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In an ongoing battle with city officials and neighbors, Atlanta-based 2819 Church was given one month to relocate their congregation.
Addressing the issue during service last Sunday, lead pastor Phillip A. Mitchell, detailed the pending eviction. “Our church has been growing by the thousands for the past couple months to the point that we don’t have space for cars or people. We recognize that Christ is gathering a people to himself because time is running out. We feel that what we are a part of is a move of God, a revival. But there are powerful forces who are not followers of Christ, that do not feel what we feel and do not believe what we believe in, and they are working overtime to shut down these gatherings.”
Mitchell went on to explain the church was being closely watched and hounded by “Karens” who wanted to ensure their failure. He also shared that eviction was imminent despite the church’s efforts to reconcile with the city.
The only ray of hope came in the form of a dilapidated Greenbriar building with a $300,000 price tag. However, the issue of being able to afford the transition remained.
“We’re standing on the seashore with an army behind us from Pharaoh, to which we cannot go back. And there is an ocean in front of us that we have to cross,” Mitchell told the crowd with teary eyes of desperation. “I don’t know another way forward but [through] prayer.”
2819’s story went viral on social media prompting responses from leaders around the nation. Many admonished their followers to pray in support, but Pastor Tomi Arayomi opted to do more.
Arayomi led his congregation at RIG Global to raise funds for 2819 Church. Members were already poised to give in RIG’s annual fundraiser when informed their offerings would be redirected to help the church in need.
The Houston-based pastor credits God for prompting him to make the decision. “I was on the plane from D.C. and the Lord spoke to my heart. I looked at my wife and said, ‘What do you think if the first fruits offering we’re receiving tonight doesn’t go to RIG, it goes to 2819?’ She looked at me and said, ‘Let’s do this.’”
Urging members of RIG to donate, he said, “I believe that what we make happen for somebody else, God will make happen for you. We prayed. We watched God answer us. We watched him move on our behalf but now we’ve got to be ones to release miracles on behalf of other people as well,” he continued.
Without prior affiliation to Mitchell or 2819, Arayomi and the RIG congregation raised the full $300,000 needed to save 2819 from being homeless in one day.
As the news broke, social media celebrated with both churches. Arayomi responded with an Instagram post stating, “We did not help Pastor Philip. God did and to God belongs all the glory.”
Mitchell posted with similar sentiments, quoting Psalm 46 and teasing to share the full story at an upcoming service. “The Lord is our rock and our strength; a very present help in times of trouble. He is a miracle worker and way-maker. A testimony of truth to His glory coming Sunday.”
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