As I sit here in the city council meeting chambers here at Newark City Hall, along with the other eight members of the Urban Transformation Strategic Council, discussing the changes which are to be forth coming for the viability of our city. I can't help but reflect upon the question; Will it happen? Will the city of Newark really ever be the safe haven and godly city that its founders intended it to be? Can such a small group really make a difference?
I am reminded of the words echoed by our president and others before him.
"Yes we can!"
One person can make a difference.
One small group can impact a nation.
One movement can change the world!
Yet if all this is to be true then why has it not happened? What factors are to be considered and altered for good to prevail where evil is raging? Why is there so much apathy in the world?
I as a pastor of course I am convinced that it is sin. The disobedience to God which is what has destroyed our city; yet how do I help the entire community of Newark to be better.
It has be four months since I talked to you about the Pray for Newark street adaption initiative. Since crime was up in the south, west, and central wards, the focus was put on these wards to have the streets within them pray for first. Interestingly enough not only have these wards experienced decreases in crime the north and east have experienced increases, to date.
As I stood with the mayor, police commissioner, prosecutor, and others representing law enforcement and community groups, I could not help but wonder why is it that many people don't realize that the crime problem dictated by the government its dictated by the folks in their respective communities and PARENTS!
We must take action in our neighborhoods and in our homes to prevent crime before it grows even more out of hand.
Train your children to do what's right not what feels good or convenient. And speak to other young folks when you see then in error
not in condemnation but in love and you will make a difference.
Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he shall not depart from it.
