The Cathedral of God Holy Word Temple, 1110 Faxon Ave., opens to the community on Sunday with a day-long celebration of faith, service and music, including a major performance by Pastor Mitchell, who is quickly gaining national recognition for her message, her music and the story that inspired it.
“My ministry is directed towards reclaiming society’s rejects,” Pastor Mitchell says. “I know how they feel because I was one of them. The devil’s alcohol and drugs took my children, my home, my career, and he almost took mind. When it seemed like my mind was about to snap, I got on my knees and my prayers were answered.
“Now, I want other people who may think their situation is hopeless to come to us, and we will gladly receive them. Half of our members are reformed street people.”
The homeless, the helpless, the hungry, the sick, confused, drug-addled and corrupt that can find their way to the historic Speedway Church site and meet a pastor and a congregation with a message of hope that even the most cynical or destitute will find hard to reject.
The long-dormant church has been purchased, renamed and is currently being renovated through the supervision of a fiery, energetic little lady known as Pastor Libra Mitchell. Now, Pastor Mitchell and the stalwart membership she found one by one as she traveled the streets preaching of her own redemption are ready to put their mission on the map for the good of all comers.
Mitchell vows, “I was one step away from being permanently trapped in the gutter, but I kept praying and God sent someone for me, Elder Lee Ward and The Greater Harvest COGIC family took me in. They didn’t judge me, they didn’t rebuke me, and they didn’t quit on me. That’s what saved me and I am taking what they taught me and putting it right back on the street where it’s so badly needed.”
A number of Memphis artists will be performing at the community picnic, several of whom Mitchell worked or toured with when she was an R&B singer with a huge hit “Ride My Pony”.
Discovered by Stax’s Jim Stewart, it was all long ago, but she is reviving her musical talents with the forthcoming launch of Joy Records, and has purchased a studio for recording the talent she finds in the Christian community.
Mitchell’s straight-to-the-gut music and message has gained her powerful recognition from BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel program, whose co-host Elder Ernest Richards is flying in to support the church’s grand opening. Mitchell has performed several times at their request, including Jones’s crucial industry retreat in Hollywood, Fla., again in Connecticut and on the Word Network. Negotiations are presently underway for Pastor Mitchell to become a Word Network regular in early 2008.
Comments
Comment #1
(Posted by Debra Neal) Rating
This article is great! I'm very impress with prophetess libra's story and success.
Comment #2
(Posted by Jacob Lucy) Rating
This is my pastor an church. Pastor Libra I am SO proud of you!!! PLEASE keep up the good work and continue to allow the Lord to use you in a mighty way!!!
Comment #3
(Posted by Patsy chinn) Rating
I love your newspaper article write-up!
Comment #4
(Posted by DONNA TUTSON) Rating
This article is good. Pastor Libra is a loving, caring, giving, firm, outspoken and outstanding little lady who takes a special interest in her sheep and others too. You got to love her!
Comment #5
(Posted by telecominc2005@yahoo.com) Rating
what about your husband, Minister Maurice Mitchell
Comment #6
(Posted by Gloria Jones) Rating
I met your people at a business 1da fundraising. I thought your article was interesting. These are they you formed a church with, least of them need 2 hear the word&Jehovah will provide&bless U&them. I'll b n prayer 4 u/all. Continue 2 bless, heal,& deliver.
Comment #7
(Posted by jane ella murphy lucas) Rating
MAY THE LORD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU LIBRA 'KEEP ON DOING THE WORK FOR THE LORD BLESS HIS HOLY NAME ''I WAS SO PROUD TO SEE BOTH YOU AND TIM ON TV YESTERDAY LOVE YOU"ALL TAKE CARE
