Here are two stories for you today. The first is from Michael Hutchinson, former resident of Hattiesburg, who recently planted a church on the coast. The second is from Mrs. Cheryl Outlaw who works at Hawkins Elementary school where we have been serving for 5 years.
I have only visited Ekklesia a few times. I was
inspired to start a new church with many of the concepts I learned by
participating in your public meetings and talking with Michael. Saint Martin
Baptist Fellowship in Gulfport is up and going and our emphasis is on forming
disciples of Christ. We have no building, no committees, a structure that
always serves ministry. Our public meetings are more 'coast' in their form. We
have a core group that is so serious about connecting closer to God. Thank you
Ekklesia.
- Michael Hutchinson
I think back from previous years when we were here at
Hawkins without tutors, volunteers, and thinking what did we do wrong for the
general public to shun us. I would call
businesses around town and ask if they would adopt our school and the reply was
always the same, we have already adopted a school. Then, one day God called Mrs. Margie Willis
(along with Dr. Annie Wimbish) to Hawkins Elementary School. Months later the
faculty and staff was introduced to members from Ekklesia. Everybody on the
staff was asking what is Ekklesia? Then
Sharon Miles stepped in and immediately we knew who and what Ekklesia was. She
begin to work right away, getting volunteers and mentors. Later, tutors were coming from USM and we
joined in with Americorp. I salute Ekklesia
and all of the goals that you have accomplished not only at Hawkins but in the
community as well.
I remember the first time I met Rev. Mike. I think I was having a bad day. He entered the building that morning with a
bright and charming smile. I asked who
is this man so happy on a Monday morning.
As I got to know him he was just like me a real person (not like other
ministers I had known in the past). I
really enjoyed going to Court Street for service the first time. I walked in the service and was greeted by
Sharon, Margie and others. I had on my
Sunday Go To Meeting clothes and as the service begin, I looked at Rev. Mike as
he begin to speak and something said look at his feet, he didn’t have on any
shoes. I didn’t know if the members were
going to wash feet that day or maybe his feet were really hurting.
Then I met Toby, he would come to my office and we would
talk politics, of course I disagreed with everything he said. I still had a lot of fun with him; he is one
of my favorite Ekklesian.
There are others I have come close to meeting and greeting
on a daily basis. Mr. Ron and his wife,
Mrs. Debbie (she can really bake cookies). Jennifer Willis and Steve Willis
along with others.
Thank you for all you do for Hawkins Elementary School. I love you for what you do for children, I
love you for what you do for the community, and I love you for what you do for
me. It has truly been a blessing for me
to know each of you.
Thank you,
Cheryl Outlaw
