Faith friends mentoring for success

Twenty five members from the Clarkton community and area participated in a lively information and planning meeting Friday, June 17, at the Clarkton First Assembly of God Church.

Pastor Eugene Dale chaired the meeting and introduced presenters from Project H.O.P.E., a faith based mentoring program of Cape Girardeau. Denis Rigdon, CEO, and J. Wayne Zimmer, special projects director, spoke to the dynamic, interested group representing youths, adults, seniors, city council, school, business and agriculture leaders.

Discussions included the Birthright Restoration Project, part of the Clarkton historical preservation foundation efforts, as an important revitalization tool for community reclamation, preservation, tourism, economic growth and city development.

The obvious past dedication of Clarkton historic preservation enthusiasts and future commitment to further hard work is laying the groundwork for a follow up meeting in July, Carla Jordan of C.L. Jordan Associates, Inc. and the WESTRAY foundation, companies with professional expertise in historic preservation will be in attendance to help assess plans for moving ahead with the already extensive and rich past historical preservation work that has been accomplished.

Both Pastor Dale and Rigdon focused on the faith mentoring component that reflects stewardship of what God provides, recognizes the importance dignifying past contributions of Clarkton area leaders and benefactors, who built a strong community, and brings the precious, personal life-skills of mentors to bear on individuals and families trying to transform their lives by reaching with their mentors for dignity and self-determination. Clarkton has many "firsts" to be recorded, preserved and shared for future generations and visitors. Clarkton can preserve rich history while providing the mentoring encouragement and life-skills tools some people need to overcome obstacles and succeed in life.

One of the highlights of the evening was the participation of Kortney Murphy with his comments when he was asked why he was at the meeting. He replied, "I want to see community development and see Clarkton be the best community it can be." That's not bad for an eight year old resident of Clarkton.

Anyone interested in reaching out to others and reviving, while preserving, the Clarkton community history can contact Pastor Eugene Dale at the First Assembly of God Church.