A Change is Coming!

Despite the times of of social economic decay, torrential storms, earthquakes, and hurricanes... we are still here.


In fact within our city there are between 800-900 Christian congregations! Why? Because we are needed! While other cities enjoy a somewhat better “social economic” status, they have been devastated with many disasters... not Newark.


Could it be because our city was founded to
be nearly as possible a Kingdom of God here on earth? And with that said we could easily
understand why Satan seems to be battling Newark so hard. Poverty, Depression, Crime, Corruption, Murder, Abortion, Despair, Hopelessness, Possession, and Oppression seem visible at every glance; yet few of the disasters which have affected other cities have touched us. God has spared us from the natural disasters because of the spiritual warfare we are engaged in.


I am convinced that the reason why Newark has an inordinate amount of congregations is because God in his infinite wisdom knows that Newark is facing and inordinate amount of attacks.


And like Job; going through, and being “considered” by Satan, God has “held us up”, greatly poured out his spirit, and will see us have the victory over Satan and his attacks, that God may get the glory!


Transformation Newark is coming! If we, like Job stand on our faith, hold to the doctrine of the Apostles and remember that we are not individuals but we are members of a body. We are the body of Christ called to work together. We are the Church which the gates of Hell shall not prevail against. And when we are on one accord there is nothing which we attempt to do that shall be restrained from us. One Body-One Faith- One Baptism-One God and Father of us all. And in this city we are The Church At Newark!


So let us work together for the building up of the kingdom as one which is a good thing that God has planted in Newark.


In Faith, Pastor Rick 

You can make a difference!

  

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.