During the height of the recession, over half of the 18,000 residents of Clarksdale, Mississippi, found themselves unemployed. In more recent years the unemployment rate has dropped to just above 10% (double the national average), but earning potential continues to be a daily concern for many in the community of Clarksdale.
Real Faith Christian Church felt the same crushing realities of the recession when the funding ran out and construction stopped on their new building. The project, and the hope for how the congregation might serve their struggling community, came to a devastating halt. For several years the congregation was burdened by the building that sat unfinished and unoccupied, until a new pastor was called in 2012.
Real Faith Christian Church’s free gasoline event
Pastor Zedric Clayton recognized the pain in his new congregation and began to redirect their focus outward into the community. The transformative power of mission began to revitalize the congregation’s energy as they went out to serve the needs of their neighbors.
For a community in which employment is scarce, access to reliable transportation is a necessity. Real Faith Christian Church looked outward and recognized a place where they could serve, so they took over a gas station for a day and paid for everyone’s gasoline who came through. With gas tanks full, the residents of Clarksdale were able to have an important need met by their neighborhood church. Trips to the grocery store, and to drop off children and grandchildren at school, and to arrive ready for a day of work were made possible by the ‘free gasoline day.’
The Good News of hope and opportunity is alive in Clarksdale, Mississippi, through the community outreach of Real Faith Christian Church!
For more Disciples Church Extension Fund stories related to Real Faith Christian Church, visit our blog at https://www.disciplescef.org/blog/.