cktimes.ca Archives for The Pastoral Lens
The Pastoral Lens
Vision for a New Community
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Our community of Wallaceburg had a series of town hall meetings last week inviting the public to bring their input on how we can see our town move forward. When I read about this idea in the newspaper I immediately thought this was a great idea, but wondered if people would come. I was tied up in meetings and other appointments for the 2 days that were offered, but opted to phone my comments in. Taking my call was Stuart McFadden, the project manager of the Wallaceburg Community Task Force (WCTF).As most people are aware, unemployment has been the reigning heavyweight champion of the local economy, landing a one-two punch on the town ever since the closure of the glass factory. However, a new prize fighter has stepped into the ring in the form of this task force. I was so fired up talking with Stu McFadden. He feels passionately about Wallaceburg and the potential that lies here. I couldn't agree with him more! He told me that some 120 people came out for these special meetings, a very significant number indeed. This man has the main ingredient necessary for us to get out of our slump: vision. The Bible says this in Proverbs 29:18: "Without a vision, the people perish." What this phrase means is that if there is no insight, no revelation, no vision to see the road ahead then people will go in a myriad of directions and the result will be chaos. We need to get together and all be on the same playing field.
As we talked, I urged Stuart to consider the contributions that the church community of Wallaceburg could make. I have been a pastor here for over 14 years now and have seen many changes. I have also seen what great things can happen when the churches work together to help the community out. Thankfully, I didn't need rto convince Stuart. He wants to come and address our pastors in the fall at our next ministerial meeting. I truly believe that if we can get pastors on board, we can get the churches on board.
Let me ask you something today. Regardless of what community you're from, whether it is one here in Chatham-Kent or some other place, do you believe in your community? Does the economy matter to you? Is it a place you're proud to call home, or are you embarrassed to live there? The Stuart McFadden's of this world believe that if there's a will, there's a way. If he can get a critical mass of co-labourers, he'll see the changes he's hoping for. I'm with him here in Wallaceburg. You know what they say: "If you're not part of the solution, buddy, you're part of the problem." Which part are you playing?
