A historic part of Charleston, South Carolina was actually transformed from being a pretty shabby part of town to antebellum houses and mansions that are classic. It started with one investor restoring one home, a neighbor found someone to help him, and then another - until finally the entire neighborhood was transformed.
The recovery of historic Charleston dramatically demonstrates the renewing power of a model. The Jewish leader Ezra realized the sin of his people, and the Bible says, "(Ezra) fell on (his) knees and prayed: 'Oh my God, I am too ashamed and disgraced to lift up my face to you ... our sins are higher than our heads.'" ( Ezra 9:6) He passionately repented publicly and the result was "a large crowd of Israelites gathered around him. They, too, wept bitterly." ( Ezra 10:1)
Years ago, there was an extraordinary spiritual renewal on some Christian college campuses. Hundreds of students confessed sins publicly, broken relationships were restored, and entire student bodies changed - all because one student was willing to confess.
Someone who was willing to repent of sin publicly and passionately, could lead your neighborhood, your church, your family, or your friends to make things right again. God might use it to start transforming everyone around you.