Homes that have been destroyed by fire sit in the back and front of a two-story house at 1404 North 3rd Avenue in Laurel.

These charred homes in many cases could symbolize the death of a community that’s plagued with abandoned and dilapidated houses, as well as crime. But the house located between the burned structure is a symbol of hope in the community.

“This project started out as a rallying point when I lost my son,” explained Denisea Marengo. “We didn’t want to lose any more children.

“The ZAC Project is a symbol for every mother out there who may have a wayward child,” added Marengo. “Don’t give up on them. There is hope. There is something good in them.”

The ZAC Project, a ministry of Dying to Live Ministries, was launched following the death of Zac Ainsworth, a young man who had battled dependency and was tragically killed in an automobile accident. His dependency was not the cause of the accident.

Marengo said her son gave his life to Christ on Sept. 9, 2007. He died one month to the day that he gave his life back to God. She added that a few days before his death, Zac shared with her that God wanted him to help others and encourage them not to take the path that he had taken.

“I saw Zac last night,” Marengo said Saturday. “We were in a crowd of people and Zac ran to me and picked me up.

“I woke up this morning gratified, knowing that Zac is with us today. I know that he is smiling down on us today and saying that all is well.”

Pastor Brandiilyne Irvin of Dying to Live Ministries noted that the ministry is an outreach of Christ Church, where Dr. Charles Hanchey is pastor. Irvin came to Christ Church seven years ago with an addiction to methamphetamine. She said because of Hanchey’s ministry, and his mentorship, she accepted Christ into her life and began working in the church.

“Pastor Hanchey saw something in me that no one else could see,” she said. “He gave me hope and now I want to give that same hope to others.”

In addittion to Hanchey, other member s of the church gave her hope and encouragement. One of them was Marengo, who was serving in the children’s ministry at the time.

“Who would have ever thought that years later I would be encouraging her, like she encouraged me,” said Irvin.

Among those on hand to witness the groundbreaking for the facility, which is scheduled to house up to 15 women, were State Sen. Chris McDaniel (R-Ellisville) and Jones County Sheriff Alex Hodge.

McDaniel told those gathered that he was talking to folks as he approached the site and discovered that the recession is taking a toll on us all.

“The recession is caused by uncertainty, uncertainty in the future,” he said.

This recession, he said, is centered around the economy and the environment in which we live. However, according to McDaniel, there is an even bigger recession.

“It’s a spiritual recession,” said McDaniel. “This spiritual recession is the result of the lack of stability, the lack of core values.”

McDaniel said the ZAC Project, and acronym for Zeal And Compassion, will bring stability and core values into the lives of those it serves. It will give them not only hope, but a second chance, he said.

“The ZAC Project is an extension of the Lord,” he aid.

Hodge added: “I know people need the Lord and that Jesus saves. A lot of these people are golden nuggets that are out there waiting to be uncovered.”

Hodge said he plans to continue to work with the ministry and continue to make a difference in the lives of those he serves.

Kanyada McGilberry, a former addict, will serve as house parent for the facility. The mother of a 13-year-old son, she said she wants the women who come there to know that “no matter what you are going through, if you put God first, you will come out ahead.”

The facility will open its doors as soon as renovations are complete. All they need is building supplies.

For more information about Dying to Live Ministries and the ZAC Project or to make donations, phone Pastor Brandiilyne Irvin at 601-543-4744 or 601-649-8040.