All of the turmoil surrounding Springfield, Ohio, is hitting close to home for me, both literally and figuratively. I grew up in Beavercreek, just 30 miles southwest of Springfield, and our youth group spent many weekdays waterskiing at Buck Creek Park just to its east. I plan to retire there, so I watch the news of the whole Dayton area (our Miami Valley Presbytery) closely. The recent events there are equal parts heartbreaking and infuriating.
If you’ve been following the backstory, you know that approximately 15,000 Haitians have become residents in Springfield in recent years, which had a population of about 50,000 before welcoming these new arrivals. Absorbing so many people in a relatively short period of time would be overwhelming no matter what their background; the cultural and linguistic differences between the Haitians and long-time residents have made it even more challenging.
Inflammatory and unconfirmed accusations against the newcomers have inflamed passions and stymied efforts to bring the communities together. I recently interviewed Rev. Jody Noble of Covenant Presbyterian Church in downtown Springfield to learn how she and her clergy colleagues have been seeking shalom in the midst of bomb and death threats and appearances by the Ku Klux Klan and other hate groups. Please take twenty minutes to learn more from her and then take on one of the actions she suggests. https://youtu.be/a4HcZd-B8cE?si=8JmhDpCCxACTtk1n
By virtue of my position, I serve on the board of the Ohio Council of Churches, which asked each member to submit a letter about Springfield. You can see my letter here:
Feel free to share the video or letter through your social media channels. Pray for the long-time residents, newcomers, and city and state leaders. If you live close enough, eat at one of the Haitian restaurants there. Donate to a ministry working there (examples listed in the YouTube video). By God’s grace, each act of peacemaking we undertake will take us one step closer to shalom in Springfield.
Your partner in ministry,
Rev. Charles B Hardwick, PhD
Executive
309-530-4578
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