City Councillors...
We appreciate the hard work that you all do... and the situations you often have to deal with. So please know every Friday when you hear the "Community Prayer Siren" sound at 11am, that many many Christ-followers are praying for you and for our community.
To love one's neighbor as himself includes the desire that our neighbors also benefit from creating a great community. We know the turmoil and strife brought on because of evil in the world -- it's no surprise. And we're anxious to help do something about it. For instance, several of you were present last summer at the westside townhall meeting. The entire evening was focused on SOLUTIONS, not the problems -- everyone there already knew the problems. One public official after another presented some great answers. Then churchmen. Then neighbors.
Interestingly, if my memory serves me well, not one single voice was heard to say... "We could cure some of our problems if government would grant special protection for the homosexual lifestyle." Actually, we heard just the opposite -- more focus on helping families, more mentoring of young men, greater impact by churches and the good news and compassion that Christ offers our communities.
Increasingly, our Bible-believing pastors, leaders and congregations in the city are not only working hard to bless the community, they're now crossing lines that may have formerly divided us, to partner together for impact here. The Transform Indiana ministry network is reaching out to build urban partnerships with suburban pastors and congregations... bringing resources to Indy... at no cost to the city/county government. And together, Christ-followers are bringing hope.
Not only are our own metro Christians working toward a great community, over a year ago thousands of Southern Baptists came to Indy from all over the U.S. for their annual convention. Most came a week early and did all sorts of servant-works in our neighborhoods. Similarly, last summer, the Indianapolis Star cited the 25,000 Nazarenes who came to Indy with their money in hand for supplies & tools, and many with gloves on, to help rebuild inner city homes, etc... a blessing with no price-tag for Indianapolis. And very recently the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) brought over 2,000 'inner-city driven' Christians to the Racing Capital of the World for their annual conference -- including all sorts of workshops, tours of Indy ministries in action, special speakers inspiring further inner-city development -- focused on helping our community and their communities become more and more impacted by the love of Christ.
Why do you suppose Indianapolis is so attractive to them? They didn't come for a Colts game. We're not a first-tier convention city. They didn't come for the great weather or our beach. They came because our city is family-oriented and a cut-above what they see elsewhere.... and we're working hard to improve it all the time. [And btw, even the Colts seem to be benefiting greatly because of the quiet, godly character of an inspiring coach.]
So as you address the special-rights issue contained in bill #622 which again surfaces before you, let me encourage you to govern toward godliness -- you can't go wrong. We all need to work together toward a greater sense of morality that builds a strong fabric in society.
And if you consider your task simply a political or business decision, then at least decide prudently. Prioritize the types of bills that need your attention most. Consider how to empower those who love living here and building this community. And consider who else brings to your city their time, talent and treasure to help make it great.
We're praying for each of you. Indianapolis is a great community model that others come to see. Keep up the good work.
Blessings in the name of Jesus Christ, who wept over the city because He cared for the people in it.
Warmly,
Neil Cox
IndyChristian.com
317-490-1255
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