By Morgan Mizell

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Nearing the fourth year of its ministry, New Directions Outreach Ministries is gearing up for a year filled with various activities to help people in the community.

“Our first program actually begins next week,” the Rev. Kevin Deason said. “We will host a two-day healing and deliverance service for those who are suffering from issues such as depression, addiction and financial strain. We know so many people are struggling with these and many other issues and we want to help.”

The two-day service begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12 at the church located at 306 Oak St. in Natchez.

Pastor David Pete of Cathedral Praise of Beaumount, Texas, will speak. The following evening, Prophetess Anita Daniel will speak at 6 p.m.

“Both speakers have such a gift and where they have done this service before, people are seeing results,” Deason said. “I think people in this area can truly benefit from what they have to offer.”

Later in the month, the church will host a community service celebration service at the church at 3 p.m. on Jan. 27.

“This is a service that will be sponsored by Dr. Olivia Mayberry of Pearls from Above Ministry,” Deason said. “It is a program benefiting the New Direction Worship Center’s Pastor’s Aide Program.

The guest speaker for this event will be Minister Rodney Mayberry from Freedom’s Fire Ministry out of San Angelo, Texas. Also, Mary Flanagan of Fort Worth, Texas, will add a note to the service.

“We will have people from all over coming for this service,” Deason said. “I know we even have folks coming from as far away as Atlanta. It is going to be a great time.”

Deason and his wife, Caroline, have been heading up the men’s and women’s groups at the church. He says they have seen a lot of success with the groups. They plan to continue those again.

The church is also set to host a youth day on March 31, the day before Easter. And they will also celebrate their church anniversary in May and a women’s conference in July. They will host a two-month long summer youth program as well.

The program is called CLEAR: Community Learning Enhancement and Enrichment Resources. Deason said the program is set-up to start at 10 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. Throughout the day they are working on various skill sets and tutoring. They go on hikes and they also visit museums. Deason said they need more volunteers for this program.

“My goal for 2018 is to flatten the church walls and really get out into the community,” he said. “I want to be more visible to the people, not just on Sunday and Wednesday, but every day. I want see what their needs are and let them know we are here if they need us.”

Deason said he plans to continue working with Togetherness Ministries to host events.

He also mentioned a working partnership with Dr. Erica Thompson for youth programs.

“She is from Natchez and she lives in Jackson now,”  Deason said. “She does various youth seminars during the year and we look forward to teaming up with her.”

Deason said he wanted to make sure all in the community knew the upcoming events in January are free and open to the public.

“We are doing these things with an open invitation to any and all in the community,” he said. “We welcome all to come participate with us.”

Anyone with questions about upcoming events or programs can call 601-451-8546.