Rev. Rex Baker
Executive Director
God called Rex to ministry at Gateway Rescue Mission in 1998 after a 15 year career in television news . For five years, Rex worked in the trenches with Gateway’s New Life Program. He took the helm as Executive Director in 2003. Rex is married with two daughters, two dogs and a cat. He earned his Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 2003. A sinner saved by grace, Rex considers it his privilege to minister to the “least of these” at Gateway Rescue Mission. He is an avid Ole Miss Rebel fan , but is always graceful when the Rebels win and never sins when they lose.

Larry Perry
Deputy Director
Larry joined the staff of Gateway Rescue Mission in 2004 to bring stability to our programs. Larry came with 12 years of experience in Christian drug and alcohol treatment, having founded the New Day Drug Rehabilitation Ministry in 1992. Known affectionately as “Big Cat” from his days of chasing mice at another ministry location, Larry mixes love and firmness in dealing with drug addicts and alcoholics. Most of all, Larry realizes the need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ in deliverance from bondage. Larry is a former army man who is married with three daughters and five grandchildren, who keep him hopping. Larry also raises cows and horses on his farm.

Rev. Michael Sweet
Director of Ministries
Michael joined Gateway Rescue Mission in 2005. Michael has a combined 20 years experience, working with the Hudspeth Retardation Center and the Metro Jackson Boys & Girls Club. Some of you college football fans may remember Michael as a star running back for the Ole Miss Rebels in the mid 1970’s. He also picked up his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education while at Ole Miss. Michael dreamed of playing pro ball, but an injury made him realize that God had other plans for his life. Today, Michael Sweet is an ordained minister who carries the Gospel message to men in need of a new life. Michael is married with three boys, and daily shows the love of Jesus to those who come through the doors of Gateway Rescue Mission. Michael keeps a large library of Christian music, which he shares with our men.

Bob Whitcomb
Director of Retail Services
Bob joined the Gateway ministry in 1999 and has worn a variety of hats. He currently manages our large Thrift Store in Pearl, Mississippi. Bob has also taught Bible doctrine at our New Life Center. The two greatest events of his life were his spiritual rebirth through Jesus Christ in 1985 and the thousands of survivors he interviewed and assisted after Hurricane Katrina. It was his opportunity to “put feet to the Gospel.” Bob received his B.A. in Liberal Arts from State University of New York. His career has included radio broadcasting and operating his very own promotion and production company. Bob has that “radio voice” that makes you yearn for the AM radio days of the 1970’s.

Marcus Beck
Director of Retail Operations
Marcus joined Gateway in 1999 and is the guy who keeps things running. When we need equipment parts, property scouted out, or just somebody to pick up the donuts, Marcus is our go-to guy. Those of us who come up with bright ideas, but don’t have the sense to make them work; well Marcus is the man who makes them work, or tells us they won’t work. Marcus has been married 20 years, has four children and five grandchildren. He’s a graduate of Hinds Community College, has a background in manufacturing and procurement production. He’s an all round great guy and loyal friend.

Vernon Taylor
New Life Center Director
Vernon linked up with Gateway Rescue Mission in 2004, after serving as Program Coordinator for the New Day Drug Rehabilitation program for seven years. Vernon is a likeable, but no-nonsense guy when it comes to working with guys in drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Vernon has his B. A. in Education from Jackson State University. He is also a Certified HIV Counselor, Certified with the National Father Initiative, a Deacon in his church and loves his mother. Vernon has a giving heart and we couldn’t do what we do without him.