I don't like it when people focus on the negative of the city. Yes, the crumbling buildings, trash and dirtyness speak for themselves. But what about the people of this great city? I have grown to love the people here so deeply. They have taught me so much as they have lived in situations many of us could not imagine- and still fight on with incredible faith. Children are being raised in failing school systems, surrounded by crime and violence...yet there is hope as God's truth continues to go forth.
The question is, what does God want us to do with cities like Highland Park where there seems to be an overwhelming amount of brokeness and devastation?
"Is this not the fast which I choose. to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of yoke, and to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke? Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into the house; when you see the naked to cover him; and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?" Isaiah 58:6-7
Revival Tabernacle, a church in Highland Park that our ministry is closely connected with (we attend youth group every week) is located in the heart of the city. When the church came to our city, they bought out an old adult movie theater and turned it into a church! Next door is the Deja Vu (a strip club) and on the other side, a hotel known for prostitution activity. They are in the thick of the battle bringing light to a very dark corner!
These pictures of the old Highland Park Adult Education building. Inside, you can still see the classroom bulletin boards still intact...
We are home to the original Model T plant! Yes, now it is basically another abandoned building with graffiti and a historical plaque out front
The drastic decrease in population leaves many apartments such as these abandoned.
"If you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, Then your light will rise in darkness...those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will raise up age old foundations; and you will be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of the stress in which you dwell" Isaiah 58
This graffiti is behinda gas station around the corner from my house. You gotta admit, there's some talent!
The McGregor Library shut it's doors in 2001. From what I hear, the books are still in the building. People have been trying to reopen it for the last eight years. A few weeks ago, an announcement was made that a movie is going to be made (with a story based on this library). Proceeds from the movie will go to reopen it! A library in Highland Park will be a huge blessing for many of our families.
Please continue to lift up the city of Highland Park (and Detroit!) in your prayers. Pray that God would bring restoration and a spiritual revival to our city.
