The recent shooting deaths of two black men sent the state in a tailspin of chaos, protests, and hatred. Violent protests appeared to be just another chapter in an ongoing national drama about America's rocky race relations. 

But two North Carolina churches believe reconciliation starts with them.

House of Refuge, a predominantly African-American church announced last Sunday that it will merge with The Refuge, a 2,200 member predominantly white church. 

Although some think the change is unusual, the pastors see this as the first step toward becoming a more multicultural congregation. 

House of Refuge will become the fourth campus of The Refuge, a clear statement of racial and spiritual unity. 

Although the church decided to make the move months ago, Refuge lead pastor Jay Stewart sees the timing as nothing less than divinely inspired. 

"The Lord knew and I don't think it is coincidence," Stewart told the Christian Post. "I think it is a great opportunity for that message to not only be spoken but to be demonstrated. People don't want to hear someone talk about unity, they want to see it in action."

Stewart also believes this unity is the first step toward spiritual renewal in the nation. 

"Unity is the prerequisite for revival," he said. "So, if we are going to see a spiritual awakening, and I do believe there is another great awakening coming, there has to be unity first."

The official merge won't be complete until Nov. 6, but the seeds of unity have already been planted.

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Texas Judge Wins Big After Faith-Based Stand on Marriage, Awarded $640K

'HEINOUS': White House Condemns Judge's Order Mandating 'Woke' Ideology at National Parks

Antifa Members Convicted in Texas ICE Attack Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Terms

New York City's Socialist 'Tsunami' Is Only the Latest Weirdness from the Big Apple

Trump Declares 'National Emergency,' Demands Housing Overhaul Bill Be Scrapped in SAVE Act Push

Senate RINOS Too Busy Scolding Trump to Pass Voter ID Bill

Lebanon a Major Sticking Point in US-Iran Discussions as Rubio Visits UAE to Reassure Allies on MoU

Biden DEA Let 1M Fentanyl Pills Flow to Streets, Whistleblower Lawyer Says

Supreme Court: Border Officers Can Suspend Criminal Illegals' Permanent Status

How China Is Poisoning America With Parkinson's

455 People Charged for $6.5B In Health Care Fraud Schemes, Says Acting AG Todd Blanche

US Senate Passes Landmark Bipartisan Housing Bill, Sends to House

Foreign-born, Biden-appointed Federal Judge Declares That Common-Sense Election Integrity Is Illegal

Trans-Identifying Democrat Goes to Prison for Sex Crimes against Children

California Democrat Lawmaker Says Christians Cannot Claim Rainbow

Major League Baseball Admits They Mistreated Christian Players, after Senator Hawley, DOJ Get Involved

After Second Win in World Cup, US Men's Team Prays on the Field, Honoring God

'Incredible' Archaeological Discovery Reveals Jewish Connection to Jerusalem's Ancient History

DOJ to Investigate MLB's Threat to Discipline Players for Bible Verses on 'Pride' Hats

Children's Hospital Doctors Refuse to Perform 'Gender Transition' Mutilation on Kids Despite Liberal Court Order