Daily Reflections
Urban decay, crime, and drug dealing are just some of the problems plaguing an East Baltimore neighborhood called Oliver. Now, 100 military veterans are working to improve the area through Operation Oliver.
As reported in The Baltimore Sun, the project began in July 2011 with the intent of “cleaning up alleys, rehabbing homes, helping residents find jobs…and notifying police about illegal dumping sites and drug dealing.”
Marine Corps veteran Rich Blake says, “A lot of the conditions from places we’re deployed to, Iraq and Afghanistan, are not that much different from the conditions here in Oliver…We’re not afraid to dig in and make a difference.”
Operation Oliver is working. The project has attracted 1,000 volunteers in addition to the veterans. It’s fixed up 50 homes, cleaned up five tons of trash, turned a former prostitution site into a playground, and taken residents to look for jobs.
Through hard work, courage, and perseverance, what used to seem a mission impossible is becoming a mission achievable.
Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above. (James 1:17)
Inspire me to acts of service in Your name, Jesus.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In