Henry Avenue
The Original C.O.O.L. Day
Henry Avenue is a living example of how God can use ordinary people who desire to make a difference in their city. The project shows how what happens when Christians join together to refurbish a neighborhood. As neighborhood residents and church lay people work together, they see how Jesus can change not only homes, but hearts, with hope and love.
((**Click here to see pictures from Henry Ave. Project**))
((**Click here to see articles from The Repository**))
Before, During, and After
Six weeks before the actual C.O.O.L. Day, Prayer Station© Volunteers began laying a foundation of prayer in the neighborhood and found slate sidewalks covered with decades of weed overgrowth, empty lots with three-feet-high weeds and brush, the local Polish Club building covered with gang graffiti, porches rotting or filled with debris, peeling paint, unkempt lawns, and no flowers. Doors remained closed, and neighbors were isolated from one another. There were no signs of life.
During the actual C.O.O.L. Day, work was to officially begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. However, by 8:00 a.m. most of the volunteers were already on their job sites, and by 8:15 a.m. all of the sidewalks were clear. There was energy, enthusiasm, and life. At 9:00 a.m. almost 300 enthusiastic, loving volunteers lined up and down Henry Avenue, holding hands in unity and asking God to bless their efforts and let the residents of Henry Avenue experience His love for them.
Soon the sounds of power tools, even cement trucks, filled the air as people laughed and talked while they joined God in the work He had given them to do.
Residents were seen walking out of their homes with their mouths open in shock. They couldn't believe what they were seeing. Those who were physically able joined the Volunteers as they worked and fellowshipped together.
At sunset with the work completed as we down Henry Avenue, we were amazed to see every porch light on, doors open, and people walking up and down the sidewalks, meeting their neighbors, and admiring the accomplishments.
Even now, six months after the inaugural C.O.O.L. Day on Henry Avenue, the effects can still be seen. Although the beautiful perennial flowers planted in front of each home have now gone to sleep and colder weather prohibits open doors, lasting results are in evidence. Lawns that were mowed for the first time in years are still being mowed and porch lights for the most part remain on. The paint looks good, and gang graffiti has not returned.
Yet even beyond this evidence of a lasting change at Henry Avenue, the most dramatic changes are those stories of individuals who are reaching out to one another; at least two decisions for Jesus resulted from C.O.O.L., and individuals who moved back into their refurbished homes and are no able to live independently.
These are just a few of the many stories we could tell about the people who live in the 27 houses that were refurbished. We know that seeds of love and acceptance were planted and have faith that God will continue to increase what was planted that C.O.O.L. Day.
