Bishop Marcus Campbell and the Mount Carmel Church have presented a monetary donation for their church’s annual Children’s and Youth Summer Program from the Interdenominational Minster’s Fellowship (IMF).
The church provides a safe place for children every summer beginning the first week after the end of the school year. The ages of the children range from toddlers to high school youth.
“It is our goal to open our doors to all children, and that no child is left behind,” Bishop Campbell said.
The program is in its third year and includes approximately 200 students. When asked why he opened the doors to his small church to help these children every weekday, Bishop Campbell said: “I don’t want them to go down the path that I traveled. I have two felonies and spent times behind bars. I thank God that he in all His mercy found me worthy to live and be a servant for Him. I will do everything in my power to help save as many children as I can.”
The program is Monday through Friday from 7 am to 4 pm, and the children receive two full course meals starting with breakfast, which includes delicious homemade biscuits, eggs, bacon and other bread foods. A lunch could consist of hamburgers, fries and a salad.
The program is funded by Mount Carmel and through donations from the community. Local groups, such as Gideon’s Army and Postmates, and other community volunteers give their time to help make the program possible. The program ends July 25.
Bishop Campbell and the Mount Carmel family will be giving all the children backpacks and school supplies for the upcoming school year. The church will be accepting donations, and you can drop these off at the church located at 1032 Monroe Street.
Rev. James Turner, president of the IMF and pastor at New Hope Church, called Bishop Campbell a “true servant of God. I am working with the children in my community, but you have inspired me to do more,” Other members of the IMF present included: Dr. Jackson, vice president of IMF and pastor of Pleasant Green; Bishop Minnie Mitchell, New Life Through Christ Ministry; Roxie Johnson; Diane Green; Dr. Jackson; Djakata Ray of Pleasant Green; and Rev. Venita Lewis, New Hope Baptist Church.
Bishop Marcus Campbell is also the founder of GANG, wherein he works with gang members every Wednesday at 6 pm, educating them on the need to stop the violence in their communities.
