This letter is one of the most important things that you might read in 2010.  Please read this carefully and prayerfully.  God is up to something huge in our city, but He needs our help.

You may have heard about or even spotted one of the hundreds of “Love Your City” signs around Sheboygan.  In the beginning of 2009, Praise Fellowship Church decided to do random acts of kindness to show the love of Christ in a practical way by meeting people at their physical needs in hopes of ministering to their spiritual needs.  We had a blast doing things like free car washes, gas buy-downs, picking up trash in three of the toughest neighborhoods, handing out free bottled water in parades, and free coffee, water, and snacks at the farmer’s market.  Finally, we saw a huge need met by hosting a free clinic.  Services included doctors, dentists, lawyers, counseling of all sorts, spa services, mechanics, a hot meal, and a free thrift store; all while being ministered to every step of the way.

The first sign of hope we saw was people coming out of their homes and joining us in cleaning up their neighborhoods.  Secondly, as things progressed, another group called Sheboygan Neighborhood Pride approached us to join forces.  Instantly a relationship was made and Sheboygan was starting to get cleaned up at twice the rate.  Not only was more work getting done quicker, but the citizens were getting more excited and saw more hope for their neighborhoods.  We noticed that neighborhood cleanups were becoming contagious when a local business, Coca-Cola Bottling, wanted to give back to the community and asked Neighborhood Pride and Love Your City to help.  Almost 500 volunteers from all walks of life joined together and made a difference.

While all working together, our eyes and ears were opened to be able to see and hear some of the problems that ail our city.  We came to the conclusion that if the good people of Sheboygan would humble themselves by rolling up their sleeves, working together with their neighbors, and focus our resources on a common goal – we could make Sheboygan a better place in just one year.

After numerous meetings with the officials of Sheboygan including the mayor, assessor, district attorney, fire men, city planning, building inspection, police, Sheboygan Neighborhood Pride (SNP), Crime Stoppers, Neighbors Against Drugs and Drunkenness, alderpersons, and the general public; Love Your City has come up with a vision that all members of the faith community band together to sponsor a neighborhood for the year of 2010 and focus on one of the greatest needs; coined Hometown Security.

The reason for the focus on hometown security is because the crime rate in Sheboygan is beginning to spiral out of control.  In 2008, there were over 2100 property crimes, 1700 larceny and theft, 350 burglaries, 80 violent crimes, and 10 forcible rapes.  It is time for something drastic to be done!

The city assessor’s office, along with SNP has defined some of the neighborhoods of Sheboygan.  The vision is that each church or group “adopt” one or more neighborhoods for 2010 and focus on performing some, if not all, of the following duties throughout the year.  The first task is to go door to door and talk to the people of your neighborhood.  Hand out a brochure to let them know what we aim to do and encourage them to help out.  The brochure outlines the tasks and proper authorities to contact.  While talking to them, direct some of your conversation to finding out what their greatest needs are, and record that onto the survey.  Building a relationship is a key to the success of this.  We encourage you to database the survey so that you will always be able to call upon it when ministering in that neighborhood.

Here is where Love Your City can have its greatest impact.  The church or group can offer to help accomplish the tasks laid out in the brochure.  Offer to help pick up trash, paint over graffiti, edge sidewalks, trim and mow lawns, install outside lighting, perform small repairs, or place calls to the proper authorities.  Since you have already made a connection with these people, minister to all their needs; both physical and spiritual.  Invite them to your small groups, bible studies, youth events, church services, or just over for a meal.  The sky’s the limit when it comes to this ministry.  If we all do a little something to share the love of Christ, God will do amazing things.  “If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well.” (James 2:8 KJV)

Most of these activities can be done inexpensively yet prove to be extremely effective.  For example, a roll of garbage bags is less than $10.  These can be just left on curbs for pickup.  Five gallons of paint is less than $100 and can cover a lot of graffiti.  Lawn mowers, weed whackers, bush trimmers, chain saws, and sidewalk edgers are all items that your members might have.  If not, they are affordable to rent on a daily basis.  Don’t stop there, the possibilities are limitless, and you’ll be surprised at the resources God will give you.

By gaining trust in your neighborhood, it will open the door to creating a lasting relationship.  The door is open for the Holy Spirit to do His work.  Decisions for Christ will be made, and servant will be created.

No matter how large or small your church or group is, you can help!  Sheboygan can and will be a better, safer place to live.  By having government, businesses, general public, and the body of Christ working together as a team with a common goal, lives will be changed and the community impacted.  We need your support!  Will you adopt a neighborhood(s) in Sheboygan for 2010?

Call or email to get involved today.  This could not only change our city, but it could become a model for other communities that could literally change the world!  Be in prayer and listen to what God would have you do to spread the good news! “Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” (James 4:7,8 KJV)