Dear Editor,

Reading the column by my brother in the Lord, Mr. Hank Sanders, in Friday’s paper was an inspiration. 

Yes, Selma has given so much to the world and it behooves us to love her enough to give back. Those of us who have called Selma home in the past and still are around should not shy away from her problems, but look for ways to help her, if no other way, we can pray for our city. 

Giving back involves many different things.

There are many ways to give. Many people give in several ways. Surely our heavenly Father smiles on the many good works of local churches and organizations in feeding and clothing the hungry, providing tutors for children needing help with schoolwork, fighting against the scourge of abortion and all it has affected, providing care for foster children and helping support and come along side foster families.

Men in the city reaching out in fathering roles in sports, clubs at schools and in churches to children needing a father figure in their lives.  All of these things give reasons for hope.  Organizations like the Blackbelt Benefit Group, the Blackbelt Community Foundation, The Selma Center for Nonviolence, Drug Court, Hope Academy, Team Selma, all work in their different ways to better our community.  Let’s support the work they do as we can.  

This year on April 3, a Wednesday night, Selma will celebrate the third Night of Hope at Bloch Park at 6 p.m. Churches are invited to come meet together in worship and prayer for our city.  The Apostle Paul in Colossians 1:27 stated that it had been a mystery of the ages that is now revealed: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”  That “you” is us, believers in Jesus, carrying His Spirit, hidden in Him, a part of His ransomed church, walking in His Light, representing Him in this world!  Let’s come together and worship God, forgetting our differences and any agendas we have, forgiving our fellow man, letting His Glorious Light brought into this dark world by Jesus shine through us.  Dr. Christine Nelson, Minister and Teacher from the UK, will be the featured speaker again this year.  This is her 5th ministry trip to our city since 2016.  We sincerely hope you can come and be a part of praying in hope for Selma because of the One who is in us, empowering our daily lives as we look to Him. “The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.”  Psalm 147:11

Sincerely,

Gail Box Ingram

Valley Grande