Time Magazine, in their 2010 Annual Edition, put it like this. "Detroit has become an icon of the failed American city."
But some in Detroit beg to differ. Thousands, actually.
While the world watches to see if Detroit can find a way to rise above its own rubble of abandonment, economic woes, and poor management in general, there are many who stayed behind, and, out of love for this city and her people, launched a campaign known as EACH - Everyone A Chance to Hear.
Hear what, one might ask?
The story of Jesus Christ, as shared in the simplest of terms and the most personal of ways by the tens of thousands of Christians in this area. In an effort to make a difference for the population of 3.5 million who find their home in the Greater Detroit area, those who are a part of the EACH Campaign firmly believe that the way to revive this city is from the inside out. Beginning on their knees, canvasing the city in prayer, and then going out to serve, to meet the needs of their neighbors, and to share the hope found in Jesus.
EACH has already accomplished the unthinkable by uniting 400 churches and Christian organizations from different denominations in this effort to serve the people living in Southeast Michigan. With the common mission, to "love our neighbor as ourselves," many activities will stem from these churches and organizations in their local communities, where they best know their own neighbors.
"This is all about showing the love of Jesus through our actions," says Bob Shirock, Lead Pastor of EACH. "There is a great need in our area, and we hope that this kind of outpouring will demonstrate to others what a life with Jesus has to offer."
The EACH Collaborative also features four larger inititives:
- A 1.5 mile Prayer Walk in downtown Detroit on April 16th, expected to draw thousands to pray for this city.
- Serving 10,000 meals per day through partnerships with the Detroit Rescue Mission and Forgotten Harvest.
- Creation of two mobile medical and dental units, in partnership with Covenant Community Care, to be used in the most distressed areas of this region.
- Five resource fairs to be held in Detroit and some areas downriver during the month of May. These will highlight a variety of organizations that can fill in the gap to provide human service needs.
The churches are in what can be termed a 'training period' for this EACH Campaign, which involves an extended time of study, prayer, and focus on obtaining a heart for the lost, to see others as God sees them. The campaign itself officially launches on Easter Sunday, April 24th, and will literally blanket the area in service for the forty days that follow. But the prayer is that effect will last much longer; that this region will be changed forever, and can be viewed as a city of hope and love.
The goals of this collaborative are both simple and complex; to touch the lives as many people as possible, but also to permanently alter the spiritual landscape of Detroit, proving to anyone watching that Detroit is rebuilding, using Jesus as a foundation for that comeback.
For those who are a part of EACH, they fully believe that it will take much more than tax dollars and governing committees to revolutionize this city; it will require human proof that God has not forgotten Detroit, and they are making a pledge to be the hands and feet of that effort.
It looks like the heart of Detroit is in great hands, thanks to the EACH Campaign. Every person does deserve a chance to hear.
Mark 12:31 - And the second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no command that is greater than this. (NIV)
For additional information, visit http://eachtoday.com
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