Community Outreach Ministry
2024
The Year of FAMILY !
Rev. Arnel & Schwanna Marshall
Philippians 3:13-14
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Encouraging, evangelizing, and empowering our community one soul at a time.
Community Outreach Ministry
Rev. Arnel Marshall, Senior Pastor
Birth of The Community Outreach Ministry
Community Outreach Ministry came about first as a vision in 2012. What looked to be a Community Service was revealed through prayer and planning as a manifestation of a Ministry. The belief was and still is that the community is a very important component of ministry and there has to be a vibrant marriage between Christ and the community.
On July 12, 2015, Rev. Arnel Marshall along with Rev. Larry Martin birthed the Community Outreach Ministry; affectionately referred to as “The C.O.M.” Three people gave their lives to Christ at the initial service, confirming that it was God’s ordained time.
Pastor Marshall and Pastor Martin belief was that God had called them for such a time as this and that was and is to do ministry in an unusual way. Their love for people, the community and ministry drastically fueled their desire to “win back the community one soul at a time.” They were undeniably passionate about reaching those who have not accepted Christ and those who have given up on life and church.
The C.O.M aspires to meet needs both spiritually and naturally and has been very instrumental in serving the community. The C.O.M has instituted bi-weekly Prayer Walks through the communities of Mt. Winans and Westport, holiday meals for the community, feeding the homeless initiative, Back-to- School events, Parent Luncheon & Seminar, partnership with Westport Association Community Day, partnership with community churches, Lemon Family Community Partnership, and so much more.
Just like Jesus fed the 5,000 plus with two fish and five loaves, the C.O.M has done great things with little and God has always given the increase. It’s a parable with many lessons about the all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ to meet the vast needs through our limited means.
September 2017 brought about Pastor Martin transitioning into his new role as Pastor and Founder of Branch Of The Living Vine Ministries. The C.O.M is forever grateful and appreciative for Pastor Martin and the Martin Family for their time, service and seed planting.
Pastor Marshall and the COM continue to diligently toil, plant and sow in the field of ministry and outreach. The COM is undeniably passionate about doing ministry within and outside of the four wall of the church; while consistently teaching and reaching to make a difference not only in its membership but also in the community and the world at large.
As the COM moves forward may we continue to stand on the principles of the love of Christ. May the COM be balanced in teaching God’s word, worshiping God, engaging in fellowship, breaking bread together, praying together, caring for one another, and effectively evangelizing. May we continue to be effective inside and outside of the ministry to convey to men, women, boys and girls that God is real and a relationship with Christ makes all of the difference.