Pastor's Association Partners With The Jewish Federation Of Peoria

 Genesis 12:3 ~ And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Special Announcement: 

In light of our historic visit to Washington D.C., a time in which the pastors of the Urban Cure Network stood for freedom and with our nation's greatest ally in the fight against terrorism, Israel, we returned to Peoria and promptly opened dialogue with the local Jewish community to discuss the Israeli elections, and invoke community awareness of the many important issues surrounding Jewish statehood, and Israel's existence in the Middle East.

Pastor H. Burnett & Susan Katz
Jewish Federation Of Peoria

Pictured here with the local Jewish Federation Executive Director, Susan Katz, and one of the Local Federation's international exchange and information specialists, the aim of our coming together is to spark dialogue exploring the long, historic relationship that the United States and the Black community in particular has had with the Jewish community in the United States.

What many have forgotten or simply didn't know, is that in the struggle for civil rights, jobs and a better community and country, Jews stood lock and shoulder with the nations greatest Black civil rights leaders and proponents of freedom. They too were criticized for peaceful resistance, and were some of the first individuals to proudly hire Blacks and even help Black entrepreneurs establish business to provide for their families.

We arise to remember and respect that historic relationship and build upon it within our community. I invite as many local pastors as possible to join me in the renewing of a relationship so vitally cherished biblically and so important in our quest for a better and more vibrant community.

Roey Gilead

PASTORS: Please join me and the Peoria Assn. Of Pastors, next Wednesday (March 25th) at noon, 12:00PM, at the Jewish Federation Offices located at 2000 Pioneer Pkwy, Ste: 10B Peoria, IL. 61615 (309)689-0063 to hear the Honorable Roey Gilead, Counsul General of Israel to the Midwest, as he discusses the topic "Strategic Challenges Facing the New Israeli Government"

He will also make the same presentation that evening at 7:00PM at Bradley University's Neumiller Hall, but the afternoon session will allow us time to not only personally meet the Counsel General, but to discuss specific issues of concern as we seek to forge a strong bond with the local Jewish community. Lunch will be provided and the event is free of charge.

 

Please RSVP with the Pastor's association prior to the event by emailing us at Dunamis1@netzero.com.

Pastor Harvey Burnett
Executive Director

Votes Aren't There To Redefine Marriage In Illinois!

Thankfully the votes needed to redefine marriage in Illinois fell woefully short in the current session of the General Assembly, but there is still yet much work to do to secure the institution against further attack.

There was much confusion among pastors in the state over the issue, some claiming that the fight for gay marriage was tantamount to the denial of "civil rights" which in our opinion is a horribly wrong and bad argument. Peoria was not exempt from confusion with some pastoral groups standing to affirm the right of gays to marry.
 

The Peoria Association Of Pastors STANDS For Traditional Values

Although Illinois currently acknowledges civil unions, we are proud to say that we are a part of and in support of those Pastoral leaders around the state who have arisen to lobby against the redefinition of marriage in the state.  The Peoria Association Of Pastor's Statement on Gay Marriage can be found HERE. As long as this issue continues we will continue to advocate our position and address the arguments of the homosexual right on all basis upon which that argument is delivered.

Here is an email from one of the chief advocates for traditional marriage in the state, the director of National Organization For Marriage (NOM) Mr. Brian Brown: 

Washington, DC — The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) today celebrated the failure of legislation to come to a vote late this evening in Illinois seeking to redefine marriage, thus preserving marriage in the state as the union of one man and one woman. The bill's House sponsor, Rep. Greg Harris, announced this evening that he did not have the votes to pass the measure and would not bring the legislation to a vote. Assuming this is the case, the bill is thus dead until the fall when the Legislature reconvenes for a veto session. 

"This effort to redefine marriage in Illinois was one of the most fiercely contested legislative battles in the country this year," said Brian Brown, NOM's president. "This is a great victory for our allies and supporters, as well as Illinois families who have worked tirelessly with us to preserve marriage in Illinois. We are gratified that our collective hard work has paid off in this stunning victory."  

Illinois is a heavily Democratic state and has been widely considered by the gay marriage lobby as virtually certain to redefine marriage. Backers of the legislation have frequently claimed, falsely, that they had the votes in hand to pass the legislation (SB 10). President Obama had urged his former colleagues to vote to redefine marriage, and it was a top priority of both Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Governor Pat Quinn. It even was supported by a former Republican Chairman who was forced to resign from his post for advocating a position contrary to Republican principles.others throughout the state, we did what nobody in the intelligentsia thought was possible. This is a huge victory at a pivotal time, and totally undercuts the lie that somehow same-sex marriage is inevitable."  

NOM spent well over $125,000 on grassroots activities to defeat the bill, but praised others in the coalition for securing the victory.  

"So much for the inevitability of gay marriage," said Brian Brown. "With a coalition that included strong support from the African American community as well as so many  

"Our thanks go out to champions such as the African American Clergy Coalition; Rev. James Meeks and Bishop Lance Davis; the Illinois Conference of Catholic Bishops and their director Bob Gilligan; the Illinois Family Institute and their director David Smith; the Illinois Family PAC and their director, Paul Caprio; and the Coalition of African American Pastors and their chairman, Rev. Bill Owens. Everyone pitched in everything they had to stop this ill-conceived legislation. We at NOM are honored to have been part of the coalition effort."  

NOM also announced that it would form a state PAC to support Democrats and Republicans who supported marriage as the union of one man and one woman, and would oppose legislators, especially Republicans, who abandoned the true definition of marriage.  

"We intend to continue to work with our coalition allies including Pastor Meeks, Bishop Davis and the other amazing leaders in the African American community who boldly stood for the truth about marriage," Brown said. "And those Republicans who betrayed principle will soon learn that their political careers are headed for the same dustbin that met former GOP Chair Pat Brady when he betrayed the cause of marriage."
 

This should not be construed as a mark against "gay people". As an association we abhor civil injustice in jobs, housing, education and all sorts of social injustice, and we stand ready to assist all men and women, gay or straight, in securing fundamental rights and protecting their loved ones, however, marriage is a foundational principle within society between one man and one woman and cannot be compromised.

We are glad to encourage any pastor and any congregation willing to stand in defense of traditional values to stand along with this association of pastors and churches. Thank you.

Pastor Harvey Burnett
Exec. Director

A Church Community Action Plan

Many Peoria pastors and their representatives met Thursday night Feb.12th 2009 to discuss the current condition of the city as it pertains to gangs, drugs that currently proliferate within our city. We met to discuss the actions that the church must take in order to address the problem and the incluturation of our youth into what I call the "culture of death" that exists in many of our neighborhoods and among many of our youth. This is a very intense subject and a response must be equally as intense.

First, one should know there are no racial or color boundaries to the problem of gang inculturation and the proliferation of drugs which gives gangs fuel. This is not a "black thing" or a "white thing". This is a community problem and, at it's heart, a "sin" problem that has manifested itself through a disdain and disrespect for life and a completely new paradigm of morality and normalcy.

"We've always been considered a high-crime area for our population numbers," says Sgt. Jeff Adams, head of the Peoria Police Benevolent Association. Adams has been a Peoria policeman since 1978. The greatest change he's witnessed in that time has been the rise of street gangs, "an entire subculture that doesn't think the rules apply to them." ~ Salon.com 1/12/2009

Secondly, we need not establish another prayer partnership in order to address this problem. Such prayer partnerships currently exist in the form of transformation celebrations, prayer furnaces, 40 days of prayer and PUSH initiatives. We have prayed and God is saying we must ACT as HE has already acted and set the stage for us. We must be reminded of the scripture that says,

James 2:21-26~ "21-Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22-Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23-And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24-Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25-Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26-For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

(emphasis added)

The church must actively engage the individuals all across Peoria but particularly in the effected areas. That engagement must take place in the form of door to door campaigns and other initiatives which are currently being formulated. We need both the support of individuals physically and financially to get this done. I also ask that each of you challenge your pastor to be a part of this move...as we are not formulating another organization. This is a movement of churches and pastors who will not sit silently while community terrorists invade our streets, schools and community activities.

Should we be reminded of the "Steamboat Days 2008" or "Holy Family's Heritage Festival 2008"? I personally witnessed some of the most ridiculous behavior I've ever seen, at least publicly, in the City of Peoria and personally heard many people saying "somebody needs to do something about this" and others recant that those community events were no longer safe for their families to attend. Is that the condition that we want to leave things in in Peoria?

Well, I believe that I and we are that "somebody" and the time is NOW to act!

There are several criticism that must be overcome within the community of churches in order to do what must be done. One of the most prevalent criticisms surprisingly enough comes from the pastoral community:

Objection 1- If these individuals don't respect the church and are not willing to live under God's law, and have no respect for the law of the land, then what can we do to make people change against their will?

This question born out of frustration and underestimation of the power of God, is also an excuse for inaction, which, is the category that many of our churches fall into in Peoria. It should be noted that regardless of how it appears, if we believe the word of God we also believe that we have a commission to uphold:

Matt. 28:18- 20 ~ "18-And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19-Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20-Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

That commission does not entertain or even give rise for us to consider what "them" thinks or feels about us. In other words, the response of the individual is not our goal. The setting forth of the message is. That message is what changes lives and impacts hearts no matter how cold or deeply rooted in sin that heart is. Only God can change a mind and heart.

Secondly, there are not too many people that clamour to take medicine or do what's best for them under certain circumstances. Spiritually, the bible teaches that because sin exists, hearts have already been darkened by it,

Ephes. 4:17-19 ~ "17-This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18-Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19-Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness."

In short, freewill is only exercised when their is choice that has been offered. Free will without choice or commitment is only an illusion. I believe that the church is best situated to bring individuals to the status of truly exercising their freewill, and I believe that most want a better life's situation and safer surroundings.

In conclusion, the cost of doing nothing at ground level and not engaging individuals is far greater than engaging and seemingly receiving no results.

Individuals had similar sentiments regarding Peoria's first and only gun exchange. Many had no idea that even one gun would be taken in. In truth in every exchange people had to be turned away due to lack of funds. We don't know what type of intervention that an honest and sincere face will be until we do it. We must act. Failure to do so is dereliction of duty and church responsibility.

Objection 2- We should pray and allow the police and governmental agencies to do the job of clearing house.

This is not even a redemptive statement and has continued to disproportionately effect blacks, the poor and minorities within our communities. Locking up all the criminals in Peoria doesn't address or solve the fundamental problems that we face. Our problems are more deeply centered and more expansive than meets the eye.

Example: When we have a Police Chief, such as we have, feels and verbalizes that all of the crime problem in Peoria is centered around 200 criminals that need to leave the area...WE HAVE A PROBLEM. Peoria's problems are greater than 200 people. Many of those problems include individuals within city leadership and hierarchy. So in essence what must be addressed is a complete moral value system that currently does not honor or value life. This is why the church must be engaged both politically and socially.

Objection 3: Some of these people don't want church. We would just be more of an antagonist.

Similar to Objection 1, this is another excuse to for inaction, because one cannot effectively tell what someone wants unless one asks them. Therefore, having a stereotype of what someone looks like that "wants church" is a big problem when engaging the culture.

In addition, because someone does not want God or the church does not mean that they should be unsupported in their moral lives. Some people wish to live morally and can live upholding certain moral values outside of the church. I have done articles on this HERE In essence, I do not believe that a person must become subject to the church before the church engages and seeks to better lives. The whole purpose of feeding the hungry and visiting them in prison wasn't to necessarily evangelize them but to be there for them and add life to them. Peoria is a well churched city, the church must come out of it's walls and engage this city before more lives are lost due to a corrupted sense of morality in the streets.

These are just some of the questions that I have run into from time to time discussing this brand of community involvement on behalf of the church.

In summary, I believe that we have 2 options. 1-We can bury our heads and piously pretend that problems don't exist or that reductions in reported PPD numbers are ok, or 2- we can become actively involved in rescuing the lost and helping those who can't perceive life any other way than it currently is.

Pastor or church leader, you decide. All I know is, I will do everything possible to prevent another murder such as the one that happened to my Godson, Mario McGee.

Another Pastor's meeting has been scheduled for Thursday Feb. 26th in which we will unveil and outline a Church Community Action plan and encourage all individuals to participate. Location for this meeting will be announced at the beginning of next week. Thank You.

Pastor Harvey Burnett

Exec. Director.

Gun Exchange Success & Looking Forward

The Peoria Gun Exchange has set a new community record for the collection of guns and other weapons. During the final exchange of the year held on Saturday Nov. 3rd the Peoria Assn. Of Pastors collected 69 weapons and issued 15 IOU’s for gift certificates.

This brings the 2007 totals to approximately 123 weapons. In addition, the Assn. has been responsible for distributing over $8,500 in gift cards and certificates. This figure not only represents a benefit to the participants of the exchange but also a benefit to the entire community.

What we discovered during the exchange:

There were a number of things uncovered during the exchange that neither the Pastors, police or the community expected.

• First, the Pastors were of service to the elderly in the community by helping to make their homes safer and relieve them from what many of them viewed as potentially dangerous weapons and situations.
  
• Secondly, we were of service to families with small children. Once again it was discovered that many mothers and fathers were anxious to make their environments safer by turning in unwanted weapons. We were unable to determine how many individuals made their environments safer by checking the security of the weapons in their homes, but we received many favorable commentaries from individuals who did so.
  
• Finally, many individuals just needed a little encouragement both spiritually, mentally and physically. The combination of prayer and a monetary gift in exchange for a weapon was an unbeatable combination.
  

As compared to other communities:

The Peoria Gun Exchange was intended to minister to individuals spiritually and was limited in focus. Our emphasis was on handguns and the potential problems that handguns pose to the community. The Springfield and Chicago Illinois gun exchanges were dynamic and yielded more sheer numbers but their efforts were not as targeted. We turned away many individuals with long guns and other types of weapons that were not in our target.

Notwithstanding, we are very excited about how the City Council and Mayor’s office in both Chicago and Springfield got behind their exchange efforts. The Springfield, IL. Mayor led their effort and the City contributed $15,000 without reluctance. Chicago contributed a highly significant amount of money toward theirs. In slight contrast, the City of Peoria gave $2,500 toward the Peoria effort. In all fairness, various council members gave personally toward the effort. In all, we are thankful for EVERYONE that contributed, great or small, in whatever amount they were able to.

To The Critic

First of all, crime didn’t rise in anticipation of either of our events and the weapons we took in were functional.
In addition, we simply suggest that an ounce of prevention is certainly worth a pound of cure. Our investment to curb violence may save countless lives, to which there is no dollar amount for replacement. So far as using tax dollars to fund this sort of program, the current estimate is that it takes over $30,000 annually to house a prisoner in the Illinois prison system. THESE ARE TAX DOLLARS spent at a much greater amount than either community invested in their programs. If one person is kept out of prison for 5 years, the program has more than paid for itself.

Looking Forward

We are looking forward to the 2008 Peoria Gun Exchange. Although we are developing changes in the program and the event dates, we are actively seeking sponsors and community involvement. Next years event will probably feature a debit/credit gift card as opposed to an individuals retailers card so that participants can spend money at the retailer of their choice.

Individuals and businesses wishing to be a part of this ongoing effort to bring peace and harmony to the community can contribute to the Pastors Assn. in the following manner:

Mail Contributions any amount to:

• New Bethel/Pastors Assn.
  PO Box 6167
  Peoria, IL. 61601-6167
• Memo: Gun Exchange

All contributions will be acknowledged by charitable receipt.

Student Tickets- The Focus Of The City

As the Pastor’s Assn. moves forward there are many areas of concern that we share. One such concern is for the Children that have been ticketed for J-walking at both Manual and Woodruff High Schools. Although we share many of the sentiments of the NAACP and the Dr. King King Holiday Cmte., we share those sentiments for vastly different reasons. We will set forth a clear record in this blog so that the public will not confuse our motivations with other community organizations.

On Sept. 28 2007 the Peoria Police Dept. engaged in an operation to address community disturbances in both the aforementioned High School areas. This was the first phase of a multi-phase operation. The result was 32 J-walking tickets issued to various students with the youngest student being 11 years old. Although tickets were issued for individuals obstructing traffic, there were eye-witness accounts that many students were not in violation of the ordinance, and were merely crossing the street.

Immediately, without investigation or further commentary, or even consideration for community organizations such as The Peoria Assn. of Pastors, who had successfully began dialogue on the subject of community harmony through the Peoria Gun Exchange; cries of racism spawned from the NAACP and the King Holiday Cmte. The Peoria Assn. Of Pastors distanced itself from those accusations through it’s release to the Peoria Journal Star found at the following link: http://www.pjstar.com/stories/101307/TRI_BEKGK8JE.029.php

Although racism exists within Peoria, The Peoria Assn. Of Pastors For Community & Spiritual Renewal do not believe that unfounded racial allegations should be used as a tool for social negotiations or for political gain. We further believe that unfounded allegations only further serve to divide and polarize the community and are a disservice to the goal of overall community harmony and peace. We feel that the best way to discover and dispose of racism is through honest, open and clear dialogue, and setting forth clear action plans to address the issues.

On Oct. 22nd 2007, there was a meeting between the Mr. Randy Oliver (City Manager), Police Chief Settingsgaard, Pastor Harvey Burnett, Dr. Rita Ali (The Dr. King Holiday Cmte.), Mr. Don Jackson (NAACP), and Mr. Clyde Gulley (1st Dist. Councilman) and certain other community leaders.
After much discussion, Pastor Burnett set forth the following ideas:

• 1- The tickets written to the youth should be reduced to warnings with stipulations
  That this is a one time reduction and special exception
  Police Authority has not been undermined or circumvented.
  That the NAACP and the King Holiday Cmte. withdraw their allegations of racism
  
• 2- That a community dialogue with the police should continue as to include certain designated representatives of the NAACP and the King Holiday Cmte. The reason we say "continue" is that a dialogue with the Police HAD ALREADY begun at the hand and request of the Peoria Assn. Of Pastors.

Tuesday Oct. 23rd 2007 a press conference has been scheduled at 1:00 PM at the Peoria Police Dept. During this event a formal announcement will be made that the ticket reduction recommendation has been accepted with the following stipulations:

• This is a One Time Reduction.
• The parents of each ticketed student will be notified and required to sign off .
• The students will be required to attend a seminar on community and social responsibility
• The community dialogue would continue as stated previously.
  

The NAACP however refused to withdraw it’s allegations of racial profiling and discrimination when challenged by Pastor Burnett. Because of their refusal, we do not believe that the allegation of racism or the failure to withdraw those allegations until full discussions have been concluded are a good faith effort by both the King Holiday Cmte. or the NAACP.

Special Note:

Racial polarization is not healthy for any facet of the Peoria community and is not a strategy that the Peoria Assn. Of Pastors endorses in resolving community disputes. Honest, open and candid discussion and relationship building is the way that we choose to fight racism at all levels. If diplomacy fails, public steps should be made to disclose all manner of evil, wrong and racism. Until then, the community is better served by leaders who ask questions first, make judgements secondly and who set forth strategies for sustained change.

Therefore we call and continue to pray for full racial reconciliation and a new strategy going forward as we begin a new day of black leadership with the Peoria community.

Even so come Lord Jesus!

Peoria Gun Exchange # 3 Another Great Success

Once again, the Peoria Assn. Of Pastors For Community & Spiritual Renewal has had another successful gun exchange event. 13 guns and weapons were delivered for exchange. The total number of weapons turned in during the exchange so far has been approximately 54.

This week the following items were exchanged:

• A 9 MM handgun, estimated by experts on the scene, to be worth approximately $800.00. If this gun were stolen property, it will soon be returned to its owner.
• A sawed off, pump shot gun, perfect length to be concealed under a long coat during the holiday season this winter, and in perfect operating condition.

We have heard testimonies from various individuals who have told us that they were glad that we were there for them and our community during this event. We are glad for the relationships that have been made both with Police and individuals in the community.

Looking Ahead:

The Peoria Assn. Of Pastors will decide this week if another gun exchange event is in order. We will announce our plans both to the media and post additional details on this blog. We will also consider what the 2008 Peoria Gun Exchange will look like. Please stay tuned for further information and details. We are encouraged in the name of the Lord.

Peoria Gun Exchange # 2 Another Great Success

The Peoria Assn. Of Pastors For Community and Spiritual Renewal thanks God for another great gun exchange event. On Saturday Oct. 6th 2007 our assn. exchanged 18 weapons for gift certificates and vouchers including a sawed off shotgun and ammunition that the police was very glad to relieve the community of. ALL weapons were functional and of very high quality.

In all, both gun exchange events have netted over 41 guns and paid almost $4,000 in incentives.

The event was hosted by the St. Paul Baptist Church of Peoria. Their staff did a tremendous job in helping serve the exchange participants.

Some Of The Highlights:

• A family who has observed a certain group of individuals use a sawed off shotgun at various times for suspected criminal activity, gained the courage to take matters in their own hands, found the hiding place of the weapon, (which had been stored outside) and brought it to the exchange for a $100 Walmart gift card that the family plans to use to assist with food and clothing purchases for their children.
• Although we generally don’t compensate for long weapons, in a rare instance, the police suggested that we provide an incentive for an individual who brought in 2 shot guns that were in excellent condition. The individual feared that someone would steal and misuse the weapons. The officers processing the weapon stated that he had lifted 2 of the same type of shotguns in a bust just a couple of months ago. (Here In Peoria) From what the officer said, the current trend involves modifying the weapon buy sawing it off, so that it can be better concealed and used in more threatening ways. Once again, the pastors Assn. was glad to be there.

Next Gun Exchange Event Date & Location:

• Resurrection Power Church Of God In Christ
  2500 N.E. Madison Peoria, IL. 61603
  (309)685-8613 or http://www.resurrectionpowercogic.blogspot.com/
  Saturday Oct. 20th 2007
  Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
  Volunteer Orientation: 9:00 AM (10/20/07) at Resurrection Power COGIC
  

Donations and Contributions:

• Send TO: New Bethel Ministries
  Payable to:
  New Bethel/Pastor’s Assn.
  P.O. Box 6167
  Peoria, IL. 61601
  Memo: Gun Exchange

Any amount will be greatly appreciated and all gifts receive a charitable receipt for the allowable portion of the gift received.

Special Word On The Incentive Debate:

Some have questioned the motivations of individuals exchanging guns solely because of the $100 incentive. First of all, some individuals have exchanged guns freely and would not accept a gift. Secondly, although we realize that there may be some who abuse the opportunity, we feel that the incentive offered is a positive both for the individual and our community.
For many in our target group of individuals (which have participated in this program) an incentive is necessary for them to act or move in the right direction. Taking control of one’s environment requires courage and we are glad to reward individuals for courage as it pertains to helping to make their environment and our community a better one.

Society Often Rewards Less Courageous Acts:

Here is an example: It is a known fact that in many instances, individuals and businesses measure their charitable contributions based on the amount of tax deductions they nominally receive in exchange for their gifts. In these cases, are tax-deductible gifts or the givers motivations called into question or deemed any less valid because of the incentives afforded through the tax code? Obviously NOT!

Therefore, to criticize gun exchange participants who may not have had the courage or opportunity to show up otherwise is unfair and highly unreasonable at best. The Peoria community could provide no more effective incentive than in finding a way to motivate ordinary people to take control of their environments and help them make their neighborhoods better and more safe.

A Closing Note:

Tuesday evening Oct. 9th, the Peoria City Council will decide if this effort is worth the City’s financial participation. Although the City Police Dept. has gone above and beyond the call of duty for and with us, the City Govt. somehow stalled our original request since Aug. 13th 2007.

It is promising that we have not received ANY negative feedback from any council members regarding this event and further there are council persons that have said that they want the City to be involved, however it will be well worth noting how they position themselves on this issue both individually and as a body.

Let’s watch how this one plays out.

The Peoria Gun Exchange A Great Success

Thank God for a wonderful and favorable Gun Exchange event. The gun exchange supplied individuals with valued resources, renewed hope, and extended an new set of relationships and prayer partners to community members who previously didn’t know each other. There were over 21 $100 gift cards delivered and over 23 guns taken in or exchanged.

Due to the community dialogue that has occurred, the program was already considered a success before one gun was exchanged, but the sheer numbers and participation far exceeded the expectation of many. There were an approximate 15 additional individuals turned away. So far there has been a series of calls from individuals wishing to participate in future events and relieve their environments of unwanted guns.

Due to the favorable and overwhelming response the exchange scheduled for Saturday Sept. 29th has been rescheduled. The next event will be as follows:

• Saturday Oct. 6th 2007
  Location: St. Paul Baptist Church 603 W. Nebraska Peoria, IL. 61604 (309)686-2086
  Time: 10:00Am to 2:00 PM (or while supplies last)
• Volunteer Training 9:00AM 10/6/07 St. Paul Baptist Church.

We continue to solicit private donations from any business or individual willing to contribute toward this effort. Donations can be received either personally by calling any of the Pastors listed on this page or mailed to the following address:

• New Bethel/Pastors Assn.
  PO Box 6167
  Peoria, IL. 61601
  Payable to New Bethel/Pastors Assn.
  Memo: Gun Exchange

We wish to thank all businesses, individuals and organizations that have contributed toward this exchange. In addition to the churches of the association, the following is a listing of businesses and individuals that have supported our efforts as of 10/3/2007:

• DECA Realty
• Dunamis Insurance & Business Services
• Illinois Mutual
• Hardin Signs
• Citizens For Community Values
• The Heights Bank
• The Peoria Palace Skating Rink
• Agape Baptist Church
• 5th Avenue Fashions
• MacDonald Shell Gas Stations
• Walmart Peoria (University Peoria)
• South Side Bank Peoria
• Robert O. Kaiser CPA
• Mr. Everett Fritz JD
• Rev. Linda Butler
• Young Visionaries Scholarship Fund
• W.E. Turner- Peoria City Council At Large Rep.
• Citizens For Ardis
• Alwan & Sons Inc.
• Falcon Inc.
• Brewers Distribution
• Honda World Of Peoria
• D. Joseph & Sons Assoc. Real Estate
• Friends Of Ray LaHood
• Mr. Darrin LaHood JD
• City Of Peoria
• Peterson Health Systems
• The Draves Family

Your gifts were used to assist people who were in need and were willing to participate. They helped:

• A man who admittedly had trouble in the past and a criminal background, but who has committed to serving his family and working full time. He needed money for gas to make it to work. He received a $100 Shell Gas card in exchange for a weapon that someone had used to try to kill him with.
  
• An elderly woman who’s primary fear was that someone would break into her home and use the gun that her deceased husband had in the home to kill her.
  
• An individual who no longer wants street or thug life or anything that used to resemble where he had come from.

Every person received prayer and all interactions were positive. Thank you Peoria for your continued support and prayers. The Peoria Pastors Assn. is on the move.

Churches And Pastors:
This Association is all church inclusive and an interdenominational effort. Any church wishing to be a part of the Association and be recognized as such, should call Pastor Burnett at (309)688-6599 or any of the fine Pastors listed on this site.

Peoria Gun Exchange Event

Gun Exchange Theme & Purpose:
The theme for the gun exchange event is "I Am My Brother’s Keeper, Not His Killer" Our purpose is to get guns and weapons off of the street and out of the wrong individuals hands. We are targeting guns that have been used and that could be used in criminal activity which includes violent crimes and any other felonious activities.

Gun Exchange Target:
We are targeting individuals who have been or are likely to be involved in criminal activity using handguns or other weapons. We are targeting family members who have been encouraging individuals to not be involved in criminal activity but have no incentive to take matters into their own hands.We are also targeting individuals who wish to simply take initiative to change their lives, circle of friends and value systems.

Event Goal:
Our goal is to assist in lowering the potential of violent crime resulting from handgun use and misuse. In addition we will minister to the physical and spiritual needs of the individuals and families turning in weapons, and create a greater partnership with the church, police, and the business community.

Gun Exchange Dates:
Sept. 22nd, 2007 and tentatively for 3 Saturday’s consecutively. All Saturday afternoons from 10:00AM to 2:00 PM. There will be 4 different churches used in this effort. The first church is Kingdom Temple Church Of God In Christ located at 911 W. Smith St. Peoria, IL. 61605

Incentive:
We will provide $100 (Non-alcohol & tobacco) food or retail vouchers or gift card certificates in exchange for every qualifying gun. Retail certificates for the first week of the event will be provided by MacDonalds Shell, Walmart and The Finish Line. Due to funding levels supplies will be limited.

Volunteer Training:
There is a training session set for 6:30 PM Thursday Sept. 20th at the Kingdom Temple COGIC 911 W. Smith Peoria, IL. 61605. (309)655-0500. There will also be additional training at 9:00 AM Saturday Sept. 22nd 2007, immediately before the event kickoff.

Contact:
Pastor Harvey Burnett
Pastors Assn. Exec. Dir.
New Bethel COGIC- (309)-688-6599

Pastor Bob Randle
Pastors Assn. Member
Higher Dimensions Church- (309)-673-9594

Supt. Embra Patterson
Pastors Assn. Member
Kingdom Temple Church Of God In Christ- (309)655-0500

Capt. Phil Korem
Peoria Police Dept. – (309)-494-8399