The Urban Transformation Newsletter PUBLISHED BY DOMINION FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES Volume 1, Issue 4
May 2009
Urban Action Step 1: Mission Visualization That Newark, NJ would be “as nearly as possible a kingdom of God on earth”. Those were the words of the city’s founders when they established the community in 1666. What did they have in mind? What is our hope for a “New Ark”? What do we see in our spirits for the transformation, restoration or rebuilding of this great city? Our hope, as Nehemiah’s hope, rests in quiet confidence in the God who is a covenant keeping God and has not forgotten the covenant established at the founding of this city. Clearly God says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build, unless the Lord watches the city, the
watchmen wait in vain.” We must be still, listen for the Lord’s voice which is still and small, and focus on His vision which is the hope of restored city. Mayor Cory Booker in his mission statement states Newark is: “To be America’s leading urban city in safety, prosperity and nurturing of family life. Newark will set a national standard for urban transformation by marshaling its resources to achieve security, economic abundance and an environment that is nurturing and empowering for families.” This is a lofty and high statement, the question is how to get to this place. It begs the question of whether it is possible to
get to this place by human strength alone, or if supernatural intervention is essential. What would it look like? In visualizing a transformed Newark, first we see what needs to go: murders, shootings, crime, terror, homelessness, hunger, despair, prostitution, and rape. Gang members will stop selling dangerous drugs, but seek healthy relationships and honest employment. Prisoners are transformed and not drawn back into crime or return to incarceration. Kids who graduate from high school look to continue their education or find meaningful work. People are able to own their homes and take pride in their neighborhoods. cont. on page 2
An Opportunity to Serve As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. There is plenty of opportunity around us to do good to all men, the question is what should be done that can get more bang for the buck? Crime, poverty and poor education are social ills that hurt the city of New-
ark. A lack of education is considered a culprit that contributes to crime, poverty and illiteracy. According to research 51% of the city population does not read at a proficient level. This statistic could explain why 51% of the people between the ages of 25 to 64 don’t have a high school diploma.
These statistics point to an opportunity for the body of Christ to do good unto all men. What’s needed are ideas and solutions that can be implemented through ministry, a means to do good in Newark and this region. Recently a local church in Newark, Jesus Deliverance cont. on page 2
7-Step Urban Action Plan Summary 1. Mission Visualization: Before Nehemiah put together a plan to re-build the city walls, he first surveyed the damage. Everyday we see the consequences of sin; what is needed now in Newark are church leaders who will adopt an action plan that will aim to solve problems. 2. Team Mobilization: After Nehemiah prepared his action plan to re-build the city walls, he provided the leadership necessary to encourage many in the city to follow his lead and repair these walls. To the church at Newark: We have an action plan — are you ready to follow? 3. Economic Equalization: Many in the city were being taken advantage of financially by greedy businessmen. Nehemiah heard the cries of the people and put a stop to unfair business policies. We are experiencing the same unfair treatment in the city, but no one has yet to step up like Nehemiah to put an end to unfair lending policies. 4. Enemy Identification: The enemy attempted to stop the good that was being done in the city. Nehemiah recognized the enemy for who he was and was not fooled by the schemes to stop the good work being done. Has the church in Newark allowed the enemy to hinder us so we don’t bless the city more than we have already done? 5. Word Saturation: In order to restore the people in city back to God, his word had to be shared with them. Their disobedience to God was the reason why the city was in ruins. When we stray away from the truth of God, we will eventually suffer the consequences of bad choices. 6. Holy Day Observation: Six days God has given man to work; one day is to be set aside and devoted to God. On this day we can draw nigh to God so that he can draw nigh to us. 7. Righteous Family Unification: It’s been said, “Charity starts at home.” If there is charity at home unity will be there also. Righteousness and unity in the family are the building blocks that will build strong neighborhoods, communities, and cities.
If you would like to volunteer to help transform this city, please contact us at (973) 273-9200 or email admin@dominionfellowshipministries.com .
DOMINION FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES IS A NEWARK-BASED OUTREACH CHURCH
Apostle Bernard Wilks, Founder and Overseer Dominion Fellowship Ministries 83 James Street Newark, NJ 07102 Phone: 973-273-9200 Website: dominionfellowshipministries.com
Step1: Mission Visualization —cont. from page 1 Children are loved and cared for by a father and mother. Parents are able to find gainful employment to provide for their families. A spirit of gratitude and thankfulness permeates every aspect of our lives. Changing the spiritual climate The conditions that contribute to peace or terror, rest or fear, tranquility or unrest are what is known as the spiritual climate of an area. Changing the spiritual climate is the essential ingredient in setting the stage for lasting change in our city. Jesus Christ is the one who alone can bring these changes to our city. It is our vision that every person who lives, works, or worships in Newark would have a genuine exposure to the true gospel of Jesus Christ and because of individualized, specific prayer and/or personal experience, the person knows that the kingdom of God has come to them. If we agree that the spiritual climate is a key challenge in Newark, we then must ask, “How can the spiritual climate of a region change?” We will describe Team Mobilization and changing the spiritual climate in the next issue—so stay tuned and keep praying for Newark!
20th Anniversary 1988-2008
Join our outdoor celebration of National Day of Prayer at Newark City Hall on Thursday, May 7. This event begins at 11:30AM.
An Opportunity to Serve - cont. from page 1 Tabernacle, launched a reading ministry. The ministry name is The Read aLoud! Reading Clinic. The first 10 children they tested, ranging from grades k-7, all scored at reading below grade level. The ministry purpose is to help students and adults who have difficulty reading aloud and to themselves, develop the ability to read, acquire an appreciation for the written word and develop their vocabulary. The principal at an elementary school in Newark when introduced to this program responded by saying: “Thank you for this much needed service”. Such services are important in helping our city navigate through this transformation -- similar efforts are needed. We encourage you through your church, neighborhood
association or local social services agency to get involved. Catch the transformation vision and allow God to use you as one of his instruments for positive change in a city on the move -- indeed the harvest is plenty, but for now the laborers are still few. So please, help where you can.
MLK Jr. Urban Convocation Statement of Purpose To unite ministers committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ with service providers, government entities, and businesses, for the enhancement of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness of persons within the urban setting.
Upcoming Events 1. Saturday, April 11, 2009—Metro Christian Ministries presents the movie, “The Passion of the Christ,” 7PM at 83 James Street. Free popcorn and refreshments-bring your family! Displayed on a 9-foot screen. 2. Saturday, April 18, 2009—ReMA Annual Walk-A-Thon through Branch Brook Park, beginning at Central Assembly of God, 92 S. 6th Street , 9:30AM. 3. Thursday, May 7, 2009—National Day of Prayer on steps of Newark City Hall, 11:30AM. 4. Saturday, May 16, 2009—”Metro Ward Rally” at West Side Park, 12 Noon. 5. Saturday, May 30, 2009—6th Annual Taking the City for Jesus Prayer Walk, 12 Noon at Seth Boyden Terrace—Dayton St. Contact Althea Gravesande at 973-659-8207. 6. Sunday, May 31, 2009—Global Day of Prayer. Newark Gospel Tabernacle, 985 South Orange Avenue, Newark, 3:30 PM. Call 908-665-9829 for details. 7. Saturday, June 20, 2009—PrayForNewark Street Adopters Meeting. 9:30-Noon at 83 James Street. Write a Fathers’ Day love letter to Newark and be prepared to share it with others! 9:30AM-Noon. Call 908665-9829 for additional information.
Are you praying for a Newark street?
Newsletter contributors:
Did you know : • That 33% of Newark’s streets were prayed for in 2008? • That Newark’s murder rate declined by 33% in 2008? • You can help PrayForNewark reach the goal of 100% adoption by signing up at www.prayfornewark.org
Apostle Bernard Wilks Mark Rostek Bruce Pajot Page 2
Min. Walter Morris Joanne Turner Lloyd Turner