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Dr. Jo Anne Lyon



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Called to Reconciliation in All Forms

The "talking heads" have been debating U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder's words regarding our nation's cowardice in discussing race relations. In the midst of these discussions I had the privilege to visit Asheboro, North Carolina, and see words and action congruent. Josh and Laura LeRoy are committed to the gospel being lived out in word and deed which includes racial reconciliation.

The LeRoys have located themselves within the African-American community both in their housing and in their daily activities. They are involved in the lives of the people–through the Boys and Girls Club after-school program, coaching a Hope and Hoops Basketball team, partnering with a pastor and church within the community, listening to the people—and the list goes on.

It was my privilege to spend a day with Josh and Laura, simply following them around. As they ministered to the community, trust was evident, and mutual respect flowed. I felt as if Jesus was present at every corner saying, "This is the way - walk in it."

There is an added piece to the story. Across town, Pastor Charles Moses is leading Foster Street Wesleyan Church in the area of reconciliation as well. A joint service and dinner was recently held with a partner African-American Church. God did something in that service! A man from Foster Street began sharing through tears how God had delivered him from racism. He now joins Josh and Laura in some of their work.

The comparison to the previous community was stark as I met Matt LeRoy and Justin Simmons at Stack’s Restaurant, which is located at a busy intersection in the center of the University of North Carolina, in Chapel Hill. But the passion was the same - reaching University students with the hope and power of the gospel.

Matt and Justin are bi-vocational pastors who are learning the community and putting down roots. Their mission goals include working with a women's shelter, food bank, and additional community services. Their beginning group is studying John, seriously looking at the life of Jesus. As I listened to the young pastors, their love for Jesus was evident and contagious. More info can be found www.lovechapelhill.com and in the news archives at http://www.wesleyan.org.

Yet another contrast awaited me within the hour, as we drove to Durham, North Carolina, to see the "almost ready" church structure of newhope church (Wesleyan). Benji Kelley, senior pastor of the new church located in a rapidly growing upper middle class community, greeted us. Firmly placed over the entrance tower of the church were the words, REACH, TEACH, RELEASE. Dedication is planned for mid-March, and the 1200 + people of the church are eager to open the doors for hundreds more. Their state-of- the- art children's department, named “Hope Town,” boasts a circular slide for children to leave Children's Church to meet their parents. What kid would not want that! The creative person behind the children’s ministry is Pastor Amy Kelley. It was wonderful to hear of the racial diversity of this congregation as well.

At the end of the day, as I sat in the comfortable home of North Carolina East Assistant District Superintendent, Ernest Mullins, and his wife, Susan, the phone rang. Benji Kelley was on the other end reporting more good news about the church. I watched Ernest and Susan as they rejoiced with Benji, and gave him great encouragement. Hanging up the phone Ernest beamed, “I love my job. These are the greatest people to work with, and I love everything they are doing."

Speaking of trust and partnership: NC East District Superintendent Dan LeRoy and his assistant Ernest truly exhibit these qualities. I didn’t see any “cowardice” in my trip to North Carolina East; only “courage” to bring all people together—and bring them to Jesus.

Reflections