Today we’d like to introduce you to Luther Washington.
Family in a classroom at Beulah Heights Bible College in 2001, the Lord gave Luther Washington an assignment and showed him the vision of a ministry that would impact his life in an awesome way. But like many, Luther decided to tuck the vision that God had given him on the shelf. He thought that the vision was too big for him to carry out. Mentally defeated, he asked, “Why bother?”
God showed Luther that America had a lot of hurting children with a strong silent cry for help. As a result, the face of the cry manifested itself in ways such as low self-esteem, alcohol drug abuse, crime, homosexuality and suicide. God showed Luther that this cry came from a lack of family structure. The vision was to create a place where marriages, relationships and families can be restored back to His original plan. Still, thinking that the task was too large, Luther still did not act on it.
Therefore, God had to show Luther how important this vision was to Him. In February 2006, through no fault of his own, Luther lost his job. In March of the same year, while driving down Mableton Parkway, he was drawn to the old Racquetworld building that had become an eyesore to the community. The building had been vacant for more than 10 years and was in atrocious condition. The building was full of graffiti, broken windows, drug paraphernalia, human waste and mildew. It was not a pretty sight.
Luther decided to climb through one of the windows and take a look inside. As he walked the building the vision began to unfold and the purpose for every room was revealed. Afterwards, Luther and his brother Tyrone, prayed and asked God to let His will be done if this was the place for the vision to come to fruition. Shortly after looking at the building, Luther took a trip to the tax office to find the owners of the building. As favor would have it, the lady he talked to at the office had talked to the owners the previous day and still had their information on her desk. Luther called, set up a meeting and found that the building was being scheduled for demolition.
Negotiations with the owners of Racquetworld was a tedious uphill battle that eventually led to a Town Hall meeting where Luther presented God’s vision to the people. Six months later, September 2006, he signed a contract for the building located at 6105 Mableton Parkway.
Extensive work and remodeling has been done and continues on the Family Life Restoration Center. Walls and floors have been replaced. The building has been rewired and painted. The “auditorium” has been transformed into a gymnasium during the day and will eventually serve as a Christian Club/Café on weekends. Many people have donated their time and talents to help with the work that is being done. Some just walk in off the street and offer their services because they “heard” about the work that is being done. The Family Life Center is indeed a “faith” based organization.
This is the beginning of a mighty move of God. Luther continuously marvels at how God has moved on the hearts of men to bring His vision to fruition.
What We Believe »
Life begins with a family and life ends with a family!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road over the last 10 years. Our struggles as all non-profits, we operate off of donations. In kind Donations and financial donation is all ways a challenge. I must say that every time things get really tight God some way provides for us to continue in the mission. Good volunteers over the year are hard to find as well.
Please tell us about Family Life Restoration Center.
Family Life Restoration Center is a non-profit organization, that simply shows acts of kindness, friendship, unity and love. FLRC provides human services, such as emergency food and clothing, medical screenings, workforce development, marriage and pre-marital guidance, and shelter to families that are impoverished. Since 2006, the organization has helped to transform the lives of thousands of men, women, and children in metro-Atlanta, with particular emphasis on the South Cobb County Community. Through partnership with other community-based organizations and a host of volunteers, FLRC has become a staple in a community with significant need.
As FLRC goes into its 11th operating year, the organization looks to serve more families and make an even greater difference in ways that are more tangible and sustainable. As founder and executive director of FLRC, Luther Washington says community support is critical to the organization’s overall success. “We’re debt-free and own two buildings with a total of 40,000 square feet of space where we provide services to qualified community members who are unemployed or underemployed. We need help to run an operation as large as this. We are proud of all we do for the community with limited resources, in 2016 we served over 9 thousand families. What sets us apart from other is he provide a holistic service to families mind, body, and soul.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I’m from a very close family. My favorite memory was spending time with family, especially during the holidays.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6105 Mableton pkwy
Mableton, Ga 30126 - Website: Www.flrconline.org
- Phone: 770-944-1066
- Email: luther_flrc@yahoo.com
