S.O.O.N. Started as a house potluck in our home 6 years ago in Third Ward Texas. A community that is over 90% Black in the south east part of the inner city of Houston. About 40,000 people live in this section of the city. We focus on not just consuming community but creating it, believing that when we live our the biblically inspired values of being graciously hospitable, sacrificially loving, and looking to develop reciprocity then community is birthed and will uplift a people! S.O.O.N. publicly launched as a church plant on August on 2021 due to the support of many supporters and sponsors. We exist to foster a better community in which we live. The future of S.O.O.N. May be as a church, non profit, or both as the Lord continues to grow is and our influence in Third Ward and reveal His future. We exist to partner and help flourish others. Hope to see you, S.O.ON.
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S.O.O.N. means Something Out Of Nothing. We believe that when you put your faith in God into action then a S.O.O.N. Will happen!
Featured Interview
Howard Thomas | S.O.O.N. Church Third Ward
What role do you play in your Industry?
- Founder, CEO, pastor, community liaison.
What year did you start in your industry?
- 2016
What Certifications, Degrees, Titles and Experience do you have in your industry?
- Master of Education Master of Divinity 6.5 Years living in the community
Why & How did you get involved in your industry?
- Saw the blight and need. Did not like seeing black people misrepresented and underrepresented. Decided to move to Third Ward and be a positive impact towards change and opportunity access.
What do you love most about your role in your industry?
- The freedom to dream and create as well as help dispel wrong perceptions of black people and a predominantly black community by those on the outside of the community. I also love revealing the Kingdom of Jesus in real a s tangible ways in the community via acts of service, mercy, and justice.
What is the best advice you have received about how to impact your industry?
- Speak well of the community in which you live and want to love.
What do you think are the top 3 things that help people excel in your industry?
- Self motivation. Seeking to work in a community and network with other locals. Letting Christ lead and provide the way.
What encouragement would you give to those who are interested in being in your industry?
- Choose to Committ to what you are doing for at least 3-5 years. Know people who know people in the community and that could help you complete your mission in the community. Have a clear mission and be able to communicate it well. Seek to invite others into your vision. Have faith in God and make sure God is with you and leading you.
What do you think is the most important qualities for people to have in your industry?
- You have to love the place you are sent to impact. You have to decide to live there. You have to go all out in what you are determined to do. You have to see yourself as just a part of what the greater picture of what that community is.
What obstacles have you overcome, or are you overcoming to excel in your industry?
- Underserved and abused communities are ones that require a lot of patience, energy, and time in order for trust to be built. The obstacle of not being trusted we are steadily overcoming because of our time being in the community. We overcame a pandemic as well and are still operating. Covid inside the inner city and among black minorities is a very serious thing, people take it very seriously here. That can make Community Development difficult in some ways but has opened more possibilities on others to serve and connect with people. Having a diverse community of people as partners with a variety of gifts and passions has helped us tremendously as well.
What accomplishments are you most proud of in your life?
- We are continuing to become more known in and outside of the community and even nationally. That is all God! Lastly I am just proud of our continued persistent faith and perseverance as a church and future non profit. The years of Covid have not been easy and have deepened our faith and character as people.
Who is is one person that has influenced your direction in life? Explain How.
- There have been many local mentors that have influenced me but Jesus Christ is the main Man. Without Him and his example of sacrifice and strength through humility I would not have had the right perspective to keep going in the establishing of S.O.O.N.
What advice would you give to the younger generation?
- Embrace humility, patience, God, others help, and your unique gifts and dreams all in one. All of these factors are crucial in making something of significance happen.
What do you want your legacy to be?
- An enduring intently that is seeking to help the powerless existing because of us at S.O.ON. And to simply here “Well done faithful servant” by The Lord when it’s all said and done here in Earth.
What else would you like people to know about you?
- I truly enjoy community and would love to meet you.
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