| Updated: 6/14/2012 9:55 am |
Published: 6/13/2012 10:41 pm
|
Wednesday night is church night for plenty of people, but some pastors are now preaching from a place far from the pulpit.
They’re going straight to the people who need them. In this case, it’s Tulsa kids.
To truly understand, you'd have to go to the kids. See what they've seen and even if just for a moment stay where they live.
"I had no idea how big of a benefit it would be," said Pastor Anthony Scott.
Scott had to leave the pulpit to get it. He's the pastor at First Baptist Church in North Tulsa. Faith drives his ministry.
"They have really made a terrific impression," said Mayor Dewey Bartlett.
Mayor Bartlett drives Scott's latest mission.
"Keep going to church and going to differnt churches,” said Mayor Bartlett.
Myor Barlett started Bridges of Faith years ago, he partnered with pastors in North Tulsa.
He challenged them to bring in as many kids as possible. He figures it keeps them off the streets and distracts them from temptation.
This week vacation bible school is the draw.
Scott bounced around diferent neighborhoods and recruited. This year's program pulled in more kids than ever. Really, it's eye-opening for everyone.
"Many of them had not been two, or three miles outside of where they live," said Scott.
City dollars keep everything running. The program is citywide, so money has to stretch; about $40,000 worth.
That pays for gas to pick-up and drop off, food and field trips.
"If we can catch them at a young age, certainly its easier to make a difference in the long run," said Mayor Bartlett.
Just like trouble, you can find a church on many corners. The people here just hope in time, kids chose the right distraction.
