Wichita Falls

Wichita Falls, Texas located in North Texas, along the Red River is home to Sheppard Airforce Base, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Blue collared workers are the foundation of the economy and population in Wichita Falls. This area of Texas is still home to generations of families to the original pioneers.

The slogan “The City That Faith Built” has been associated with the Tornado of 1979 but in reality it earned the slogan some 100 years ago. Stories of old have not been forgotten and are still told. The vibe of everyone knows everyone is prevelant. The people themselves are wonderful but something dark hovers over the city.

Scandalous Behavior

When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice; but when the wicked are in power, the people groan.

Proverbs 29:2

 Wichita Falls has had its share of local scandals over the past few years with leaders in the community. The culprits are from ISDs, local governmental bodies, and the wealthy business owners. I suppose that is not much of a surprise in and of itself.

Crimes of the Wealthy

The death of a toddler allegedly caused by a man from one of the wealthiest families in the area. I say allegedly because he is still awaiting trial. The arrest of a man from another wealthy family accused of alleged child trafficking. Followed by the apparent suicide of his father. The accused is currently awaiting trial as well.

School Districts Underfire

Two school districts are under fire for sex and financial scandals of significant proportions. City View ISD has come under investigation following the suicide of a coach. Former students came forward alleging inappropriate sexual behavior, and a supposed cover up within the administration. Citizens were unaware that Wichita Falls ISD was in a financial hole to the tune of about 8 million dollars. Yet that didn’t stop them from bazingly asking to build two new schools. Needles to say the the former superintendent has moved on.

Shenanigans in Local Government

Currently, the County Clerk’s office is under scrutiny with apparent evidence looming that election laws have been violated. Citizens are now seeking an investigation into all involved in election processes. Former City Manager left his position after an arrest concerning marijuana. Although it was rumored he was growing and distributing marijuanna he was charged with possesion. He received one day in jail and left town with a nice little financial package, courtesy of the citizens. On any given day one only needs to spend time around the watercoolers at work, or local bars to hear the lastest gossip of what local officials say behind eachothers back. Yet when it comes to backbone they become spineless creatures, abondoning their districts for selfish gain and for the sake of getting along.

Drug Abuse

Marijuana has certainly become common among all diverse levels of society in Wichita Falls. No longer do people wait to get high after work. Now its common to see people high in Sunday morning church services. If you might be thinking this must be teenagers, think again. Methamphetamine has long been the choice of severe drug addiction in Wichita Falls. Fentanyl has made its appearance causing eighteen deaths to date in 2022. Three of those deaths happened in just one weekend.

Quick Sand

Citizens are most active in complaining about the state of their community and about the wrong doings of officials, yet they themselves allow it. Those involved in the oversight of the city do little more than spend money on unstainable projects and punish the people via taxes for their bad judgements. This behavior has become such a normality in Wichita Falls, that getting out of will be like flat tires on a four wheeler spinning in quick sand.

The Spiritual Fight

The city is gloomy, physically rotting away and just downright dirty. This is reflective of the spiritually lethargic condition of the churches. With a town this size and its historical inheritance from the generation past, one would hope this town would have some churches who are willing to take an open stand. Yet the pastors do not hold leaders accountable.

The church needs to become alive again being able to bring repentance to the city. Openly holding itsef and the local government accountable to the governance of God’s principles is crucial. Hopefully this will usher in a revival in Wichita Falls relieving the slave/master mentality that is so prevalent over the atmosphere there.

There are reports of one pastor who has begun to take a stand in the pulpit and as a result has endured death threats. I pray God keep him safe and bring other leaders to his side. Perhaps the others will take a real stand in the pulpit and find strength to go beyond the walls of the church.

Wichita Falls desperately needs to have an event like the Re-Awaken American Tour or a good old fashion tent revival with the likes of Pastor Greg Locke. It’s time for the spiritual warriors in Christ to rise. Without it “The City That Faith Built” might as well become “The City That Principalities Destroyed”.

When the rigtgeous thrive, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. By the blessing of the upright a city is built up, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.

Proverbs 11: 10-11