Yesterday, I was privileged to participate in a men's conference at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church where 5 young men gave their life to Christ. During the conference I sat and pondered on all of the dynamics surrounding this life changing experience for these young men. I paid close attention to all of the resources that were used to bring this about. For example, (1) we had a room full of men only, (2) we showed a one and half hour movie called "Courageous" and the movie challenged men to be responsible for everything that occurs in their life, (3) we had a former gang leader turned Pastor speak about his transformation from a life of drug dealing, attempted murder and self hatred to a life of changing the Hood for Christ and restoring men and women into their proper roles.
The other thing that I noticed is that grandfathers had brought their grandsons and mothers trusted us to minister to their sons with the hope that seeds of change would occur in their lives. This move required Faith and this Faith was borne from real concerns about their futures and concerns that if their sons and Grandsons did not get pointed into the right direction now, they could be in some real trouble up the road. I also pondered about the news reports I hear over and over again about the demise of Black Men. What role could the Church could play in reversing this highly destructive pattern of Black on Black male crime, the prison over population and destruction in the community? You rarely hear talk about using tax dollars and private investment to truly support work that can reach these young men and women with programs, prayers and guidance from ex-felons who have demonstrably turned their lives around. Unemployment is at an all time high and so is crime, so we have a big supply of servants and an abundance of need. Yet, we have not seen real effort in simultaneously bringing the resource to the need. Men who have overcome, helping men who are finding their way.
Just as an aside, I think about the Billions, that's right Billions, spent on campaigns for elected offices from the Presidency down to the local elected positions and I wonder what if just some of these funds were re-directed to support programs like what I have articulated here?
That begs the question? Why not spend taxpayers dollars and more private investments to improve the lives of people. Pay some of these ex-cons to participate in mentoring programs and even improve their own skills so that themselves can lead programs of change in their communities. They would in turn reach out to these young men an steer them away from trouble into a life of prosperity. Imagine the power of that dynamic whereby houses could be renovated, schools modernized, reading and math skills could be improved through non traditional teaching techniques, young men could gain more from the bible because they would know how to read it on their own using critical thinking skills. What a wonderful investment idea, the combination of tax dollars with private investment. How much our communities would change.
I know there are many excuses for why this couldn't happen, but as I said in a earlier blog, common sense does not blend well with Faith moves because Faith moves are uncommon moves. Someone just has to be willing to make a move.
There are already federal laws on the books that allow churches and non profits to apply for grants to do social programs. These programs can do many things, such as, after school education, provide health and feeding programs, to build affordable housing, to start small businesses. etc.. etc.. etc. (See Links Below for Resources)
http://www.dol.gov/cfbnp/grant.htm
http://www.hhs.gov/partnerships/
http://www.grantwatch.com/collection.php?cat=11
But it will take Faith, consistent effort and Patience to do these things. It will not happen overnight but someone has to grab the bull by the horns and say I am going to move out by Faith to first, set up a plan and second, follow the voice of the Holy Spirit and take steps to reach my goal of turning my community around.
I can tell you from jump, the devil is gonna send all kinds of negative pictures into your mind suggesting the impossibilities of going this route. But, if you can muster enough Faith to walk through these mental barriers, you will see some positive results that will keep you moving forward.
Don't be afraid, if you are not an ex-con, praise God. But I am sure you know someone who is and they are serving God with fervor However, they need an opportunity to let the inner change manifest into an outer world and that will encourage them even the more to do great and mighty things for the Kingdom of God. One thing I have noticed with working with ex-cons and that is they have no fear and they can speak a language that we couldn't begin to know because of where they have been and what God has brought them through. But that language resonates with our troubled youth. So we should try to create as many platforms as we can to let their light shine in our communities.
If we just start out with a little, God will turn it into a lot. I am witness to that fact. Looking forward to hearing your great reports about changed Lives and changed Communities.
Peace!!
No comments:
Post a Comment