For several years, a former nightclub that played host to such acts as Percy Sledge, Bad Company and ZZ Top has served as a home for the hurting.
Christian biker and president of the Laurel Hellfighters Mike Shirley has helped meet the needs of homeless men in Jones County through Mission at the Cross, 324 South Magnolia Street.
Shirley said more than 100 men stayed at the Mission during 2009 with many becoming Christians and being baptized at Highland Baptist Church.
“These guys come from nothing,” he said. “They’re hurting. We help people with alcohol and drug problems... people who are lost. It feels good to serve them.”
One of those is Laurel resident Greg Byrd, who gives credit to Shirley for turning his life around.
“I’d gotten away from the Lord,” he said. “I started hanging around with Mike. I can see a lot of people hurting and needing help. I can’t give guy enough praise.”
In January, Mission at the Cross opened a motorcycle shop with mechanic Delbert Bridges.
“We’ve had about 15 bikes come through in two months,” Shirley said. “The money that comes out of the bike shop goes into our 501(c)3 ministry. It’s open to all makes of bikes.”
Shirley said approximately $400,000 has been bumped into the Mission at the Cross building, which was a former nightclub and warehouse.
“Now, we need to raise about $140,000,” he said. “We’re trying to pave our parking lot and finish the third floor. That money would just about wrap it up.”
Shirley said four churches currently provide part of their budget to the Mission at the Cross including Highland Baptist Church, where many of the Hellfighters attend services, as well as a church in Sandersville, Ga.
To accomplish that fundraising goal, Shirley has decided to auction off his personal motorcycle, a 2005 Big Dog Chopper. The bike is equipped with a 117 C1 S&S; motor, 6-speed Baker transmission and is valued at $30,000.
The Laurel Hellfighters are selling raffle tickets at $20 each. The drawing is scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 13 at the Sturgis, S.D., Mission at the Cross during the annual bike rally. Donations are 100 percent tax deductible.
“If they’re not a Hellfighter, we’ll paint it whatever color they want it free of charge,” Shirley said.
For more information on the raffle or to purchase a ticket, contact 601-498-5120 or 601-319-5966.
Local News
Related Photos
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Photo/Submitted
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Photo/David Owens
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