BEAUMONT, Texas — A Beaumont pastor hopes the city will take action to create a space in the south end of the city for teens to spend time, and to keep them from getting into trouble.
He wants to focus on education and encourage more prayer with what he calls an 'empowerment center.'
Pastor Kennedy Andrews at Harvest for Lost Souls church believes it's time for the city to make a positive change.
He said the slaying of 37-year-old Anthony Wilson last week has been weighing heavily on his heart.
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"It's a horrible thing to see happen to a young man, I didn't know him, but I knew people that knew him," said Andrews.
He wants the city to build an 'empowerment center' in the south end, preferably next to his church on Highland Avenue.
He believes the youth in this area don't have enough positive resources. It would be a multi-million dollar center for prayer, education and for kids to play.
"For a place our community to come together, bring some kids together, and bring families together," said Andrews.
Beaumont Police like the concept.
A spokesperson thinks an empowerment center could be a big help in the summer months, when property crimes tend to spike.
"The department supports the idea and any idea that caters to the youth which would help reduce crime in Beaumont," said Officer Carol Riley.
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Andrews says he's just waiting on action from the city.