The Westside leadership team met with the leadership team of the Hope Center in Kansas City, Missouri today. It was a brief visit but left a big impression on me. These leaders are making a real difference to the vulnerable in Kansas City. They have great plans for a community school, safe streets, good housing, and a church plant. In ten years I believe we'll look back on this Hope Center and see amazing changes in the community around Hope.
The leaders told us that the number one cause of death in the neighborhood is homicide. I was stunned when the story of one young black girl was relayed to us. Her volunteer leader was teaching her about the values of saving sex for marriage and her response was, "Black people don't get married." What a horrible tragedy!
On one block only three of the homes were occupied, the rest vacant and in foreclosure. This community has been hit very hard, even more so in recent days.
When faced with such a hopeless situation, the Church is presented with a truly amazing opportunity. We are the only ones who can bring hope to a place like this. We believe in the power of God to transform lives!
Westside's leaders are exploring how our church can partner with the Hope Center. This is the kind of thing the church of America has to do!
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