Who We Are
Our Mission
Our mission is to serve as a beacon of hope and compassion, grounded in Christian principles, to uplift and empower individuals and communities in need. Through a steadfast commitment to love, faith, and service, we aim to make a lasting impact by offering spiritual guidance, educational opportunities, and practical support to those facing adversity.
We are devoted to cultivating a culture of kindness, inclusivity, and understanding—guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ—as we work toward building a more just, compassionate, and unified world for all.
Our Vision
At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to helping those in need. We value every individual and recognize that life’s struggles are real—but they are not the end of the story. We believe in nurturing the mind to embrace high expectations, strive for excellence, and persevere through every obstacle.
Our goal is to inspire success that is both personal and visible, regardless of the challenges an individual or family may face. We welcome people from all walks of life—regardless of religious belief, race, ability, or family background.
Ultimately, our vision is simple yet powerful: to serve God by serving people—with compassion, dignity, and unwavering faith.
Legacy of Faith: The Founding of Beautiful Gate Church of God in Christ
Beautiful Gate Church of God in Christ was founded in 1973 by my father, the late Bishop Elijah Hill, Sr., alongside my mother, the late First Lady Marzelia Hill. For nearly four decades, they faithfully served as spiritual leaders, visionaries, and pillars in both their church and the broader community.
Their ministry was marked by tireless dedication, deep compassion, and unwavering faith. They labored day and night to fulfill the work of the Lord, impacting countless men, women, and children with their teachings, service, and love for God’s people. At the heart of their mission was a belief in the power of faith, the importance of community, and the call to empower others to trust in God for all things.
Our beloved matriarch, First Lady Marzelia Hill, transitioned on September 26, 2004, due to a brain aneurysm. Years later, on April 5, 2017, our patriarch, Bishop Elijah Hill, Sr., passed away after a battle with dementia. Though their physical presence is no longer with us, their spiritual legacy continues to live on.
Today, the vision of Beautiful Gate COGIC is carried forward in honor of their memory by their eldest daughter, Alisha Hill-Payne. This organization stands as a testament to their enduring legacy—a legacy rooted in faith, service, and a deep love for God and His people.
🙌 What We Do
Community Outreach & Support Services
💡 💡 Utility Assistance
We offer up to $100 in emergency utility assistance for qualifying households. Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact or email us for application details and documentation requirements.
Community Resource Guide
Need help navigating local services? Our Community Resource Guide connects individuals and families to food programs, housing support, employment assistance, and more. Available in print and digital formats.
Feed the Homeless – Monthly Outreach
Join us every last Sunday of the month as we serve warm meals and care packages to our neighbors in need. Volunteers and donations are always welcome. Come be the hands and feet of Christ in our community! Contact or email us for more information.
About The Founder of The Organization
My Background
Alisha Hill-Payne is a dedicated educator and community servant based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she resides with her husband and stepson. She is also the proud mother of an adult son who lives in Florida.
A fourth-generation member of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), Alisha was raised as a Pastor's Kid (PK) alongside her four siblings. Her parents, the late Bishop Elijah Hill and First Lady Marzelia Hill, were the Founders and Pastors of Beautiful Gate Outreach COGIC. From childhood through adulthood, Alisha served faithfully in her family's church, contributing to the music ministry, children’s ministry, and community culinary outreach.
Professionally, Alisha began her career in the nonprofit sector with a focus on geriatric health before transitioning to public education in 2017. She is a certified teacher and has served as a Special Education Department Chair, teaching both 6th and 8th grade English, as well as providing instruction to students in centralized special education settings. Currently, she serves as a Secondary School Counselor, where she supports students academically, socially, and emotionally.
Alisha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Administrative Leadership and a Master of Arts in Human and Health Services Administration from the University of Oklahoma. She also earned a Master of Education in Special Education Administration from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
Her lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and student advocacy continues to shape the lives of youth, families, and the community she faithfully serves.
Website Photos by Tyler Nix, Thom Holmes, Joemer Torres and Jon Tyson on Unsplash
Our Belief
We believe and trust fully in God the Father and Jesus Christ His Son. We hold the Bible as my supreme and final authority for doctrine and practice. We believe in salvation, sanctification, and the filling of the Holy Spirit.