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Pastor Anthony Coleman a local community pastor in Sunset Arkansas, is making his imprint on the hearts of those in the community along with his church, the Marion Church of God in Christ (COGIC). Pastor Anthony Coleman has only been the pastor of Marion Church of God in Christ for only 5 years and he and his church have been a beacon of light to their local community of Sunset. “The largest racial/ethic group in Sunset is the Black community of 92.8%,” according to Arkansas Demographics. Sunset is a small town with a big heart. Coleman has dedicated his time and resources to uplifting this black community image and confidence. “We love people, and ministry is meeting the needs of the people,” said he. Marion COGIC is a community-based ministry lending a helping hand in the community by feeding hundreds of people, having clothes giveaways, provide scholarships, partners with 8th Street Mission, give comfort to those incarcerated over 200 women in Crittenden County Department of Correction to name a few. “We are learning, growing, and unified,” said Char-Vel Miller, youth pastor at Marion COGIC. Miller connected with Pastor Coleman and Marion COGIC employed as a drummer, but later fell in love with the vision of Coleman and now he is the youth pastor at Marion COGIC. “Pastor Coleman encourage and celebrate youth academics with sponsorships and school supplies give away to the community,” said Miller. “Be big where you are,” said Coleman. This is the message Pastor Coleman have adopted to encourage his church and his local community. Coleman idea is that no matter where you are and what you have; you still can accomplish great things just by using the resources and connections around you. During the Halloween season, Marion COGIC and Coleman rented a 18 wheelers flat bed with lights and music; and created a night of fun and safety for the community and raised over $400 to support the community renovations for a local park in Sunset. “There is 30% non- white in this city, but there is absolutely no black police officer in Marion, Arkansas,” stated Coleman. Pastor Coleman seeks to see a difference. He and the Marion COGIC orchestrated and lead a peaceful march from their church to the police station to educate and bring awareness of social injustice in the black, brown, and minorities communities. “In the near future Marion COGIC will be COVID-19 vaccination site,” said Coleman. Because many of those in the black, brown, and minorities communities are apprehensive of the COVID- 19 vaccinations. Coleman and Marion COGIC are yet working to aid their local community. Coleman is collaborated with local cities and communities' pastors promoting those in the black, brown, and minorities to get their COVID-19 vaccinations. “Pastor Coleman want to ministry to the whole man,” said Michael Austin, traveling nurse and pastor’s chief armor bearer. Michael Austin, non-African but Hispanic, has been a member Marion COGIC for 3 years. Austin describes Coleman as “fatherly, strong, and nonjudgmental.” Austin has witness Coleman go out of his way to help someone in the church and in the community. “Pastor Coleman included health and wellness presentations in our food community giveaway,” said Austin. “Pastor Coleman and Marion COGIC works together,” said Austin. “My wife is an inspiration to me,” Coleman affectionately stated. Pastor Anthony Coleman is married to Joycelynne Coleman, she is his greatest supporter in ministry and community affairs. “We are sowing seeds,” stated Coleman. Pastor Coleman and the Marion COGIC want the community of Sunset and surrounding communities to know that their approach to ministry is love and this love is intentional, to inspire, to empower, to make a difference in lives of those in their local community.
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AuthorHello my name Seth Mitchell. I am a vibrant and energetic personality. I'm a native of Arkansas and now reside in Missouri. I am a Life and Culture journalist covering stories that are meaningful and entertaining to the people of color (Black and Brown communities) and minorities in Northeast Arkansas. Archives
February 2022
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Photos used under Creative Commons from Kheel Center, Cornell University Library, Pest15