Chamal

“CHAMAL” is a Hebrew word for compassion and is pronounced (Khaw-mal’). To commiserate; by implication to spare: – have compassion, (have) pity, spare, SYMPATHIZE. (Strong’s Heb. Def.)

Founders Statement

The Foundation is the Church

My name is Alfred L. Nicholson and I am the founder and pastor of Gates of Faith Ministries, Church of God in Christ, located at 3405 Castlewood Road, Richmond, VA. From a humble beginning in the dining room of our home in 1983, the Lord God has shown favor in the ministry and many souls have been spiritually blessed. Gates of Faith strives to help each member discover their purpose and utilize their gifts and talents in serving God and His people. There are various ministries established to meet the specific needs of all age groups. Gates of Faith has been a positive influence in the community for many years.

Our Mission

We exist to create unity in the community for all who live, work, and play. We also seek to assist the underprivileged in achieving alternative education, skills, mentoring, and promoting family values. We hope that all can share in the responsibility of improving their economic, moral, health, and spiritual well-being.

Biblical Foundation

“And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash at the river … and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had COMPASSION on him, and said, this is one of the Hebrews’ children. Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee? And pharaoh’s daughter said to her, go. And the maid went and called the child’s mother “(Exodus 2:5-8)

The Acronym for

C.O.M.P.A.S.S.I.O.N

Considerate of Others
Outreach to Others
Merciful to Others
Pity of Others
Alert to Others
Sacrificing for Others
Serving Others
Interested in Others
Obligated to Others
Nurturing Others

Outreach

Chamal isn’t just an organization—it’s our calling. We’re here to serve with love, meet real needs, and share the hope of Jesus in every way we can.

Personal and Group Evangelism In the Community

Gates of Faith Ministries presently shares the good news of the Kingdom of God through friendship evangelism. We also spread our services via Livestream to reach a broader scope of people. Each one is challenged to reach one for Christ. We also sponsor community events to exist in fulfilling our purpose of evangelism.

Life and Job/ Skill Training

Our “Feed the Hungry” program is presently committed to serving the members and visitors of gates of faith ministries who need food. There is no cost to those served. Our vision is to expand this service once again to its previous position of serving a larger segment of the local community via parks and drive-around services.

Toys For Tots

We have partnered with the local Richmond Toys for Tots program. Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Core Reserve which distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. Through this program, we can assist in getting toys to the community youth who need them most.

Crisis Care

We are presently partnering with various Richmond Community organizations to provide housing for displaced clients in need of crisis care, as well as those affected by water and heat emergencies

Feed the Hungry

CHAMAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION INC.

3405 Castlewood Road, Richmond, VA 23234

Founder

Alfred L. Nicholson

CEO

J. Kyle Nicholson