Community Development.

Times are hard,  money and jobs difficult to find that have the benefit of security.  It is a reality to many of us. Many will drop out, give in and say the future seems hopeless.  It looks bleak for the children of the world to see any of the American dream off in the distance.

We have a great opportunity to rise above these circumstances.  A new paradigm about methods and  values and ethics will be required.  Business as usual can't be part of the solution.  The saying goes keep doing what you're doing and keep getting what you're getting.

No matter the job or career we hold, there are great people willing to learn, change and be the best they can be.  CEO and waitress alike, willing to be unique or take responsibility for recovery. The economy may not change but attitudes,effort and affirmation may improve any situation.

Change and adaptations may be the words of the day. Whether we are in business, non profit or a Church ministry all is not over or ruined or beyond hope.  This is again a great opportunity to provide help, education and prayer.

We as Christians, and employers and employees; have a high calling for community development. Development is not only in infrastructure, but also Mentally, physically and spiritual!  It is time for us to make an investment in lives for today and eternity.

Jesus said: "The Spirit of the lord is upon me, Because He has appointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor;  He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."

Seeing the direction of his nation, the prophet Jeremiah hit the street asking the community  "Is it nothing to you. You all that pass by?" We have been given a commission to offer food, clothing and the good news of Jesus Christ.  We as the Church can turn the lights on during the week providing any help and be a "lighthouse" as we hold out the Word of Truth!

We can be a people that through Christ see development in ourselves and others that need rebuilding:
Marriages,  relationships,  family, lives damaged by drug and other abuses.  What a great thing if there was a new construction of hope and  faith in God.

I'm looking forward to what God is going to do and as we will pray to be a part of what He is doing in our communities. We are to be building His Kingdom by spreading the good news of  Christ.

Let's start building!