Individuals from the International Rhema Outreach Center waved “Free Gas” signs outside of the Exxon Suds N Smokes at 3114 Halls Ferry Road Saturday morning in an effort to give back to the community, Executive Pastor Lindsay Hargrove said.

“We’re launching a new church here in Vicksburg tomorrow at 6 p.m. at Vicksburg Junior High Auditorium, and we just really wanted to do something for the city that’s never been done and reach out to the community because people need help,” she said. “This was just one of many endeavors that we’re going to be doing in the city.”

Chief Ministry Officer Kandace Shavers said the event lasted from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

“It wasn’t supposed to end until 1, but everyone came and traffic backed up so much,” she said. “They paid for more than $1,000 in gas.”

Shavers said they wanted to help give people peace of mind and help them out in what has been a rocky economy.

“We’re going to do it again,” she said. “This is something we’re going to do annually.”

Vicksburg native Hargrove said she and her husband, Senior Pastor Donyea Hargrove, live in Jackson where they have another location for the church.

“I love Vicksburg,” she said. “We’re going to relocate.”

Hargrove said her husband has really embraced the city.

“We’re excited about being here,” she said. “We love the city, and we just want to show people the true love of God.”

One of the recipients of the free gas was Diane Green-Wright, who said her daughter saw something about the event on Facebook.

“It’s very nice they’re giving out something for the public,” she said.

Green-Wright said she has a home church, but she wants to visit iROC.

“I will be at church tomorrow,” she said. “I thank the church for my gas.”

Vicksburg Police Watch Commander Jaclyn Noel said they were initially out directing traffic for the event for about 30 minutes, and then had to come back again to help control the flow of vehicles.

“The traffic was backed up all the way down to Halls Ferry and Bowmar,” she said.

Noel said hundreds of people came out to the event.

“It was a good event for the community,” she said. “The church is actually reaching out and trying to publicize themselves.”

Kenny Patel, whose father Mike Patel owns the Exxon station, said the parking lot was packed, and the church paid $1,040 to put $10 in gas in 104 cars.

“People were surprised, he said. “They were excited. People are still calling us.”

Patel said this event would not be a one-time thing.

“They told us they might do $5,000 next time, and we might contribute some too,” he said. “It’s about an appreciation of business.”

The church will be hosting a block party at the city pavilion April 4 from 1 to 5 p.m. with free food, inflatables for children and Christian DJs.

For more information about iROC visit www.irocjackson.org.