MORAN — “I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for southeast Kansas,” exclaimed Pastor Marsha Sue Mitchell. “I really believe there is something special fixin’ to happen in this area.”
Mitchell’s endearing Southern accent is an obvious giveaway she is new to the region. She began as interim pastor for Hope Chapel Assembly of God Church in Moran in March. In August, she was voted in as the church’s permanent pastor.
A graduate of New Creation Bible Training Center, in El Dorado, Ark., she is licensed and ordained through Full Gospel Evangelistic Association (FGEA) of Tulsa, Okla.
Prior to her move to Hope Chapel, Mitchell spread the Gospel as an itinerant minister, preaching the basic Christian redemption message while traveling the region for 15 years. Mitchell noted that the people are one of her favorite aspects of southeast Kansas.
“A lot of revivals start in Kansas,” she said. “Major stuff has started in this corner of Kansas. I’m thankful that He moved me up here to be in the middle of it.”
Mitchell was born in Crossett, Ark., and pastored for 10 years at Word of Life Church in El Dorado, Ark.
Mitchell said she was “born again” as a Christian at the age of 10 and that she felt called by God to use her talent as a singer to heal people.
Notably, Mitchell has won over 50 awards through her singing ministry. Accolades include an Evangelist award, CGMA Full-Time Female Vocalist, and twice receiving the highly acclaimed Tina Sadler Memorial Writer’s Award for her songwriting on the songs “Mama’s In Her Rocking Chair” and “It’s Called Good News.” She has also received a CGMA Platinum Media Personality Award for her syndicated radio show, “New Creation Nation” that she has hosted for nearly 15 years.
With a congregation of approximately 40 members and “growing,” Mitchell noted that Hope Chapel offers many ways to serve the community. This includes an after-school program where children listen to a story, participate in a craft, and enjoy a snack.
The Blessing Center, located next door to the church, houses the commodities program. This food pantry is open the fourth Saturday of every other month. Mitchell added the center is available to anyone who is in need of food items. The next date the center will be open for commodities will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Saturday, Dec. 22.
Hope Chapel is at 1216 4600 St., in Moran. Worship service is Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Both youth and adult Sunday School classes are offered at 9:30 a.m., as well as a Wednesday evening service at 6:30 p.m.
