Those two words are rarely, if ever, seen together. The combination becomes even more rare when the two parties involved are city government and a church. Yet, God has affirmed your commitment to BCC and our community work through an unprecedented offer by Donna Williams, Head of the Office of Economic and Community Development. Those two words are rarely, if ever, seen together. The combination becomes even more rare when the two parties involved are city government and a church. Yet, God has affirmed your commitment to BCC and our community work through an unprecedented offer by Donna Williams, Head of the Office of Economic and Community Development.
Eviction as a blessing.
For years, I have seen flowers of urban decay flourish in South Chattanooga – vacant lots, dilapidated duplexes, standing dead homes from decades past. For years, I’ve been begging the city to let me have some foothold in the neighborhood. For years, you have trusted BCC with your resources and prayer for one single phone call. Eviction as a blessing.
Eviction is probably too strong of a word. However, it’s how I felt when I received notice that BCC was named in an internal audit because of malicious complaints made by a single member of the community. We were put on notice at the rec center where we’ve met since day one. What were we going to do? Where would we go? Would this be the end? As these thoughts ran through my mind I received a surprising question from a department at city hall that I had been pestering for years: “We would like to deed you property in South Chattanooga. Would you like a list of available lots?”
The voice of Donna Williams rang in my ears as she affirmed your commitment to us, “I wouldn’t have picked up the phone if we didn’t value the important work you do in the community.” I felt my stomach turn as the emotional roller coaster climbed up the ladder of uncertainty only to race downward with the thrill of anticipation for the future. We are just beginning the process of conveyance in which the City of Chattanooga will deed us the property located at 3300 Brannon Ave free of cost. Yes, you heard me right. You are receiving a piece of land with a modular building on it free and clear. Your investment into our ministry to the community has been affirmed and rewarded. God has provided an answer to a prayer we’ve had since the beginning: a physical testament to our longterm commitment to justice, mercy, and reconciliation in South Chattanooga. If everything goes to plan then we could potentially be moved in by Christmas! Keep an eye out later this fall for more details on the conveyance and a video tour of the new BCC base of operations!
Contributed by – By Rev. Josh Woodrow
Bridge City Community Church
