat at his feet, week after week.

Dr. Teri did some of those weekly teachings but spent the better part of her time in private counseling sessions, specifically with abused women.

Teri had received a vision from the Lord back in 1993. In the vision she saw a large Victorian House with big, black, bold letters stretching horizontally across it which read, REHABIITATE. Afterwards, the Lord told her to put the vision before her so she would not forget what He called her to do (Habakkuk 2:2). Doing her best to obey, she bought a picture of a Victorian House and hung it on her living room wall. Then, God opened the doors wide for her to go back to school to study psychology and domestic violence. It was not an easy task, as a single mother, but when things got really tough, that picture kept her focused.

Now, back to that Friday night, a regular attender (a recovering alcoholic named Dave) brought 12 of his buddies to Bible study. These men were all recovering addicts who needed a transitional home. A place that could prepare them to return to their own homes because none of their families would even consider their return until they learned to overcome their addictions.

“Transitional housing” had never been on the Cassell’s radar but Dave’s testimony made an impact. He shared how the various meetings had helped him. This urged the Cassells to make that help available to his 12 brothers.

Dave had a home, locally, which made it easy for him to attend each of the weekly JFO meetings, but his friends didn’t have a home, period. They were in need of shelter, food, and the meetings. Dan and Teri agreed to pray about it.

God immediately began to deal particularly with Teri. She knew there was sufficient room to provide shelter, but they didn’t have beds, linens, or any means to provide enough food for all those men. As she looked up at the picture on the wall of the 1993 vision, she asked the Lord, “Have I somehow just assumed the vision meant I would be working with women? Wouldn’t 12 addicted men living in my home take me away from Your real purpose for my life?”

In her younger years, Teri had experienced several abusive, marital relationships. When God sent her back to school to learn about such behaviors, she thought she would be helping other abused women.

These addicted men seemed to have had similar issues that her ex-husbands demonstrated. So, the prayers and discussions between the Cassells and Lees intensified, after which it became clear that the Lord was directing them to establish transitional housing.

Shortly after saying, “Yes,” the phone rang. The caller offered 12 single beds, 8 nightstands, linens, 2 sofas, 2 love seats, and 8 kitchen chairs. There was no doubt that God was confirming the decision made. The supplies were delivered that same evening, so the men moved right in. People attending the weekly prayer and Bible studies helped provide food and other necessities until JFO was approved for Second Harvest Food Bank.

Word traveled fast, and it wasn’t long before addicted women began to find their way to the meetings at JFO. So, God provided a second home and furnishings to establish another house.

Pastor Dan held weekly Bible studies, teaching all the students about the Lord. Teri provided weekly, private counseling sessions, as well as regularly scheduled basic skills workshops presented to small groups. She understood the lack of BOUNDARY skills, COMMUNICATION skills, PARENTING skills, and TIME & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT skills were common denominators for most people who struggle with addiction. This lack makes it almost impossible to overcome relationship issues.

Behaviors are learned from one generation to another. When an older generation has lack in any basic, relationship skill, they tend to adopt some type of coping mechanism. Coping is expressed in various ways for varies individuals.

Teri thought it best that whole family units attend the workshops together, which would foster healthier relationships more quickly. When the addict learned healthier ways to relate, away from his family, it was more difficult for him to reconnect.

Even when entire families learned together, the mental paradigm shift took time to implement the new skills. Teri always encourages all participants to revisit workshops often, for old behaviors can be difficult to lay down and new ones need practice to take up residency.

Transitional housing closed its doors after the first two years. Though everybody (including Dan & Teri) who worked the ministry volunteered, the funds were insufficient to support ministry expenses. The board of directors voted to reframe the ministry which basically meant it went back to what Dan and Teri did in the very beginning. However, Teri continued to teach basic skills through the small group workshops.

Dr. Lawrence Lee established a satellite theological school (Lee’s Institute of Life Long Learning) at Jabez in 2007, designating Dan to be the Dean. Students from all over the county met at JFO on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays to study, via video, from scholarly teachers affiliated with Beacon University, Ga. The Cassells both earned a doctorate in ministry and Teri also received her doctorate in Theology. The school closed its doors, however, when Dan passed in 2013.

Dr. Teri continued her work in counseling and teaching workshops, which provided sufficient funds to support the JFO expenses. However, it wasn’t enough to provide her an income. Before her husband passed, they had lived off his pension.

But the Lord takes care of the widows. A friend introduced Dr. Teri to a resource that would adequately provide her personal finances.

Rowan Cabarrus Community College contracted her to teach basic relationship skills in a local, minimum-security prison. She would work behind bars, with 12 new students (men) every eight weeks. Classes were scheduled for Thursdays and Fridays which left her free to do her other work as well.

Teri saw this as an answer to prayer for her financial needs. However, she did question the Lord about this being yet another assignment working with men. Twelve at a time who undoubtedly had issues! However, it was exactly what she was passionate about doing, so she accepted this assignment even before going to the interview.

Speaking of interview. Mr. King already had a curriculum for her to teach, but after hearing her talk about this being an assignment, he hired her on the spot and gave permission for her to develop one of her own.

Over the next 4 ½ years, Dr. Teri learned as much or more than her students. Lessons turned into pages and chapters for her book, “Character Blocks.” (Available through Jabez Family Outreach).

Dr. Teri met and married Willis Donelson in 2015, which slowed things down at Jabez as she made the necessary adjustments in her personal life.

Then, in the spring of 2022, Dr. Donelson was led to begin Virtuous Women Ministry with a mission to call women back to the Path that leads to God’s perfect, original design. (Jeremiah 6:16) This time, she would actually be working with women. It appeared that all her life’s experiences and training had finally converged.

Since that time, Virtuous Women Ministry has grown, as well as those who have come to be a part of it. You can read testimonies from those who have been positively affected by the work God has done.

God is building a super team to advance the divine movement of VWM to women in all stages of their personal development.

Linda C became part of the 1st VWM group (Spring 2022) and partnered with Dr. Teri months later, hosting the JFO Generational Prayers that meet via zoom every other week. She is also a part of the 2nd VWM group (June 2023).

Amy T began to help with administrative responsibilities, and she became part of the 2nd VWM group (June 2023).

Bobbye Jo S became a part of the 1st VWM group (Spring 2022) then partnered in February 2023, using her acting abilities to co-host “Addressing Everyday Issues: Face to Face” with Dr. Teri. Their short skits and discussions are recorded and posted on the JFO YouTube channel.

Angie W became part of the 1st VWM group (Spring 2022) then partnered early 2023 to host the first Princess Party. We launched this initiative with 11 young girls, one of whom gave her heart to Jesus when she heard that a real princess is one who is the daughter of a King.

In 2025, Teri is writing A Princess Party Guidebook and will make it available to churches, or agencies, who wish to get the Truth out to little Girls in a fun way.

In 2025, Dr. Teri is also working with a Princess Party Committee: Kristina R, Tracey V, Angie W, and Jane A to plan the Inaugural Daughters of the King Princess Party for adult women, 18 and up. Watch for tickets to go on sale.

Dr. Teri hosts a V.W. Bible Study the 2nd Monday of each month. (May 2023) Three generations are represented regularly.

Dorothy-Jane C became a part of the 2nd VWM group (June 2023) and is building the JFO website. (July 2024)

Eddie B partnered with JFO (June 2013) taking care of all IT needs.

Kristina R partnered with JFO (December 2023) to help with social media.

Many women faithfully support JFO through their prayers and finances. (Too many to name and we do not even know all their names)

We are still looking for a few GOOD woMEN!!!

As you can see, JFO has a long history that has not lost its focus.

JFO started out with a mission to RECONCILE, RESTORE, and REHABILITATE but changed the mission statement to “Strengthen the Home and Build the Community” (2007). However, that is accomplished by reconciling people back to God, restoring what is broken, and rehabilitating by helping others walk the walk and talk the talk. We use proven spiritual and practical Truths to do this.

Jabez continues to exist to call people back to the old reliable ways. (Jeremiah 6:16). The people in Jeremiah’s day said, “NO.” - What will you say? - Say, “YES”!