THE ISSUE:Community challenges.
OUR VIEW:There’s encouragement in Scripture.
Monday, more than a hundred people gathered at the UAW Local 685 union hall for the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast – now in its seventh year.
With friends and neighbors participating in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, a city unemployment rate of 13.1 percent, and 25 percent fewer jobs here than in 2000, there was a lot to pray about.
Mayor Greg Goodnight set the tone of the event with a reading from Isaiah: “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.”
“We’ve seen unemployment, mortgage foreclosures and joblessness, people struggling to enroll their children in activities ...,” he said. “But God didn’t create us to wallow and suffer helplessly.”
Viewers of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” were treated to that lesson Sunday. The story of Kori Brown – a 12-year-old Bunker Hill girl who, despite suffering half her life with an immune deficiency, has raised more than $35,000 for the American Cancer Society – was told.
Kori wasn’t created to wallow.
Last year, following the local National Day of Prayer observance, we shared our favorite Bible verse: Joshua 1:9. It epitomizes Kori’s personal struggle and generous spirit, and can encourage this community as it continues battling its enemy of 10 years: a harsh economy.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
