Jacksonville church devastated by tornado expands to offer more community services

JACKSONVILLE, Ark. – New Commandment Church of God in Christ was devastated by the March 31, 2023 tornado, but now as they open the doors to their new home, they are also giving back to the community that helped them through the tragedy.

Senior Pastor Eddie Miller says the church has always acted as a service for the community but now they are able to expand those services with their new church home.

While they awaited the completion of the new church, New Commandment was able to purchase a small building adjacent to the building site, which acted as a temporary home. That building now turning into a service center.

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"Training people to be electricians, training people how to be a plumber, training people, how to be a heating and air guy, we are going to offer these classes," Miller said.

Miller stresses the importance of his calling from God to help people get back onto their feet and rebuild just like the church has had to do after the tornado.

Another way he and the church are giving back is to the children within the community.

"Tutoring services for our children starting from K (kindergarten) up, which will be we want to do this absolutely totally free to the community," Miller said.

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The new building also has a community bathroom located on the outside, soon with a bell that rings to alert staff that someone is in need of using the bathroom, sink, or shower.

"We have a shower here that people can use and clean themselves up and feel good about themselves and look good, we provide them with what they need like a towel, soap, a toothbrush and paste, deodorant," Miller said.

Those items along with food and clothing all donated by people within the community to help keep the program going.

The shower is open from around 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or whenever the gates to the church are open.

If you want to donate items they can be dropped off during these same hours.

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The grand opening for the New Commandment Church of God in Christ will be at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17.