God Prompts Leaders to Ask, “Why Not?”

A couple of weeks ago I attended a dinner at the invitation of Dr. Martin Rutledge, my physician. The occasion was the founding dinner of a group called “Inspire 12”. After dinner, Tremaine Lewis shared his vision for change and how it was set in motion. It began when he contacted his high school coach. The coach put him in touch with a fellow classmate, Michael Ray. Together these two men, a black man from Los Angeles, California and a white man from Austin, Texas, are going to fulfill scripture in their hometown of Orange, Texas. Deuteronomy 15:7-11 says, “If there is among you a poor man, one of your brethren, in any of your towns within your land which the Lord your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him…You shall give him freely… for the poor will never cease…” How will this happen might you ask?
Tremaine and Michael attended West Orange/Stark High School. The school was a positive influence in both of their lives. Tremaine led the school to a state championship in football and Michael led the golf team. He returned to the area to see a once vibrant community falling into ruin. During the school year, he observed children walking the streets during school hours. His heart was broken! Tremaine has been a very successful adult and knew something could be done to make things better. He had heard about “The Kalamazoo Promise.” In Kalamazoo, Michigan, every student in the school system with a C average who was accepted to a post-secondary state school could get up to 100% tuition free through private sponsored donations. Tremaine thought, “Why not West Orange Stark?” He shared his vision and dream of duplicating the Kalamazoo Promise in Orange, Texas. Michael, who has also been very successful as an entrepreneur, became a believer as well. One hundred leaders from the Orange area attended the dinner that night and now there are more believers. It can and will happen in Orange in a short time from now. Check out the website (still under construction) http://www.inspire12.org/ or the Kalamazoo Promise at http://www.kalamazoopublicschools.com/.
Yes, it will take a great deal of money, but it can happen… not only in Orange, but in Port Arthur, Port Neches, Nederland, etc... It can happen anywhere there are people with a dream of helping children achieve more through education. A free college or technical education inspires students and parents to be involved and care about doing well. It offers hope! And people need hope… especially people with limited incomes. If Tremaine and Michael have their way, students will be renewed with the hope of a better life. I believe God is at work in getting this done and I know God wants to work in your life too. Real hope is born of God.