Lester Carter of Youngstown, a member of Faith Fellowship Church of God in Youngstown, holds a sign Wednesday welcoming the Rev. Jonathan Mitchell, pastor of the church, back after he spent more than 100 days battling COVID-19 and other health issues. Mitchell plans to return to the pulpit July 26. woman with sign Jackie Salerno of Struthers was among more than 30 members of Faith Fellowship Church of God in Youngstown to welcome back their pastor, the Rev. Jonathan Mitchell, who has been in the hospital and receiving rehab for more than 100 days battling COVID-19. The congregation waited for Mitchell in the church parking lot. Staff photo / Bob Coupland

YOUNGSTOWN — After being hospitalized more than 100 days battling COVID-19 and other health issues, the Rev. Jonathan Mitchell received a big surprise as congregation members and friends of Faith Fellowship Church of God welcomed him back.

Mitchell, of Poland last preached a sermon March 8 before he became ill shortly after and had to go the hospital.

On Wednesday he was driven in a car by his wife, Joyce, as 30 people held large signs saying “Welcome Home Pastor” and cheering “Hallelujah”and clapping their hands for his recovery and return. Congregation members decorated their vehicles with balloons and signs.

Mitchell, who stayed inside the car, said he plans to return to worship July 26.

The minister said he went through many ups and downs in the hospital and also rehab therapy, with times being very dark and scary.

He celebrated his 69th birthday in the hospital July 1.

“I am a different man. I feel pretty good. COVID gave me curly wavy hair. What do you know about that?” Mitchell said — laughing as people waved to him while he was in the car.

Mitchell, who was in good spirits, said he changed physically in the hospital — also growing a beard and losing 50 pounds.

“With all that I have been through, God has always been a big part of my life. My family and my church family have been so good to me≥ My heart is so overwhelmed with joy to get to see everyone. I love all of you so much,” he said.

The Rev. Jack Bridgens of Boardman, who was in the parking lot and had filled in some weeks preaching for Mitchell at the church, said Mitchell spent 103 days in the hospital and now will spend time with his wife and family recovering at home.

He said Mitchell had a heart attack earlier this year and then developed other health issues.

“At first he was in and out of the hospital for a heart problem for three days, and then he went in again for more than 100 days because of the COVID. He was at hospitals in Boardman and then went to Hillside (Rehabilitation) Hospital twice,” Bridgens said.

Mitchell noted he could not walk for a short time, but was soon able to walk again after receiving rehab.

Chip Anderson of Poland said five others from the church also have been infected with COVID-19.

“We have been practicing social distancing because this COVID is the real deal. We all prayed for our pastor to be OK and be spared from any agony,” Anderson said.

Lester Carter of Youngstown said he was thrilled Mitchell had survived and was able to come home.

“He is a wonderful pastor. We are glad to have him back,” Carter said.

Jackie Salerno of Struthers said everyone is so relieved Mitchell is well.

“We have all been so worried. It is such a relief. It is great he is coming back,” she said.

Mitchell, using a microphone, spoke from his car.

“I am so fortunate to pastor such a fabulous church with all of you. You have stood by me. I thank God for all of you and my family for standing by me like you have,” he said.

Mitchell shouted: “You are all my family” and received cheers.

“I will be back on July 26, and boy do I have a sermon that will rock the boat. It is a Holy Ghost message,” Mitchell said.

He said it is so important that people stay safe from virus exposure and practice social distancing.

“Christ carried me through some of the darkest times I faced. I am a fighter,” Mitchell said.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com