WCRF 103.3 FM in Cleveland, Ohio hosted the two-day One Night on the Street event on November 15 and 16 to encourage listeners to commit to urban ministry involvement.  Three remote broadcasts from Trinity Lutheran Church and Building Hope in the City showcased a variety of opportunities to serve, from children's ministry, to English as a Second Language classes, to HIV/AIDS prevention, to work with the homeless. 

Interviews with ministry representatives and an urban pastors' forum gave listeners insight into the unique challenges and blessings of working in the city.  "We wanted them to hear different voices than the ones usually on the radio," says Mark Zimmerman, mornings host for WCRF.  "They had to hear the voices of people on the frontlines, so they could tell their own compelling stories.  Once you see the needs in your own city, how can you turn your back on them?" 

"Many events such as this focus on raising money or collecting stuff," says Zimmerman.  "We wanted to raise people who would commit to involving themselves in city ministry, willing to touch other lives through direct personal connections.  Urban pastors and politicians agree—the government can't solve poverty.  People need the hope that comes from knowing the risen Savior."

During the two-day event, over 100 people called to volunteer their time and talents to serve with WCRF's urban ministry partners.  A database of ministry opportunities, still available on the WCRF Website, guided listeners through the myriad ways to get involved.  Since the broadcasts, additional listeners have contacted the station and the ministry organizations on their own initiative.  Individuals, small groups and entire churches are all making commitments to serve Christ in urban Cleveland—all thanks to one night on the street.