JACKSON, MI - Former Detroit Lion Joique Bell called Lily Missionary Baptist Church Pastor, the Rev. James Hines, an influential presence dating back to the running back's early days in Benton Harbor.
"He would always be around, giving us wisdom," Bell said late last week.
Because of his connection with Hines and Hines' request for help, Bell made a "significant" recent donation to the Jackson church.
He declined to specify the amount. "I did it just out of the love of my heart."
Hines has been on a mission to raise pay off the mortgage on the Lily Missions Center, which provides after school, summer reading and other programs for Jackson children.