Pastor’s Hard Choice: Obey Law or Faith

Wiley S. Drake, pastor of First Southern Baptist Church, says he is in a situation that might force him to choose between the law and his faith.

The city’s Neighborhood Improvement Task Force, a team of inspectors from city and county offices of fire, police, health and code inspection, came to the church on Western Avenue on Tuesday to investigate complaints that homeless people are camping on the grounds.

They cited minor violations of health and fire codes, which Drake said will be corrected as soon as possible. But they also told him that the 25 people who are living in cars and tents on the church grounds are violating the city’s zoning ordinance.

The officials said they will send a letter detailing the violations.

“I’m going to try to comply with the laws of the land,” Drake said, “but I’m going to look at the law of God, which is the scriptures. And if there is a conflict, I’ll have to go with the law of God.” He said he has also withdrawn his candidacy for a City Council seat.

The inspection was in response to complaints from neighbors about people loitering at the church and lighting bonfires, said Rick Warsinski, acting director of development services. “We have received numerous complaints from property owners,” he said.

The church offers extensive services to the poor and homeless, Drake said. At any one time, 20 to 25 people might be using the church’s phones, fax machines and mailboxes for job searches, he said.

Recipients of the church’s generosity say they have found not only food, clothing and shelter, but also rehabilitation programs to help them turn their lives around.

“If it wasn’t for Pastor Drake, I would still be on drugs and alcohol,” said Susan Hill, a homeless resident now looking for a job. “He’s given us a place for hope.”