An Extraordinary Meeting
 

“Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.” Prov 15:22 “Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, `My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure, …Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it.’” Isaiah 46:9-11

What an extraordinary meeting we had at PHC this past Saturday! We have been praying for transformation for a long time… I mean real changes in our neighborhood and region. Sometimes it’s easier to believe God for the transformation of an entire state or a nation than it is for your own neighborhood where you are faced with a plethora of problems every day – right in your face. Nevertheless, God is faithful and He hears and answers prayer.  As you may know just a few weeks ago a 10 year old girl was shot to death just a few doors from our building. The Lord is calling us not only to pray but to take action.

Dr. Bob and I  invited elected officials, civic and church leaders to the first gathering of the Capital Coalition on Non-violent Solutions.  The meeting was moderated by some well qualified leaders from the State University. We had been believing that the Lord was sending us  help… and He surely did! The Mayor and Police Chief were here, as well as the Deputy Commissioner of Social Services. There were also a variety of educators, activists and a few pastors. All were here because they want to make things better in our neighborhood, city and region.

We spent more than 3 hours discussing the critical needs and bringing forth simple, doable plans of action as we met in general sessions and breakout workshops. I tell you, God showed up wearing human flesh and filled the place with a sense of hope and direction. We will meet again next month. Will you pray for these meetings? Please pray for Spirit ordained unity, guidance, wisdom and strength. We will also need an enduring resolve and lots of love.

Transformation occurs when the transforming power of our loving God ignites men and women to roll up their sleeves and take action.

Peter Whitehouse

Dr. Bob Paeglow opens the meeting telling the attendees of his passion for community transformation.
Bob was raised in the West hill neighborhood.

Chief Tuffey says the police are not interested in arresting people but they must do their job. He reminded us that many people
and agencies have already failed those being arrested long before the police are  called into the picture.

Moderators Phil McCallion and Lisa Ferretti from the School of Social Welfare, State University at Albany keep the meeting on track with the
ability to succinctly summarize each comment.  Excellent job!