Things Going Right
Caleb brought up a great point in one of the comments on this blog...basically, "Is there ever anything positive being written on this blog?" While I think there are plenty of positive things that we've written, it is true that we tend to enjoy a good rant a little more often than not.

Okay, Caleb, here are some good things going on...

I've had this idea about a group of people buying a house in one of the "blighted" neighborhoods in Tulsa, fixing it up and letting some college students live there and do ministry in the community...ala Mission Year. For the city of Tulsa, "blighted" is the official term used to describe neighborhoods that are impoverished, violent, and on a general downward trend in terms of community health. I always figured we could get a house cheap in those areas, but I haven't had much time to do much with this dream/vision.

Well, two weeks ago I heard that an old friend of mine had been given a house in North Tulsa, and that he had the same vision I have had. I called him up and found out that that it's true...a real estate agent has given a house to my friend's non-profit ministry called the Dayspring Foundation. How it all came down is an incredible story in itself...a post for later. But for now the house has been gutted. It will go under a complete renovation this fall. The process has already started. On Saturdays workers have been working steadily on the house. And local contractors and suppliers have been donating materials. There is also an elementary school in the neighborhood, and they have given us permission to run their afterschool programs on Mondays. And it gets better...

The house sits in what is officially the worst neighborhood in Tulsa. The city of Tulsa itself has taken over 66 houses in the neighborhood of 400 or so houses. They paid 1.2 million for the houses and put another 1.6 into them, for a total investment on their part of 2.6 million. But now they want to, well, get rid of them. They have told the Dayspring Foundation that they would sell them the 66 houses for 1.6 million. Currently, my friend is trying to find some people/businesses to match donations...that if we could raise half the money, they might possibly pay the other half. We could then renovate these houses and use them for a number of purposes with the goal of changing the neighborhood. First time homeowners with low incomes could buy some of them cheaply. We could offer a few of them rent free to police officers to ensure a police presence in the neighborhood. College students working as local missionaries to the community could stay rent free. There are so many options.

How's that for the good news of the Kingdom? Anyone want to join us?

posted by Jimmy at 4:46 PM | |