St. Francis in the Fields

and

Project E.L.I.

          Louisville’s inner city has been adversely impacted with repeat cycles of violence, crime and murder. On September 4, two boys waiting for a school bus were severely beaten. They are the children of Metro Councilwoman Judy Green who said “hurt people hurt people.” By that she means such violence is a result of deep seated character flaws. Character formation and more importantly transformation is made possible through conversion to the saving love of Jesus Christ.

            In March, 2007 Rashad McGinnis was shot and killed about a block from Simmons College of Kentucky where the Rev. Dr. Kevin Cosby is president. On Palm Sunday, Dr. Cosby cast a vision at a community prayer vigil sponsored by No Murders Metro of the Interdenominational Ministerial Coalition where a commitment was made to enlist men of faith and character to invest their time and resources to connect with inner-city youth to instill values, cultivate character and inspire educational attainment.

            Dr. Cosby envisioned a Youth Minister placed in every inner-city church. This vision became known as Project E.L.I. (Everyone Loving the Inner City.) Everyone includes suburban churches who will partner with inner-city churches and break down social isolation by creating a broader vision and hope for community transformation. 

            Project E.L.I. will give emphasis to the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets particularly as it relates to helping youth and families understand themselves and their community environment. Research indicates that having 31 or more of these assets build competent, strong and healthy youth.

            Project E.L.I. will be directed by St. Stephen’s Baptist Church and partnering suburban east-end churches. The Youth Minister will encourage a world view with a balanced outlook on life that includes such positive influences as family, faith, education and remaining in school, accepting an honorable job, and eliminating behavior that facilitates negative interaction with law enforcement.

            For young people ages 6-17 the vision of Project E.L.I. will focus on prevention. For those ages 18-24 attention will be given to choices especially relating to education, careers, family and community.

            St. Francis in the Fields has been asked to help develop this pilot project and to contribute $25,000 from the 2009 Operating Budget as a commitment to Project E.L.I. This commitment will fund a Youth Minister at Cable Baptist Church, 314 S. Wenzel Street, under the leadership of The Rev. Anthony Middleton.

            The Vestry and clergy have approved Project E.L.I. as a goal for 2009 but it will require the financial support of the parishioners and the Every Member Canvass.