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Over 700 people packed St. Michaels Catholic Church in Largo for the FAST Annual Assembly. It was an informative, exciting evening! FAST welcomed four new congregations enlarging our membership to 37! It was only five years ago that six clergy met to form an interfaith justice ministry that would work to improve the lives of Pinellas County citizens! Father Leo and Good Samaritan Church are part of FAST history. Our new FAST members are: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Dunedin, St. James AME Church in Clearwater, St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Clearwater, and Temple Beth-El in St. Petersburg.
At our annual assembly, County Commissioner Kevin Welch was recognized for his work on affordable housing, and Sheriff Coats was honored for his support and work with our Hot Spot Cards (located in Narthex) to help rid our neighborhoods of drugs and crime. Assistant Deputy Chief Williams from St. Petersburg Police Department was similarly honored. St. Petersburg City Commissioners were also recognized for their support of FAST.
FAST has voted this year to continue our work on the issues of affordable housing, education, and crimes and drugs. In our education initiative we will work to increase the number of schools adopting a consistent strong discipline program. In the area of crime and drugs, we will continue working with local police chiefs and Sheriff Coats with our Hot Spot Cards. We will work with Sheriff Coats on the issue of recidivism and racial profiling. In the area of affordable housing we will continue to push for monies for the affordable housing trust fund and hold the county and municipal officials accountable for their commitment to provide 3000 new units of affordable housing for our work force citizens. We will be busy this year!
On December 4, we will have our issue training workshop. During this session we learn how to research an issue and search for possible solutions to present to our elected officials. For transportation to training or for further information please contact Deacon Sandy or Donna Davis at 725-9959.
So how can you do Justice? It's easy! You simply attend three meetings each year: the Annual Assembly (October 27), the FAST Rally (Monday, March 23, 2009) and most important the Nehemiah Action on Monday, April 20, 2009. Bring three people with you to the Nehemiah Action.
This year the Nehemiah Action will be held at the First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks, in Largo. Our goal for our Nehemiah Action is 3,000! MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW for APRIL 20, 2009!
Please pray for FAST.
Pray for our elected officials that they will hear the cries of those in need.
Micah 6:8 "and what does the Lord require of you, but to Do Justice, love mercy
and walk humbly with your God."
And Jesus said "follow Me".
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