Taking it back: Church's new vision a message about taking back communities

Before the end of July, the pastors and congregation at the Kadosh Church will be singing and saying their prayers in a brand new, "reborn" sanctuary.

And what will be most remarkable about their journey to their new space will not be the increase in membership that necessitated it -- although that is wonderful, too.

What makes this move special is that it has been made to a location that once housed a club known for violence, shootings and drugs.

And now, it will be a house of God.

There are parallels that can be drawn here -- both about the work that the church is doing to rescue this location and to the power of what can happen when a community joins together.

But what is most striking is the comparison that could be made about some of Goldsboro's worst neighborhoods.

What if communities and neighbors did what this church is doing? What if they took over places that have been known for blight and drugs and gave them a new purpose? What if neighbors joined hands and said "no" to drugs and violence and "yes" to faith and family?

It would not happen overnight and the path would not be an easy one, but what if it started in just one corner of one neighborhood?

Do you think it might spread?

There is talk all the time about the future of cities like Goldsboro and the people who live there.

Perhaps this is a chance to think about a new solution -- one that begins with hope, prayer and community.

What better way to make a change than by believing in the people and neighborhoods who could make it happen? And how much courage and determination to make life better is out there just waiting to be tapped?

It sure would be better than doing nothing or watching more families, communities and lives destroyed.

It just takes a spark -- and a little bit of faith.

Published in Editorials on July 8, 2014 11:01 AM