WS Chronicle

Alecia Mitchell, daughter of Pastor Alice Mitchell, sings soulfully during the church anniversary last Sunday.

“When God has a plan for your life, sometimes he has to take certain things away for you to see where he is driving you toward.”

Those were the words of Pastor Alice Mitchell of Life Changing Transformation Church Ministries, which celebrated its 12th anniversary this past Sunday, July 17.

Twelve years ago, the Lord inspired her to start her own ministry after having an established 25-year career. She stated that at that time she had other plans, but the Lord spoke to her and led her into starting her own business in childcare. After seven years of successfully running her own daycare business, she closed it and the Lord brought her to become a pastor.

“Starting this ministry was not my idea; it was my father in heaven,” said Mitchell. “I had my plans in life of what I wanted to do and how I wanted to do it. I didn’t like change, as I was complacent in life, but God said ‘No, I’m going to take you further.’”

Mitchell is the daughter of a pastor and the youngest of five siblings. She graduated from high school in Forsyth County. She received her degree in Business Administration from Phillips Business College and her childcare certification from Forsyth Technical Community College. Her late father, Rev. John T. Miller, helped shape her early years in the Christian walk. She sang in the choir, and in 1986 she answered the call of ministry.
The Sunday afternoon service included inspirational singing and Scripture verses that enhanced the celebratory theme.

“The anniversary was a blessing because I was going through some things, but God made a way,” said Alecia Mitchell, pastor Mitchell’s daughter. “The word of God that came across for the anniversary was more of a blessing than anything because that’s what I needed today. Words cannot truly explain what my mom has been to me, but what I can say is that she has been an inspiration to me.”

Pastor Johnny Johnson of United Deliverance Church of God in Winston-Salem delivered the sermon during the service. His message, titled “Excuse Me, You Are In My Way,” focused on not letting individuals in your life take your focus away from the

Guest Pastor Johnny Johnson of United Deliverance Church of God in Winston-Salem delivered the sermon during the anniversary.

ultimate goal of making it to heaven. He wanted to convey to the congregation that you can’t let anyone stand in your way of pleasing God, even if its family or friends.”

“I think it’s a wonderful thing that she has been able to hold it together for 12 years,” said Johnson. “Dealing with individuals can be hard sometimes, especially when dealing with the same people day in and day out. You have to deal with the trials and tribulations, and it takes a special person to do that. Pastor Mitchell is strong, and she believes God will make a way somehow, and that’s why her congregation loves her.”

Following the sermon, pastor Mitchell was presented with wonderful words of well wishes from members of the congregation and her family. Many individuals recounted the beginning of the church and how they persevered through the years. Mitchell added that she wants to make an impact on people’s lives and expects great works from those in the church.