Dr. Jimmy Vessell honored as Rescue Mission calls for support

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The chapel and cafeteria of the River City Rescue Mission were renamed in honor of Dr. Jimmy Vessell in a ceremony held Wednesday morning.

“I just want to take the time to congratulate this man [Dr. Vessell] on this being named after him,” said Ward 2 Alderman Alex Monsour. “He’s a great person and a great Vicksburgian, and I want to thank him for his longtime service in Vicksburg and longtime commitment to the community.”

After the unveiling of the sign, Dr. Vessell said that Ernie Hall is the one who needs to be recognized.

“This is an honor I really don’t deserve,” said Dr. Vessell. “All of these board members here have contributed just as much or more than I have, and the cog that makes this wheel turn is Ernie Hall. Ernie Hall is the one that really, really needs to be recognized. I think that everyone needs to know that—all the work and toils that he does—and the Lord has given him the strength to do it.”

The River City Rescue Mission is more than just a thrift store. The mission’s primary purpose is as a Christian rehab center, housing up to 48 men “on any given day.” They also provide a soup line, which is open seven days a week, food boxes, and meals-on-wheels for the elderly.

“We have some good board members that help us do what we do,” said Ernie Hall. “But it’s the little people that help keep us going—the everyday people that drop off bags of clothes, furniture that somebody else might be able to use.”

During the ceremony, board member Paul Ingram made a plea to the community to help support the Mission, citing a significant drop in funds since COVID.

“While the mission has a myriad of expenses that grow every day with inflation, our major revenue sources are the thrift store sales and cash donations,” said Ingram. “Since COVID, the mission’s thrift store revenues have seen a marked decline, likely due to inflation and the economy, requiring us to tap our reserve fund to pay bills and to operate.”

Ingram said that the current projections show that cash reserves may run out soon.

“We’re just trying to do everything that Jesus told us to do. That’s a big task,” said Hall. “There’s very much a team effort, and I couldn’t do it alone. I need a lot of prayers and a lot of support on a daily basis. … Your donations are much needed and much appreciated.”