NEW DIRECTION FOR THIS BLOG

When I first began this "political blog," it was to be separated from my "preacher blog" simply because I enjoy commentating on the heated and big political matters of the day. Its always been a side hobby, just as is reading in American History. Us preachers have to have some hobbies! :)

However, for the next few months--this blog will take a different direction. I have come to the conclusion--that neither Barack Obama, Sara Palin, Nancy Pelosi, Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry and the list goes on--NONE OF THEM CAN REALLY FIX OUR PROBLEMS! Neither can the mayors and city councils and school boards of each of our communities. Not that government can't and shouldn't play a role in helping to make things better--but ultimately--God and a citizenry that cares about their communities CAN INDEED MAKE A GREAT DIFFERENCE! Just go read the Book of Nehemiah!

Thus, I am starting a movement in the City of Mesquite--called "The Nehemiah Mesquite Mission." This movement is not a political organization, a non-profit, a church, or anything else other than a movement of God's people going out into parts of Mesquite to "rebuild the walls and lives" our fellow citizens. Having said that, if anyone who is not a Christian would like to take part in helping uplift neighborhoods and serve others--they will be welcome to help and treated as valued workers and neighbors!

There are great needs in our city! Just drive around in various neighborhoods and see rampant poverty. Drive around and see homes falling apart, yards full of trash and unkept properties. Drive around and go into convenience stores in these struggling neighborhoods and see the drug paraphanalia and smut they sell--and the kids living in those neighborhoods go into those stores everyday! Often these are the same kids who are struggling in school, have no strong guidance at home and need mentors desperately! Drive around and see growing crime all around us. We can't hire enough police officers to stop every possible situation. We actually have better options avaialble to us--through good neighbors looking out for each other.

Some of these property owners, apartment complexes, and other places--may need to be dealt with somewhat severely and the use of our local authorities may have to enforce local ordinances and laws. However, I believe there are many good citizens out there--renters and homeowners who want to have better neighborhoods and better places for their kids to grow up. Maybe some of these folks need some love, support, friendship, and help. Maybe some of the property owners need some help getting their lawn and landscape fixed up and a coat of paint on their house instead of having code enforcement called out on them. This is where the Nehemiah Mesquite Mission comes in and begins to make a difference Lord willing. Groups and organizations like the Mesquite Ministerial Alliance are doing great work with things like "Addressing Mesquite Day." But my dream and vision is to expand such efforts to be taking place all through out city on a daily basis!

How many businesses are struggling and failing in Mesquite? How many unemployed do we have in our city? How many need hope?

I will be posting soon, a greater definition of the Nehemiah Mesquite Mission. However, in the mean time. I will be enlisting every possible volunteer and worker we can get! It matters not if you are a Republican or a Democrat or what your political beliefs are. It doesn't matter if you dislike certain people in the city who are also involved in the community. What matters is that we all come together and make a difference and honor God! I am calling upon every church in Mesquite to soon adopt a section of the city--maybe a street, a school, an apartment complex etc and send their members out to minister and serve in those areas! Just imagine. Just dream of the possibilities!

I have a Facebook page devoted to the Nehemiah Mesquite Mission. Stop by.

There is nothing wrong with Mesquite that cannot be fixed by what is right with Mesquite!

Bruce Archer