Video: A Local Pastor’s Faithful Vision

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COLUMBUS, MISS. (WCBI) – Jesus and His disciples led by example by living frugally and taking His teachings to the streets to reach the masses. A young Northeast minister is taking that message to heart. WCBI’s Alyssa Martin visits what was a run down church to see how its rebirth is rippling through a neighborhood.

When Randy Randle gave a guest sermon at Community Wide Outreach Outreach Ministry in April, he couldn’t imagine ever returning. The 50-year-old building on 17th Street North in Columbus was showing the signs of physical and spiritual decline.

Then, the congregation called…they wanted him to be their pastor. Randle has been a minister for five years but this is his first church. And a spark has been ignited.

“As I was preaching on Sundays, I saw the condition of the church and it just made me feel a certain kind of way because God’s house is supposed to be beautiful. The temple where we worship in is supposed to be beautiful and God put it on my heart to do whatever I had to do to beautify his temple,” said Reverend Randy Randle.

Fresh paint, new floors, and a new roof are now in place.

As part of his leap of faith, Randle sold his two vehicles and other belongings to finance the rebirth.

“I cleared my bank account to start this vision because I’m a firm believer if you do what the spirit of God tells you to do, that he will provide for you, ” said Randle.

His ministry isn’t just from the pulpit on Sunday mornings. He stands on the street corner, inviting people in to join the congregation, which ranges between 30 and 45 members but is growing. He’s also started encouraging the members to reach out into the neighborhood to make a difference.

“I’m supposed to be here daily inviting people to Jesus and that’s something that I truly like to do because I want to send a message to the people that it’s all about Jesus and its not about us,” said Randle.

He says seeing lives changed and hearts touched is what his work is for.

“We have people come off the streets who are on drugs or battling alcohol and they fall at the alter and they ask me to pray with them and that’s what it’s all about. When you see the change in someone else’s life, that the true meaning of salvation,” said Randle.

The church is still in need of supplies and donations to continue fixing the building. Any and all donations are being accepted. For more information on how to donate or volunteer, call Rev. Randle at 662-549-1644 or email him at revrandyrandle@gmail.com