Over the years, many changes have come to Sanford. Along with modern redevelopment, there has been an influx of middle-class social climbers bringing with them their worldview, often not understanding the nuances of entering a tight-knit community where families have lived for generations. We have also seen immigrants being settled in Sanford, often being met with suspicion. And we have seen the 'benefits class' who have been on social security handouts for generations. For them, work is an anathema. 

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All of this is being fed by a drug culture that is commonplace, coupled with a criminal underbelly that deals in street drugs, prescribed medication, and stolen goods as a matter of course. Far too many people in our community of Sanford are ruled by fear.

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We believe that the biggest need, most urgent crisis, and most crippling poverty in Sanford is spiritual. Most living in our community are spiritually dead, trapped, lost, unreached, and unengaged by the local church. The gospel alone changes lives. The response of the church to the devastating reality of much of life in Sanford has to be more than support groups and charity. Our response must be for the church to move into our city, to see new, healthy, vibrant, gospel preaching churches established in Sanford and for Sanford.