Not one of us could script this narrative. It’s authentically … GOD.
It began with a denominational leader’s honest reflection, “We, as a denomination, are ill-equipped to move at the pace you deserve. Let me connect you with Rick.”
Bishop Harvey and Rick meet and Bishop unveils his passion for the City of Neighborhoods (Milwaukee, Wis) to have a vibrant church (or new church plant) in every neighbOURhood. Bishop unveiled a new phrase, “Equitable Church Planting.”
Two weeks later Rick traveled to Phoenix for the national convocation for Pinnacle Forum. During one of the sessions, Rick met Phil as he shared his business venture, “Clean Laundry.” Inspired, Rick inquires, “What is the greatest challenge you face?” for which Phil easily replies, “Store Managers.” “Phil, you no longer have a problem,” Rick comments with a grin. Your Store Managers are Christian church planters and they abound in every community – urban to rural. “Phil, you are an answer to the prayers of every denomination with an fervent expectation for prayer mobilization, evangelism, justice, and church planting.”
A meeting is arranged for Phil to visit Milwaukee and meet Bishop Harvey. Upon that meeting Maurice is in attendance. Phil unveils his journey of faith & work and how – for the first time – he is living unified as work is becoming his ministry.
Interestingly, Phil states he ran demographic analysis on Milwaukee and, as it would be, our current location at Parklawn is the #1 optimal best location. Challenged to restrain excitement, Maurice unveils how Wednesday he closes on his most recent investment -property at Fond du Lac & Sherman in Milwaukee. “Would you like to see it?”
The four of us walk over and enter from the back. The current tenant is a barber. As a gentleman, Maurice opens the door and Phil leads the way. Now Phil … how do I say? Phil is as white as Iowa can be. Phil walks into the barbershop – from the rear mind you – and there is this instant awkwardness for why Iowa is here for a cut. Right behind him is Bishop Harvey who knows and greets the one in the chair and instantly the melatonin difference has been erased and negated.
All that matters is this neighbOURhood is fully capable of self-sufficiency and self-empowerment. Systemic challenges seemingly boast and edify generational poverty. It’s time to eliminate the racial disparities; most notably: educational attainment, employment, incarceration, & violence. It’s about time for a change.
Be careful. Any reference to “vision” is disturbingly inaccurate. Leveraging Clean Laundry for equitable economics to fund (1) church planters and (2) impoverished/blighted neighborhoods is a tactical and practical strategy. This is not a timeline for the generational future but in the here and now.
Millions spent on Super Bowl ads and Super Tuesday politicians. Millions more will be donated to United Way and Communty Foundations (with their sticky payroll fingers) who allocate to a multitude of non-profit organizations (and their sticky payroll fingers). It’s about time for a change. A singular charitable donation today to eradicate construction costs (mortgage) and equipment lease and this Clean Laundry storefront will be profitable on its first day of operation.
Funds will be allocated through The National Christian Foundation and managed by CommunityIMPACT, Inc. with oversight from this NeighbOURhood League'[s Advisory Board.
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