Black History Month and Gary, IN

Hello, I am Rev. Delwyn Campbell, an LCMS National Missionary, deployed to Gary, IN through the LCMS Mission Field: USA program.

Gary was once home to a large population of 150 thousand residents, representing a wide variety of ethnicities and races. It’s present population of 74,000 residents is approximately 90% African American. 52% of the current population lived through the city’s transition from industrial giant to struggling community.

For us, Black History Month is a continuation of what we try to do all year, encourage one another by reminding ourselves that we are more than our current circumstances. We have tasted success as well as struggle; we are talented and tenacious. Above all, we are people who are loved by God, Who has not left us without the witness of His mercy and compassion embodied in His Church. We celebrate pastors and politicians, singers and sports legends, entrepreneurs and educators. We celebrate the incredible story of a people who have been blessed by God, who made for us “a way out of no way” to the praise of His glorious grace.

On behalf of myself and the Campbell family, the Gary Lutheran Community, the Indiana District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, may you find your inspiration in our American history.