Businessman offers transformation idea

Transformation starts with each individual.

By LINDA M. LINONIS

VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR

YOUNGSTOWN — Ford Taylor didn’t offer a grand plan or quick fix to the problems facing Youngstown.

He proposed a miracle of sorts — one that must take place in each person.

The essence of Taylor’s message, to Youngstown and communities everywhere, is based on 11 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

The founder of Transformation Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky spoke to about 100 pastors and marketplace ministers during a luncheon Thursday at Fifth Avenue Community Church, 1361 Fifth Ave. The event was sponsored by Patrick McBane’s Marketplace Solutions in Youngstown in cooperation with area pastors and marketplace ministers.

The miracle, or transformation, is based on the idea of being transparent to oneself, to God, to family, to church and to community. Taylor said that means “confessing before God and confessing before man.”

“Think about what keeps us divided. It’s an issue of trust,” Taylor said.

When things are out in the open, healing and progress can take place.

Ford, a businessman from College Station, Texas, said his forté was buying businesses in trouble and turning them around. That work led him to the Cincinnati area, where he organized the transformation project. He said faith had been a part of his life, but he came to realize it should be in every part of his life.

Taylor told his audience he didn’t expect them to remember everything he said and act on the ideas. He zeroed in on the main points:

UPeople face an enemy (evil, the devil) but it is not one another.

UGod wants people to come in unity in Jesus, not uniformity in theology.

U Leaders must put aside their own agenda and take on greater service to God and others.

U Every sinner has a future, and every saint has a past. Because of this, we must learn to forgive one another, accept God’s forgiveness and forgive ourselves.

U Love God and love one another. Look to God for answers.

Taylor said this is a process and not an overnight occurrence. “It’s prayer, then plans, then action,” he said, noting that if the participants haven’t gone through the transformation, plans won’t jell and action will fall apart.

Among those attending were Joy and Perry Chickonoski, co-pastors of Real Living Ministries, which meets at the Boardman YMCA. Perry Chickonoski, vice president in charge of business banking for Chase Bank, said he has attended sessions by Marketplace Solutions. “God gives me the ability to make tough decisions,” he said. “The approach I take with job and family is that approach that Jesus took.”

Joy Chickonoski said the program was an “education about transparency.” She said it was something she would work on in her life.

Al Yanno, pastor at Metro Assembly of God, said he thought many churches tend to be “focused on activities.” But, he said, if the transformation in people could take place, the community would be terrific.

The Rev. Rusty Wills, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Poland, said the program had him thinking how much starts with each person, including himself. “Each person has to have a contrite heart and humble spirit,” he said.

Lawrence Thomas, minister at Faith Temple Missionary Baptist Church, said he had read about the transformation concept. “I’m for anything that will help our community,” he said.