Kenneth

I've known Kenneth for almost 11 years.

He first came to Central Dallas Ministries just as we were realizing the importance of getting community people involved in every aspect of our work. Rather than keeping "poor people" in the "client" role only, we decided to give them the keys to the front door. We invited them to help us craft policy, deliver services and guide us into an unknown future.

Predictably, the reaction of people who had been associated with CDM previously was mixed. Some thought we had lost our senses. Others watched with curiosity. Most of our volunteers from outside the community (mainly from suburban areas) stopped coming. A few people were intrigued and stuck around to watch the show.

And, at times it was quite a show!

Kenneth and his wife arrived at the beginning of our organizational transformation.

Watching Kenneth respond to the new situation and the opportunities it opened up to him was fascinating to say the least.

Kenneth and his wife used crack cocaine.

We were inviting him to assume responsibility for his community in a big way.

At times the temptation afforded by his new found power and responsibility got the best of him. He stole food. He lied. He endured the discipline of our system which meant at times he was asked to stay away.

But, he always came back.

He helped operate our landscape service during a couple of long, hot summers. In spite of his "issues," I learned that I could basically count on Kenneth, even when he was struggling.

And, as time moved along, he changed.

I realize his personal growth was the result of many factors.

He almost died in a fire--in house fire that took the life of his wife.

He began to work again on a steady basis. He orbited around the life of the church. He would come and go.

He moved into another part of the city and I lost track of him, except for his occasional drop-in visits that occurred maybe once or twice a year. It remained very important to him to check in with us to report on his progress or his setbacks.

Kenneth came by to see me earlier this week.

He was recruiting employees for his newly opened auto repair shop and for his remodeling, contracting business.

"I need to hire 4 or 5 guys, Larry," he beamed.

"I knew there would be folks here for me to talk to," he continued.

We enjoyed a brief visit and he was off to work.

He will be interviewing several men that we are sending his way.

Working with and for Kenneth will be a good experience for the guys he hires.

I've often wondered what was most important to Kenneth in his personal renaissance.

I think I know.

The community challenged him to step up. And, he did. Haltingly at first, but he stepped up.

He knew we loved him.

He had respect and a clear knowledge that people believed in him. That is all about the stuff of purpose and hope.

He also found resources, many of them material, at his disposal. He had access to the opportunities built into our system of concern and fairness. He found a place open to giving him a chance.

He found what this nation needs to offer everyone willing to step up and take advantage of opportunity. Sadly, not everyone finds what Kenneth found. This harsh reality needs to change, and quickly.

Kenneth is one special friend. A poor man making his home in the middle of the city. Doing well, thanks to his own determination and to the proper alignment of a few essentials for success.