Costa Rica called Doug Mellott into the ministry, and now it’s calling him back.
Mellott, the pastor of the Runville United Methodist Church, will visit the Central American country for the sixth time March 5-11 while leading three companions on a church mission.
He first went in 2006 as a member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Lewistown. On a construction project, the surrounding poverty struck him to the core, and he fell to his knees and cried.
Then and there, he decided to become a minister.
“Everyone is called differently,” he said. “It took God to humble me and say, ‘You don’t know how blessed you are.’ ”
This spring’s Costa Rica trip is full, but spots remain open for two humanitarian missions closer to home.
Mellott is organizing a team of up to 40 people to help northeastern Pennsylvania communities rebuild from floods. That’s scheduled for July 15-21.
Then, Runville has an Aug. 12-18 mission planned to tornado-ravaged Joplin, Mo., still picking up the pieces from last year’s devastation. Mellott wants to take no more than 20, at about $600 in expenses per person.
A fundraiser dinner for the Pennsylvania and Joplin missions will take place Jan. 28 at the community center in Yarnell. The Runville charge encompasses the Yarnell and Pleasant Valley churches.
Chicken and waffles will be served from 6 to 8 p.m. Seven bucks keeps them coming until there’s no more room.
Mellott said the church plans to have enough food for as many as 100 diners.
“We never let anyone go away hungry,” he said.
Roast beef and spaghetti dinners raised about $1,000 for the Costa Rica mission. Whether near or far, Mellott believes service should be a priority for his congregations. Years ago, it drew him to his profession, and it continues to inspire him.
“I have a wide-open mind about that,” he said. “We’re called to serve all of God’s children, not in a particular area, not just in your community.”
Lunch to benefit FaithCentre
When Howard United Methodist Church next serves soup, FaithCentre in Bellefonte will grow fatter.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday in its Fellowship Hall, the church will hold its latest benefit lunch for local missions. Soup, rolls, a beverage and pie, all for $5, will help FaithCentre’s store provide food and secondhand clothes, furniture and household goods for local residents.
Soup in $5 quarts can be ordered in advance by calling Patti Long at 625-2182 or Helen Meyer at 625-2722.
Chris Rosenblum writes a weekly column about happenings in the Bald Eagle area. Contact him at crosenbl@centredaily.com or 231-4620.
