The churches of Christ in the greater Cincinnati, OH / Covington, KY area have a unique spiritual opportunity available to them in the starting of the Inner City Ministry. A ministry led by Pat Pugh. This young urban missionary has a heart to take the message of salvation to the inner city.
Roger Greenway, author of 'Cites: Mission's New Frontier', defines inner city as the old, economically depressed central section of North American cities, characterized by racial and cultural diversity, unemployment, crime, and social problems. Yet this is clearly not only an urban phenomenon. Poverty, crime, and urban issues have also invaded rural and suburban areas of the Cincinnati /Covington area.
Studies show that the population growth of minority groups in
Hamilton
County is steadily increasing. In a 1999 Census report, the
population of Hamilton County was estimated at 840,443, making it
the third largest county in Ohio.
According to a study done in 1990, out of an estimated 866,000
people in Hamilton County;
672,972 were white,
181,145 were black, Eskimo or Aleut
9198 were Asian or Pacific Islander
1204 American Indian.
1709 of other races
By 1996, the population was estimated at 851,599 with
650,859 white (75.9%)
193,902 black (22.6%)
11,609 Asian or Pacific Islander (1.4%)
1246 American Indian (0.1%)
6151 Hispanic (0.7%).
Along with rising population, the levels of those living in poverty in Hamilton County are also on the rise.
In 1989, 13.3% individuals and 10.3% of families were living below poverty level.
By 1993, the number of individuals living under poverty level increased to 14.5%.
Pat Pugh had several years of training with the Memphis Urban Ministry and will use his extensive experience in the new ministry here in Cincinnati. But, the work is not theirs alone. Jesus calls all of us to be ministers. "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest. Therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9:37-38.
Our prayer is that you will join the workers who have already heard this call to minister to the needs of the inner city.
Contact Dan Wiginton at dwiginton@fuse.net
if you would like to support or be an active part of the CUMO
ministry.