Portrait of a discipler: Mary Lou Jackson

Having been a witch in her younger years, Mary Lou Jackson knows not only the reality of evil, but also many of hell’s strategies. Because she knows the limits of demonic power, she is quick to confront it. She is a spiritual special forces officer, unafraid to go behind enemy lines.

Mary Lou has been my co-leader on two projects. She loves to help anyone, but young women in particular, begin to walk in freedom. On our 2002 Peru trip, one of our team members had been in bondage to legalism for years. One night Mary Lou prayed over her and she was gloriously set free. The next year in England, she had the same sort of ministry.

When you understand the demonic from the inside out like this, you also understand authority. Although Mary Lou is very strong and unafraid to challenge a bad decision, I’ve never had a struggle with her over roles.

One of the things that I love most about Mary Lou is that she follows up on the fruit of her ministry. She has continued to go back to the churches we planted in Lima, sometimes taking former team members with her. She ensures that all are continuing to grow in their faith.

In her day job, Mary Lou is a hair dresser. But her real identity is as a warrior for the King of kings.