A local initiative is on the rise and organizers are trying to get churches, businesses, industry and individuals to join forces to help those in need.

The Logan County Ministerial Association is sponsoring the SALT program (Serving All Logan Together) and they would like your help. The Association is a Christan-based, non-denominational organization that helps people throughout the community. Those on the Association Board were recently brought an idea of a unified movement that would bring together resources for a long term plan of action. Churches working together in Christ to make things happen.

Pastor Gene Bracken of Oak Grove Baptist Church is serving as chairman of the SALT board. He spoke to fiscal court recently, telling about the program and how it will be beneficial to the community as a whole.

The SALT program is an effort to mobilize churches, community leaders, and like-minded community businesses and organizations to serve the community together in tangible ways. The goal of SALT, is to build long-term partnerships that will benefit the community, as everyone works together through coordinated efforts.

These efforts can be accomplished by doing various projects from light home repair, landscaping, health fairs, elder care, fallen tree removal, and making homes energy efficient. Pastor Bracken likened the initiative to the Kentucky Changers, a group of youth and adults that come into communities and help those who cannot help themselves. The SALT program, however, will be year round to help those in need, and not just a one time event. The program is to begin this summer.

What SALT needs is for the community to become involved. This will take a lot of dedication, said Bracken. There are already several events planned, one in June when 200 plus youth are expected to come into the county through a program called REACH. The other event will be held in July and consist of health fairs. Bracken said although they are kicking off SALT in the summer, it is something they want to see continue throughout the year.

The idea came about during prayer meetings for revival, said Bracken. During those meetings God was leading them to do something for the community and to get people out of the church building and into the field. When a few came to the Association with the idea, they were on board.

Not everyone can financially help support SALT, said Bracken, however, there may be those out there who can help with their expertise such as with electrical work, plumbing, roofing, or just helping to cut and remove a fallen tree from a storm.

“This is a countywide partnership,” said Bracken.

Bracken said this isn’t just a short-term program, it’s long-term. The Ministerial Association will be acting a hub of sorts to bring everyone together instead of just focusing on one church. There are many churches involved already and they are looking for more.

Bracken said there is a verse in the Bible that sums up what is trying to be accomplished through SALT. It is Matthew 5.

13: Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

14: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15: Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

If you are a church, business, industry or individual and are interested in helping to make SALT successful, please contact Pastor Bracken at 270-893-1585.

The program’ is taking applications for need. They can be picked up at several locations throughout Logan County.

Russellville- Water Department

Auburn- New Life Baptist Church

Adairville- Mt. Hermon Baptist Church

Olmstead- Dripping Springs Baptist Church