Gulf Coast Community Ministries needs your support!

A Christ-centered ministry, GCCM is supported by churches, organizations, businesses and individuals like you from across South Mississippi and beyond. With the support of devoted volunteers and generous donors, GCCM has provided vital services to our neighbors in need for over twenty-three years.

My why?

Being drawn to missions and outreach efforts since I was a young teenager, I have been familiar with GCCM since the ministry was started in 2003 at First Baptist Church of Gulfport. I had the privilege of serving on the board of Gulf Coast Community Ministries for sixteen years and I am currently supporting the ministry with an exciting renovation project and assisting with community outreach.

I have shared this with very few people, but I lived in my car for a very short period as a young adult, just long enough to gain a deep appreciation for what that must be like for individuals who don't have housing options. At one point, I got a second job so I would have a free meal with each shift that I worked. I also know the struggle of not having health insurance, having two emergency hospital stays without coverage over my lifetime. I have also served our homeless community with direct outreach into camps and on our streets for thirty years. Sometimes, we simply need a hand up, a word of encouragement or prayer. GCCM is meeting these very needs. You might be amazed how meaningful a seemingly simple greeting or conversation can be for a person who is struggling or a person most of society avoids.

How is GCCM helping?

Gulf Coast Community Ministries is open each Tuesday and Thursday except holidays between the hours of 9:00 and 11:30 a.m. with food pantry services for anyone who is hungry and the Clothing Closet for homeless individuals and victims of residential fires. GCCM also has outreach programs supporting children in need of food and hygiene items, from students in elementary to high school. Additionally, GCCM has a partnership with Coastal Family Health, where a mobile clinic is on site at GCCM at various times each month, where general medical services are provided. Similarly, GCCM hosts the Mississippi Department of Public Safety's mobile License Express on property on pre-scheduled dates, assisting individuals in our community who may have trouble getting their government ID or Driver's License renewed or replaced. Exciting things are happening at God's ministry!

The Ask?

I would be honored if you would join me and my family in supporting GCCM through your time as a volunteer or consideration for a financial contribution to this ministry I wholeheartedly believe in. I have a goal of raising $10,000 for GCCM and need your help to get there! Whether it's $5 or $5,000, one hundred percent of what you give through this campaign goes to GCCM. This is possible because the fundraising platform used asks for an optional donation. Please note that you can change the pre-selected donation to any amount, even zero if you wish. I am passionate about supporting Gulf Coast Community Ministries because they are doing important work in our community, in Gulfport, Harrison County and beyond. GCCM is impacting lives by providing basic life necessities like food & clothing and working with community partners to help ensure our neighbors have access to essential services like medical care for uninsured adults, IDs and more. GCCM is also helping to connect clients with local churches and providing Bibles and prayer when requested.

Interested to Donate? https://givebutter.com/james-bates-support-for-gccm-yyzx83

Interested to Volunteer? https://gulfcoastministry.org/volunteer

Want to know more about GCCM? www.GulfCoastMinistry.org

I hope you will join me in helping Gulf Coast Community Ministries continue to be there for our friends in need with your support today.

Sincerely,

James Edward Bates

James Bates Support for GCCM

Team Members