EASTPOINTE, Mich. – An Eastpointe pastor has accepted an invitation to attend President-elect Donald Trump's presidential inauguration, which is just over a week away.
Pastor Frank Collins Jr. is trying to save Breath of Life Christian Church on 8 Mile Road, which has no heat and a sign in front saying that it's up for sale.
But at the same time, Collins got a call to go to Washington, D.C., to attend the presidential inauguration.
"I am just a guy from the east side of Detroit," Collins said.
Collins' life has been quite a journey. He was the youngest person in Michigan to become a master plumber. As a child, he watched police pull a gun on his father in the Deep South.
Now, he's the pastor at Breath of Life Church.
"We believe God has placed us here to sew up the division, place salve on it and bring healing," Collins said.
But the city of Eastpointe is selling the building it leases to the church.
"The decision will be made this month (of) what gets the building," Collins said. "We have a lot going on, but we have faith in God."
While he was raising money to save his church, Collins got a call this week inviting him to Trump's inauguration. He'll be attending the Presidential Inaugural Gala Ball.
Collins, who is an independent, said Trump was his choice for president. As a pastor, he said he forgives some of the things Trump has said.
"Just think if everybody forgave everyone," Collins said. "It would be awesome."
The invitation came as a surprise to Collins.
"My views are not conservative's. They are my parents' views," Collins said.
The pastor said he's been praying for God to expand his borders. Now he wonders who he will meet in Washington.
"We have a building we are trying to save," Collins said. "Any support, I would (love) to have."
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