This month, we celebrate a sister whose footprints are woven throughout the accomplishments and ministries of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

Sis. Janis D. Harland has served as the Executive Administrator of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church for more than five decades. During that time, she has faithfully served under the late Pastors, A.A. McCardell and Dr. C.L. Jackson, as well as our current Pastor, Dr. S.L. Jackson.

Throughout the years, Sis. Janis has fulfilled numerous and varied roles because of Pleasant Grove’s active involvement in both the community and the lives of its members. During Hurricane Katrina, under the leadership of Pastor S.L. Jackson, Sis. Janis assisted with logistics and administration, helping Pleasant Grove provide housing and support for many families from Louisiana who sought refuge at the Walters Road and Conti locations after the devastating storm.

From 1994 to 1999, she served as Principal of the A.A. McCardell Academy, located at the church. This academy reflected the vision of our pastors to educate and prepare young people to become productive members of society. In this role, Sis. Janis managed school operations, provided student counseling, and served as a liaison to the Houston Independent School District. She also compiled curriculum, developed teaching materials and organized educational programs. Deeply committed to her community, she additionally helped develop the community outreach program, “Our Father’s House.”

In service to the church, Sis. Janis has worn many hats. She began as a Sunday School secretary under Pastor A.A. McCardell and later served for many years as secretary to Pastor C.L. Jackson. Her responsibilities included overseeing church staff, handling accounting matters, managing Pastor C.L. Jackson’s schedule, and serving as a liaison between church members and auxiliary presidents. Sis. Janis also assisted Pastor C.L. Jackson in transcribing his sermons into published books. Under the leadership of Pastor Sheldon Jackson, she continues to serve faithfully in many capacities.

A lifelong learner and advocate for educational excellence, Sis. Janis holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Sociology from Texas Southern University and a Master’s Degree in Organization and Leadership from American Intercontinental University. She is also certified to mentor and tutor youth and families. Sis. Janis has used these skills to further enhance the ministry and services provided at Pleasant Grove.

A dedicated organizer, she has coordinated lunches following Wednesday noon prayer meetings, prepared scripts for Thursday teachers’ meetings, and organized numerous fish fries and other fundraising events. Additionally, as the church historian, she has produced souvenir booklets chronicling the history of Pleasant Grove from its inception to the present day.

Although it may seem that Sis. Janis has always been devoted solely to church ministry; she also worked in the insurance industry with Lomas & Nettleton Insurance Company and Continental Insurance Company. Sis. Janis is the proud mother of Sis. Kimberly Harland Watkins and the daughter of the late Sis. Laura Harland, who was herself a faithful and supportive member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

Guided by the comforting truths of her favorite passage, Psalm 23, Sis. Janis remains a dedicated educator, active community leader, and passionate servant of the church. With a deep commitment to guiding and uplifting others, she blends strong organizational leadership with years of faithful, hands-on ministry.

Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to strengthen and sustain Sis. Harland through another of her favorite scriptures, Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”