The history of Lincoln Village begins by the railroad tracks. In 2002 I started walking the streets in Lincoln, taking in the sounds and sights – everything. What I saw and heard caused an indescribable hurt. Jeremiah said, “What is before my eyes brings pain to my soul.” After leaving Lincoln Village I could hear the whistle of the train (even from my house) and it caused my heart to ache. I was reminded of the suffering and turmoil that was being lived out in the Village. I hated the sound of that train for a long time. But now, after almost 8 years, Lincoln Village is a new place – after the body of Christ has been working, praying and pounding away. Now it has a new hope, new faith and is a better place to live. In Psalms 66:5 David says, “Come and see the work of the Lord.” Joshua 4:24 says, “That all the people of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty.” For the kingdom of God does not consist of just words but power. I’ve been blessed to see the children of God come together and fight for the Kingdom with one mind and purpose so that we may “learn to do good, seek justice, reprove the ruthless, defend the orphan and plead for the widow.” (Isaiah 1:17).
Much work remains to be done in the Village and the battle will be tough. But I can say this with a certain peace; now, when I hear that train whistle blow at night from my house I get excited because I know that there are people from different churches different cities and states working together for one purpose and that is to love the people, making life a better place to live – living out the gospel in a way that makes Christ real and present.
Mark Stearns, Director of Lincoln Village Ministry
“Rescue the weak and needy from the hand of the wicked.”
Psalm 82: 4