Bishop Kelvin Stewart, a native of Opelousas, Louisiana, and a graduate of Northwestern State University is the founder and Bishop of Rivers of Joy Ministries located in Jonesboro, Louisiana. He has pastored for 29 years, married to Pastor Rhonda Stewart for 37 years, and is the father of three children and three grandchildren. 

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Bishop Stewart has worked continuously with local community leaders to increase economic growth and stability in the Jonesboro area. In the year 2000, he established a faith based economic development program known as Joy Impact. The program’s mission is to provide youth and young adults with the support, resources and information needed to become productive citizens academically, socially, and economically.

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Because the Jonesboro area is a high poverty area, summer recreation activities is not a special priority. Bishop Stewart saw a need and started Joy Impact Community Summer Camp, a free, 4 day camp that supports 200 youth. The camp operates from 8am to 3pm.   Meals, snacks, leadership workshops, and social and academic issues are addressed.

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Most of us here today know when children or adults are not healthy mentally and physically, respectable behavior becomes a challenge. To help alleviate some of these difficulties, Bishop Stewart founded Joy Impact Counseling Services located in Jonesboro and here in Natchitoches on 415 Bienville Street. The mission of the agency is to empower youth and adults with the ability to make informed and positive life choices, to take responsibility for self-care, and to achieve optimal levels of wellness in order to reach their full potential.

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Annually he provides free social events for the Jonesboro local community such as distributing Back to School Supplies, providing meals through The Summer Feeding program, Concerts featuring Marvin Sapp, Dorothy Norwood, Rance Allen and others, Guest speakers such as Cindy Trimm and Brian Hurst a singer and actor known for Madea Goes To Jail, and live Easter and Christmas dramas.

Is he busy? Yes. He has outreach ministries in Minden, Grambling and Shreveport. He is the Vice chairman of several executive national boards, travels to provide leadership training, and provides financial and leadership support to a sister church in Africa.

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And finally, but certainly not least, he is my Bishop, mentor, and life long friend. I present to some and introduce to others, Bishop Kelvin Stewart.