Home > Bible Talk > Archives > 2008 > January > 09 > Entry
Should Halfway House Be Allowed In Residential Area?
Ok mighty bloggers, here is a hot potato type of entry today! The Tribune Herald ran a story in the local page today about a rehab program called The House Where Jesus Shines wanting to place a new location in the middle of a residential area in Bellmead. Pastor Ronnie Holmes of Open Door Church has assured neighbors that the center would be safe and has promised to make sure the center was well lit, a privacy fence would be placed around the center, and that additional staff would monitor the parolees. Since the center will be in compliance to all city codes and regulations, there really is no reason to deny the center’s establishment, right? My thought is that this center should be treated like any other organization in that if it complies with the law, it should be granted a permit to occupy the building. This program has a better rate of success because it is a faith-based program. One of the reasons they are so successful is because they are dealing with the deep root issue of the problem, man’s depravity and sinful heart. If you try and change the behavior and not the nature, most will go back and do the same thing they got in trouble for. Romans 15:1-3 (New International Version) 1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.
Based upon the scripture above, would not the right thing to do is allow the center to exist for the sake of all involved? Our personal dilemma is that most of the time, we are too self-centered to apply biblical principles to our daily decisions. Most of us are OK applying biblical teachings as long as it doesn’t affect us personally. Many of the neighbors were quoted as saying they think the program is much needed, but not in their neighborhood! Am I taking the essence of this principle too far in applying it to this particular situation? Could you deal with a rehab center moving into your neighborhood for the good of all involved?
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By mb
January 9, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
This is a great topic, thanks for being bold enough to go there! I think that we can also apply scripture which says “let he who has not sinned cast the first stone”. It is not like these guys havn’t served the time for their crime! If I remember correctly none of these guys are sexual offenders or violence related criminals. Please understand that I am not trying to make light of their offenses, but the Texas Department of Criminal Justices does not really address their issues, however a faith based program can! In the bible you can find scripture for every situation. Teaching these guys to lean on God can and has been transforming lives! They live by strict guidelines and the house has a system in place to address those who cannot follow the rules set forth. In short, those who really want help and to know more about God will succeed in this home! It is great that someone has the heart to help these men have a productive life! Way to go Church of the Open Door! Thanks for being a light (or open door(:) to all who desire to know more about Jesus!
By Fred
January 10, 2008 1:15 AM | Link to this
And now a little piece of Sodom and Gomorrah is moving into Bellmead. The Church of the Open Door should listen to the voice of the people who oppose covicted criminals flooding their city. You don’t invite the Devil into your home. You bind the Devil and keep him locked out. If the Church of the Open Door has the faith and courage to stop these criminals from coming into Bellmead then the Church of the Open Door would probably get hundreds of new church members. This conflict can be changed and turned into a victory for both the church and the community.
By Pastor Joe
January 10, 2008 6:57 AM | Link to this
Thanks for your unique perspective! Keep tuning in and sharing your thoughts! I’m very pleased with the different views being posted.This blog was inspired to make us all think why we believe the way we do, and if it lines up with the bible.
By carolyn
January 10, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
I’m all for The House Where Jesus Shines, My Brother’s Keeper and any other “business” that rebuilds lives!! Our family went to New Orleans this summer and it was so sad to spend a week in a city that does not recognize the problem of the homeless, the troubled or the outcast of society. I think that if more people would get out of Waco and really SEE what is going on in the world that they would be less quick to say “not in my neighborhood”. Jesus really does SHINE through The House Where Jesus Shines! They are doing a wonderful job and have many success stories. Great job Pastor Joe!! Keep it up!
By Pastorjac
January 10, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
This is in reply to Caroline’s entry: Please keep tuning in and sharing your views Carolyn.It’s folks like you thats going to make this blog stand out from all others! God Bless! Pastor Joe!
By DBS
January 11, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
So, to understand Fred correctly, the goal of ministry is increasing membership numbers not changing lives by creating disciples of Christ. Right? That’s a “victory” for the church?
I don’t actually think this is a theological issue. It’s a social one and a civic one. If it’s legal and deemed safe then opposition by the neighborhood can only make bad neighbors of the objectors. And that kind of inhospitality actually is antithetical to the gospel.
By Lorie
January 11, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
Who are we to judge the sins of people. No body. These people are given a second chance. Yeah people are scared that there are ex-con’s living in the neighborhood, but just think about it. They are being carefully watched. You could have a rapist living next door and not even know. Which would you have? If it was your brother who was in the house where Jesus shines, You know they are helping him to become a better person and most of all He’s getting a relation with Christ. I hope people who are Christians can Open their hearts and allow this change to take place.
By KDF
January 11, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Yes, they should. Christ may be giving us an opportunity to share. These past-cons are trying to improve their lifes. Neighbors, take it upon yourselves to befriend these people. As for me and my house, they would be welcomed by me and my family.
By MD
January 11, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
I think this is a great ministry! Why would you want to deprive these men a second chance and a chance to grow closer to GOD? Is GOD not a GOD of a second or third chance? We are not perfect and have all fallen short of the Glory of GOD…so no one is perfect. I give glory to GOD for a church that will stand up and help lead these men to Christ. My husband received Christ into his heart while in prison so I do know there is Hope for a ministry like this…so Church of the Open Door keep doing a work for The Lord! God Bless!
By Janie
January 11, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
To me this whole issue rings of the “good Samaritan” story in the bible. NIMBY(Not in my back yard)is not a Christian response. If Jesus exhorted us to take care of widows and orphans and to visit those in prison as a sing of true religion; would not that prison exhortation extend to helping prisoners also? Bellmead is known for alcohol and drug issues.PLEASE give me a break. Bellmead is not Los Colinas One guy was quoted in the Waco trib as saying that these people should be locked up permanently. That is not a solution. First off the criminal justice system could not afford it and second off there is redemption. As a student of criminal justice student I have learned that there is a very direct connection of fatherlessness and the inmante poplulation. A college student was given the opportunity to randomly poll 1000 Texas male inmates. Over 90% reported; NO father, abusive father, or weak drug/alcohol addicted father. As a community why don’t we seek to work on that issue? As a single mom I have had a first hand view of the effect of fatherlessness on my children. Without strong male role models we are doomed to a higher crime rate and thus a greater need for faith based rehabilitation. If not in our back yard then where???
The solution is to forgive and to love as all have come up short in life. Some people make the front of the paper and go off to jail or prison, others nurse their pet sins of adultry,gluttony,gossiping,lying, bigotry, racism,religiosity,and various others and no one knows. However God knows.If we forgive we will be forgiven;it’s that simple.
By Doreen Plott
January 20, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
To set the record straight, the Bellmead Community is in fear of crime and should be! When I was marketing this building for the owner, the property was broken into and vandalized. A/C units were stolen off the windows right next to the neighbors house and the copper line to water heater was snapped and flooded the laundry room. Any occupancy in this building would make it a safe neighbrohood than it is now. As a Realtor, buyers ask for the list of sexual preditors on the state web page to find out where they live in Bellmead. Of the 27 registered, 3 are within a few blocks of this building and no one monitors these people. Who nuturues them, takes them to church, makes sure they have a job? This property was zoned correctly and was an excellent site, the fear of unknown has again succeeded in seperating our communities even more. Doreen Plott