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Can you hear that?

If you listen carefully, you might catch the distant echoes of a congregation singing through the open window behind me in today’s video. It’s easy to imagine scenes of children playing tag on the church lawn, a bride walking down the aisle, or the loud applause as a new believer is baptized.

But today, the once-vibrant life of this church has been replaced by the silence of an empty building. This isn’t just the story of one church—it’s a familiar scene across much of rural America.

Beyond the fading churches, there are crumbling barns, shuttered factories, and vacant main streets. Rural America is in crisis, but for many who don’t live there, it’s a crisis unseen.

To most, rural America is that nostalgic place over the river and through the woods—maybe even something straight out of Mayberry, where everyone knows each other, and the most pressing concern is a jaywalker in town. But those of us who live here know the truth—grandma’s generation is passing away, and Mayberry has a meth lab.

We’ve watched as our communities slowly transform into something we barely recognize.

But what if you could make a difference?

Instead of longing for days gone by, what if you invested in tomorrow? In small towns, where the population is smaller, every individual plays a crucial role. Your involvement matters, and it can have a lasting impact on the community.

Think of it like headlights in the city versus headlights in the country. In the rural darkness, every light matters. So, are your lights on? Are you visible and active in your small town?

It doesn’t take much to start making a difference. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a smile, being a good neighbor, or supporting local businesses. Maybe it’s been a while since you stopped to chat with the person passing you on Main Street, or maybe you’ve been too busy to visit the family living next door. But small gestures can go a long way in rural America.

If your town still has local shops, spending a few extra dollars there instead of online or in the city can help keep those businesses alive. Part of what made rural communities special in the past was the willingness of each person to make small sacrifices to support one another.

Looking for ways to get involved?

There are plenty of opportunities: join the school board, volunteer with the local fire department, attend the Lions Club, or help organize the 4th of July parade. And don’t forget the church.

Even if you haven’t attended in a while, maybe this Sunday is the time to consider going back.

Because in a place like rural America, your presence could be the difference between a community that fades into memory and one that thrives into the future.