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.

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