The Whitworthian

Issue date: 10/9/07 Last Updated: 10/12/07

With a story of his mutual friendship with Jesus, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (Bethel AME) pastor Lonnie Mitchell engaged Tuesday’s Chapel attendees.

“I was going to do something else, but the Lord wanted me to tell you how much I love him,” Mitchell said.

Dean of the Chapel Terry McGonigal introduced Mitchell, detailing some of his accomplishments during his 17 years of pastoring at Bethel AME Church.

“Lonnie is a person from whom light streams on this community,” McGonigal said.

Mitchell addressed Whitworth students specifically, saying that sometimes God brings you down in order to build you up.

“Jesus is walking with me every day of my life,” Mitchell said. “If you know Jesus you’ll never be alone.”

He advised students experiencing trials to ask what God wants them to learn from the experience.

“In the world, we’re going to have issues,” Mitchell said, followed by an echo of "amens" from the audience. “God’s in your corner, amen praise the Lord!”

Peace was a central theme in Mitchell’s message. He referenced what he called his “wonderful scripture,” John 16:33.

The text in the Bible quotes Jesus saying, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, for I have overcome the world.”

“I’m so glad that I’m kicking it with Jesus,” Mitchell said.

He concluded his message with the hope and prayer that everybody would come to have what he has, Mitchell said. He described a deep peace, joy and  friendship beyond anything the world can offer.

“That’s the Jesus that I serve,” he said.

Contact Grady Locklear at grady.locklear@whitworthian.com.

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