Hundreds of Youth Tackle Inner City Poverty and Blight
Community Leaders Praise Youth Choosing Service Over Vacation
Hundreds of inner city youth from Iowa, Georgia, Alabama, Pennsylvania, and Texas are tackling impoverished areas of West Dallas, Oak Cliff, and Fair Park in a three week blitz. The campaign is in partnership with Greater Dallas Justice Revival, FEED 3 and Passport Youth Ministries. The youth are being hosted by Cliff Temple Baptist Church of Oak Cliff.
The projects include painting and repairing four damaged churches that have historic significance in low income communities. "These churches represent more than fifty to seventy-five years of service to these communities, and have an important role in the health of the inner city." said David Burroughs, founder and President of Passport, Inc. Other projects include repairing senior citizens homes out of code compliance, building a new deck at the Jacob House men's home, and landscaping for elderly and first time homeowners.
The youth raised support by holding garage sales which raised over $100,000 dollars to sponsor trips to four major US cities, which include the inner city of Dallas, Washington D.C., St. Louis, and San Francisco. Choosing to spend their summer funds and vacations to do service projects, rather than go to vacation hot spots where most of their peers chose, brought praise from local community leaders.
"It shows incredible character and a real understanding of Jesus message to serve others before your own interests" said Robert Lewis, a community activist in West Dallas. "I could write a book about these kids, they are energetic, hard workers, and sweet as can be. I have to make them take breaks!" he exclaimed, reflecting on the work ethic rare among some youth today.
Passports Summer Theme is about denying yourself, and your trip to the beach or mountains, taking risks, which requires courage and action by serving the inner city. The organization, founded in 1993, brings together youth from various denominational backgrounds to encounter Jesus through creative community experiences.
Don Parish, pastor and community leader in Fair Park also praised the youth for their work ethic and good spirits. "This dynamic program gives kids an opportunity to get close to real life situations in the inner city that most kids never see." said Parish. He continued: "These experiences in Fair Park and West Dallas will have a life time impact. Their labor of love is a reflection of Jesus washing the feet of others. They are washing our feet."
