Tuesday, June 28, 2011

God is bossy. Hallelujah.

In two short weeks, God has taken a silly dream and started clearing the path to possibility.
Tomorrow morning, I will be meeting with the police chiefs in Catawba County. Police from other areas like Charlotte and Greensboro will also be in attendance. AND the attorney general for NC will be speaking. The main conversation will be about gang activity in Catawba County and what an affect community involvement can have on those in wrapped up in gang life. During all of this, I get to present the dream God gave me just two weeks ago. Whoa.
I have already met with some members of our community that have given me the green light and all the support I could have asked for. This meeting is the next step and then on to the grant writing. Whoa again.
So far, the program consists of gathering at-risk youth from local high schools, churches, etc...These kids will be given the opportunity to serve the needs of members of our community that would not otherwise be met. The needs will range from yard work to small home repairs to grocery runs. They will also be given the opportunity to work community events and help resurface buildings that have been tagged with gang graffiti.
As the program grows, the hope is to include convicts and those involved in gang initiatives that encourage education and finding "legit" employment. These guys will work with this program long enough to earn references that will help them find permanent work.
My other hope with this program is that it will decrease some of the racial tension in this county. With these kids and churches working together to increase the value of life for the entire community, different races will have to work side by side. The hope falls in this making it possible for them to learn more about each other, which is the first step in breaking down walls of ignorance and hatred.

I love when God is bossy and gives me the strength to act. I can't wait to see how this plays out!

2 comments:

  1. This is a book I think you would really love:
    http://www.amazon.com/Tattoos-Heart-Power-Boundless-Compassion/dp/1439153027
    His work with gang members is inspiring.

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  2. thanks! i'll have to check that out :)

    ReplyDelete