Birmingham pastor Mike McClure, Jr.’s recent album spent 10 weeks on the Billboard Gospel chart, and he is now using some of the proceeds to help those around him.
He partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a charity that buys large bundles of medical debt hospitals are not sure they can collect on for a small percentage of the total amount owed. The charity then forgives what an individual owes, relieving them of their debts penalty-free
McClure’s generosity was first reported by ABC33/40. He was able to purchase and forgive $900,000 worth of debt, which eased the financial load of 542 families.
“Being from Birmingham, I made God a promise that if he ever blessed me, that I would in turn bless others. So, I’m just so grateful and humble to keep up my end of the promise,” McClure told ABC33/40.
The 36-year-old reverend founded Rock City Church in 2009, and it has grown to several thousand members that meet in three different locations.
In addition to its sales success, McClure’s album, called “Live Free,” was nominated for five Stellar Awards. The Stellar Awards honor the best in gospel music each year.
The name he uses as a recording artist is Pastor Mike Jr., and his work can be found on major streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music.
The paying off of medical debt is not McClure’s first act of generosity. He also attracted attention when his church gave away gasoline in recent years when gas prices were high.
“I am utterly grateful to be part of such an incredible city, we’re not divided, we’re all coming together to help those in need and if we can keep that same energy, I think that Birmingham can be a place of reconciliation and change. Get ready, because what God is doing in Birmingham is going to be big,” McClure concluded in his comments to ABC33/40.
Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: [email protected] or on Twitter @HenryThornton95
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