Torch, Fall/Winter 2010

16 TORCH | Fall–Winter 2010 SCOTT HUCK | CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY; MICHAEL LÓPEZ | CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY enforcement office helped persuade the slumlord to release the 12 houses at a reasonable price. The houses were razed, and the land was developed and resold. Land that was once home to a convicted child killer is now home to Rocking Horse Center, a federally qualified health care center serving 10,000 low-income women and children. Rejoicing Through Trials We are members at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, an African-American church two blocks from our home. When we began attending in 1999, we were immediately struck by the powerful preaching and passionate worship. We sensed connections between suffering and worship. Our black brothers and sisters, especially those who are poor, clearly see that the world is a dangerous, degrading place. Among our church family, several have lost their sons to violence and prison. Children have been hit by cars as they played near the street. Grandparents are raising their children’s children. We know workers cheated out of disability payments or denied jobs. Treatable diseases like sickle cell anemia, diabetes, and hypertension steal away precious life. Despite these setbacks, like the saints in Revelation 7, our church family gathers on Sunday morning to declare, “God is good! Salvation belongs to the Lord!” The worshipping church testifies to the truth that the world powers that make life difficult are already defeated by the Lamb that was slain. Such spirit- filled and celebrative worship changes things. Discouraged people acquire dignity, moral independence, and the power to persevere. It’s a beautiful thing. Reclaiming What Was Lost Matthew 5–7 records Jesus’ most famous sermon. He begins with a blessing on the poor and ends with houses. For us, the house came first. With the house came many opportunities to join with God’s blessed people. It is possible to do many good things to help the poor from a distance. However, for our family, living, working, and worshipping with the poor makes all the difference. Life- sharing, community-growing relationships begin when we see people as neighbors or church friends rather than “disabled,” “unemployed,” “welfare moms,” “prostitutes,” or “drug dealers.” Our home is more than where we live. It is a parable for reclaiming what was lost — a place where God is building something bigger than ourselves. Built in the 1870s, the López home is an example of Second Empire Victorian architecture. It is listed on local, state, and national registries of historic places. Learn more about restoring under-resourced communities by visiting the Christian Community Development Association website at ccda.org. Dr. Michael López serves as professor of communication arts at Cedarville University. He received his Ph.D. from The Ohio State University and has taught at Cedarville since 1984. Shelley López is the executive director of CitiLookout in Springfield. Learn more about her organization online at citilookout.org. Clockwise: • Mike continues to restore their Victorian home. • The newel post is one of the home’s charming features. • Russell and Paula sit together in the neighborhood.