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Max Morey restored the aging building and opened it in 2008 as a single-screen movie theater. Showing movies from mainstream to independent, the Crescent has been applauded for supporting the revitalization of Downtown Mobile. But it hasn't been successful all on its own. The Crescent has been on the verge of closure no less than three times, with public pleas and private donations saving it each time. A Kickstarter campaign saved the Crescent in 2012 when digital projection replaced film. $84,000 was raised and paid for the upgrade. In 2017, Morey initiated another fundraiser needing $72,000 for rent increases, and he met that and more. Most recently, in September, the Theater's landlord doubled the rent. Morey was ready to close down and was hoping that someone would donate a building. He was determined to keep the Cresent open, even if they had to relocate. The news went out, and the money came in. Once again, people stepped up with donations, both large and small, to help pay the rent on the Crescent Theater building. Now, according to WKRG News, attorney Buzz Jordan has jumped into the battle, and he is putting together a group of investors to purchase the building. Rent increases? Solved. Does the name Buzz Jordan sound familiar? We talked about him a few weeks ago. Mr. Jordan purchased A&M Peanuts across the street from the Crescent. He promised the previous owner of the nut shop that he would allow it to run the way it has been since World War II. Originally from Florida, Jordan loves Downtown Mobile and is invested in more ways than one. The Crescent Theater is an integral part of Downtown Mobile. It is historic, located in a building nearly 140 years old. It is the only venue for independent movies in the city. And it obviously has a following of patrons. Yet, the owner, fully invested in the business, keeps having to ask for help in order to keep the doors open and the films showing. But he does ask, and people come to the rescue. They don't come grudgingly, either. They come gladly and in full force. When Morey and the Crescent need help, the community is inevitably there. Would Morey rather not have to plead for help? Probably. But he has swallowed his pride and asked. And the Crescent Theater is still operating. It's challenging to ask for help sometimes. Maybe we aren't eager to share the situation we need help with. Perhaps we don't want to be a bother. Or a bit of stubborn pride could be holding us back. But we need community. We require people we can count on when we need help. It may not be the same people for every situation, but it is essential to be connected to a network of people. When we are connected, we should be prepared to be called on for help, as well. And we usually are. It is accepting help that is often harder than giving it. From the beginning, when Adam was alone in the Garden, God created a helper for him (Genesis 2:18). When Moses grew tired standing with raised arms during the battle with the Amalekites (Exodus 17), he accepted help from Aaron and Hur. They sat him on a rock and held his arms up until they were victorious. God Himself is not alone. He is a triune God. That's a powerful network, and it is one we can join with, too. Is there something you need help with today? When you talk with God about it, ask him if there is someone you should reach out to. You are a necessary part of God's plan. He needs you to be active, whether you are starting something new or revitalizing an old dream. But He's not asking you to do it alone. He is on your side, and He will line up a network of supporters, too. Popcorn is optional.
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