A new mission and thrift store is hoping to help unify Christians in Newton.
Hope Mission, which has been open for a few weeks, held its ribbon cutting last week. The organization features a thrift store, a café and a chapel, which is used to hold weekly services every Sunday at 3 p.m.
Mission owner Byron Artis said it’s much more than just a store, café and a chapel.
“it’s a place where Christians can come together, be unified and be a light to this community,” Artis said. “We aren’t just a store or a café. We are here to help.”
Artis felt the call to plant a new Hope Mission in Newton, but the pastor who already operates three missions in Union, Louisville and Meridian didn’t know who to turn to.
That man turned out to be Newton’s Steve Dixon, who has recently bought numerous buildings in downtown Newton. At that time, Dixon had already showed Artis one place, but it just didn’t fit their needs.
Then, Artis started looking at the former Strebeck’s building, which was up for sale at that time.
“Steve asked me, ‘If I buy that building would you move in there?’” Artis said. “I said yes, and so that’s how we got in here. Steve bought the building, and he’s done a lot of work on it to help us get ready. He restored the wood floors in our chapel. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Steve.
“I truly believe this has been a God thing. I can really see him working through this. I can see that he gave us the green light for this.”
Artis’ ministry features a store, a café and chapel, which is something he intentionally wanted to have in every place he’s planted a mission.
They offer a location where local churches can come together, spread the gospel and serve the community. They offer the Transformation Program, which provides spiritual mentorship for people who dealing with addiction or other harmful situations, and its Young Achievers Program, which promotes youth leadership.
Many of the workers in the store are people who are currently in the Transformation Program or have graduated from the program. And if someone in financial need comes in the store seeking help, Artis has a way to help them.
“What I will do is give them a yard sale kit,” Artis said. “It’s basically some merchandise from the store, all of which has been donated by people in the community. Then, they can turn around, hold their own yard sale and make some money themselves. We don’t pay people’s light bill or give them any money, but we will help them find a way to make some money as long as they are willing to work.”
Artis said people can make donations of clothing, furniture, appliances, housewares, etc. All of the items will be used to sell in the thrift store. The proceeds from which will benefit the mission to cover expenses and do ministry in the community.
The mission is a 501c3 organization, and donations are tax-deductible.
