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Chicago Pastor Cory Brooks has a passion for needy urban youth, and he is doing something about it. He camped on the roof of a vacant building for 94 days to raise funds for a youth recreational facility. For the same purpose, he walked from coast to coast. In some respects, Pastor Brooks is like ancient Nehemiah. We read in Nehemiah Chapter 1 that this devout man learned from his brother that his people in Judah were suffering and living in disgrace. Even though he had a good job in the Persian palace, the news broke his spirit at the plight of his people. In Nehemiah Chapter 1 we read, “When I heard the report from my brother, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days, I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. Then I said, ‘O LORD, God of heaven the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel.” The plight of Nehemiah’s people moved His heart just as the plight of today’s youth move the hearts of parents, pastors, and youth workers. Soon after this, Nehemiah came up with a plan to rebuild the walls. He asked the king for permission and resources to go do the job. People who burn with passion to see God’s work get done, pray, plan, and proceed to do it.
