COAL GROVE — “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy and find Grace to help in time of need.”

After Ed Gullett recited Hebrews 4:16, he began talking about…….golf?

That’s right.

This Saturday, Gullett’s mission to help others will be carried by birdies and pars at the Diamond Links Golf Course in Catlettsburg, Ky.

The first inaugural Shepherd’s Closet Open Charity Golf Tournament will begin registration at the course at 8 a.m., followed by a 9 a.m. shotgun start.

Shepherd’s Closet, which began last year as a dream by Gullett and his wife, Jamiliah, is emerging as a source of hope for the hopeless of our community.

“We just looked around and saw the need,” Gullett said a few months ago while the organization was in its infancy. “It actually started out just helping people at Christmas time. We never saw it growing bigger than that.”

But grow it has.

The Shepherd’s Closet, which now has its own dwelling thanks to Gullett’s home church, Zoar Baptist Church on Marion Pike, has proven to Gullett that many people in the community care about the less fortunate.

“It’s crazy the amount of stuff we’ve had donated,” he said with a laugh, noting that the news of the benevolent organization has spread mostly by mouth. “We could easily open a clothing store right now.”

Gullett, a minister who fills in at local churches when needed, was recently laid off from his regular job as a pharmacy technician. While most people would look at this situation as a setback, he’s looking at it as an opportunity in disguise.

“I live by faith,” he said.

While he stated that he is currently seeking employment, he’s more concerned with doing God’s Will.

“Now, I have more time to devote to (Shepherd’s Closet),” he said, seemingly undeterred. “This could end up being a full time thing if the Good Lord allows it.”

The golf tournament, a four man “Best Ball” format with 60-80 participants already registered, will benefit the growing mission of Shepherd’s Closet, which, according to Gullett, has received the approval of the Lord.

“It has really been truly blessed,” he said while praising the local community. “God has really opened up some avenues. People have come out of the woodwork to donate.”

Walk-ins to the tournament are welcome and anyone interested in playing or volunteering can contact Gullett at (740) 550-2474.