Henry and I had an unusual bonding moment this summer. We were invited to a late-night bus ride through the roughest and most crime-infested neighborhoods of Durham. He and I both saw things that most white guys never see in real life… a close up look at the “dark side” of the Triangle.

It’s easy to miss. After all, we both live in nicer parts of town. Our schools, businesses, and churches are practically insulated. It’s the human propensity to just “stick to your own.” But something has changed for both of us. We want to be more engaged.

For me, this shift began happening many years ago. Growing up in a Jewish home, my parents taught me about diversity. I understood the “minority dilemma” and it became important to me to accept others. Later in life, as I became a follower of Jesus, I could no longer ignore what was only 15 minutes away… a part of the city where hope was sparse and oppression was strong. At the same time it was often easier to fly 15 hours to a developing nation and serve, than it was to drive 15 minutes to a “Project” of Durham. But that insanity had to end. It was time to stop taking my clues from Hollywood’s globetrotting celebrity caregivers and start getting involved right in my own backyard.

So I started in the Cornwallis Community about 11 years ago. It is less than 10 minutes from our church, King’s Park International. It had taken me years to realize this community even existed. It is one of about ten government-sponsored communities of Durham. Growing up we called them “the Projects,” but recently the term has changed to “Housing Communities,” eliminating some of the stigma.

With a few resources and friends we threw together the Youth Life Center and to my great surprise the Durham Housing Authority gave us a free place within Cornwallis to begin making an impact.

Our first day was interesting to say the least. When our team arrived at the Center to open the doors on the first day, several bullets had been strategically shot through our front door the night before. The timing could not have been worse for a bunch of unpaid volunteers, but I was proud to see that faith was alive and nothing was going to stop our people from showing concern. Was this was a rite of passage? Whatever it was, nothing was going to stop the love of God from flowing.

It was a huge lift when Hall of Fame Football Player Darrel Green, came down from Washington D.C. to be a part of that inauguration. He personally funded the first ten computers and helped cast a vision of what our humble place could become. Another Redskin player shared too. It proved to be significant when men who came out of these communities would address the people right where they were living. Both men let us and the people in the community know that this Center could be a refuge of hope, a place of training, and a resource where dreams could live and not die.

Here is a snapshot of what I’ve learned from spending time in Cornwallis. First, the families are hurting yet very friendly. They welcomed us with sincerity and ease. It is mostly moms and kids since 99% are single mother households. Fathers are painfully missing. The annual household income averages less than $5,000 (this is not a misprint). When we first went in it was clear that oppression and hopelessness were winning.

It’s been more than ten years now of our serving that wonderful community. There have been lots of challenges… more than I would have imagined. My hope of seeing this vision spread throughout Durham has yet to be realized. Often the funds are low and obstacles are high. The Center cannot always meet the needs that are present. Criticism we’ve faced at times has been justified. But one thing is for sure… many lives have been touched, hope has been released, and many young people have been transformed.

Transformation has happened on many levels. Children have had grades improve from D’s and F’s to A’s and B’s. Entire families have broken the chain of poverty and now enjoy jobs, incomes, and new homes outside of governmental intervention. These are the successes that make it all worthwhile. The real heroes, Life Center tutors who serve on a daily or weekly basis, are making a tangible difference that cannot be denied. One such volunteer, Jamie Latham, received an award from President Bush. (Visit www.ronlewisministries.com/letter.html for more information).

I have come to notice several things about the Cornwallis Community. First, we have a lot in common with the people there. My four sons have grown up with their kids. They have enjoyed a common bond in Christ, a common bond in a church family, and wholesome interests that have brought many of their youth to my home, often overnight. Dr. Martin Luther King was so right when he said Sunday morning at 11:00 is the most segregated hour of the week. We are missing so much when we accept segregation in our houses of worship and in our personal homes as well.

Another observation is how much the kids of Cornwallis want to learn and grow. They know something is missing in their lives and homes, and many want to find a way out. Finally, there is a load of talent in the inner city. It is replete with potential world-changers just waiting for a chance. All they need is a little encouragement to keep them from playing out a role they’ve seen on TV or in their “hood.” I believe their dreams can come true with a little help from others.

It’s been said, “Don’t give the needy a fish, teach them to go fishing,” and I agree. But also, let’s teach them about pond ownership. These kids are “hungry” enough to make great business and civil leaders. With a little help from all of us, they will.

Many of us share a common hope: we want to transform Durham one life at a time. We’ve both had enough privileges to last a lifetime. It really is time to give back! It’s refreshing to know that giving does not have to be a major sacrifice of effort, time or money. For me, it simply began 12 years ago with a 15-minute drive. That humble beginning brought King’s Park and my family more blessings than we can ever repay.

In closing this already too-long blog, I want to ask a question that a scribe asked Jesus 2000 years ago… “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29). The Rabbi Jesus wanted to break down the ethnocentric thinking of his followers. He told them the powerful and relevant story of the Good Samaritan. To be honest, I could have spent my entire life and avoided my neighbor… Henry could too. Instead, we chose to get off when the bus stopped that late hot muggy night, and do something to make a difference. How about you? Ready to expand your world?

If you ever want to take a couple of hours and join the Life Center Team, you can find us at http://www.youthlifefoundation.org/. Or, just peruse the great list of opportunities at www.durhamcares.org. Your neighbor can’t wait to meet you!

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