For the 17th year, Mitchell Chapel Church of God in Christ will host the “Rescue the Perishing” food giveaway for families in need. On Saturday December 9, 2017, a bag of groceries will be given per household to persons who present a utility bill or other proof of local residency. The location is the Fellowship Hall of the church at 402 South Jackson Street from 8am, until all bags have been given.
This is not the sole way that Mitchell Chapel offers assistance with basic needs. A hot meal is served each Thursday from 11am til 1pm, free of charge in the dining room of the Fellowship Hall. This mission has been going on for about seven years, and still serves a vital need in the community.
Additionally, according to Bishop Nelson, pastors of local churches are beginning to organize a Pastor’s Union in an attempt to co-ordinate assistance in the areas of food, emergency utility and rent assistance and other needs as they become aware of them. This is due to an awareness of increasing requests from individuals seeking assistance from churches this year.
The Church of God in Christ is a worldwide organization, with about 6 million members in 80 countries of the world. As one of eighteen Bishops in the Texas Jurisdiction, Gatlin oversees about 45 churches around the Northeast Texas region. Prior to his election as Bishop, he served as an appointed Superintendent for a number of years. Today, along with regional duties, he continues to serve as Pastor of Mitchell Chapel Church of God in Christ in Sulphur Springs which he calls “home”, and invites people of all ages and color to attend regular weekly services on Sundays and Wednesdays.
