7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith – 2 Timothy 4:7
The Red Zone is the last 20 yards before the goal line in football. The importance of each play is heightened. Defenses that let folks move up and down the field but keep them from scoring are described as “bend, don’t break.” Failure to score is a missed opportunity, a letdown.
Red Zone Ministries, founded by Howard Eddings and supported by many, has an apt name. Centered in Orange Mound, temptation is great. To carry the football analogy further, they are encouraging young people who have been on the right path to keep on fighting towards the goal. On the defensive side, they try to keep sin from winning.
The center is for the community and of the community. It’s reclaimed ground for the Kingdom of God.
Their vision:
“Our desire is that Orange Mound be transformed into a place of peace, fulfilling God’s vision in Zechariah 8:4 & 5 where “once again, men and women of a ripe old age will sit in the streets. . .each with cane in hand and where city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there”.
Redzone Ministries is working towards the social and spiritual renewal of the Orange Mound Community by building strong children, strong families, and strong communities. RedZone Ministries (RZ), is a holistic outreach ministry whose primary strategy is to serve urban young people between the ages of 9-18 who live in one of Memphis’ most under-served communities.
Committed to an asset-based community development approach, RZ is actively involved in the Orange Mound Neighborhood at the street level and is effectively supporting leaders and organizations already serving the community. School-aged young people are positively impacted through relationships with staff and volunteers.”
Howard and his team are investing in relationship with their community. It can be full of disappointment but also great hope.
Lord, we lift up Red Zone Ministires and thank you for the work they are doing. Tear down walls in hardened hearts that the Holy Spirit may enter in. May the children and parents who are patrons come to know Christ. May the staff be sustained and encouraged, especially on the hardest days, by the Holy Spirit, knowing that they are serving the Kingdom.
Lord, we pray for the organization, that they have the monetary support they need. We pray for Howard, that he is protected and blessed, so that Your work may become light in the darkness. Lord, we pray that Orange Mound be known for community and opportunity for all and not for violence. We pray for the young men and women come ot know a higher calling than the lies of the street.
We ask that you bless Melrose High, Hanley Elementary, and Dunbar. May the teachers and staff create a positive environment where learning can flourish. We pray for motivated teachers and inspired students. We pray for those who own property and businesses in the neighborhood, that they are honest stewards of the assets. We pray that they thrive and become job creators.
Lord, we pray that you deliver the right program director and volunteers to Red Zone. We ask that the housing component brings dignity and a sense of place to working families. We pray for revival in the community.
Lord, You know what the community needs, so we lift the community and its leaders, those everyday loving neighbors, up to You, that You hear their prayers and their calls.
May those in the Red Zone finish the race and know its worth.
In Christ’s name, Amen.