(TNS) — A new advocacy group, “Midland of Tomorrow,” has emerged in Midland, Texas, aimed at addressing local concerns regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Founded by Eliel Rosa of Nehemiah220 Ministries, the group comprises prominent local figures and seeks to establish regulations for AI usage while raising awareness about its potential negative impacts globally. This initiative follows the recent approval of an AI data center in Midland and increasing national dialogues about AI’s role in warfare and significant statements from tech leaders, including Elon Musk.
Rosa emphasized the profound changes AI is instigating, citing that “44% of pastors right now in America are using AI to prepare their sermons.” He noted that educators are similarly incorporating AI in their assignments, leading to a cycle where students use AI to respond to tasks and teachers use it for grading. “This is a change, this is a turning point,” he remarked during the group’s initial meeting.
At the gathering, Rosa presented two videos: one showcasing the ideal city of Curitiba in Brazil and its AI applications, while the other was a promotional piece from AI company Anthropic PBC. Attendees were invited to discuss their views and experiences with AI, although not all eight invited members could attend the first meeting.
Hermann Eben, owner and managing partner of GR8 Solutions Group, shared insights from an engineering perspective, revealing his own use of AI for writing projects. However, he expressed concerns, stating that AI undermines “peer accountability,” which he sees as vital for self-governance. “If it were possible to build those transcendent values into AI, it would make all the difference in the world, but unfortunately it is morally neutral,” Eben said.
John Bohacek, a pastor at Harvest Time Church, framed the discussion around AI within a spiritual context, likening it to a “battle between light and darkness.” He characterized AI as an “enemy” that humanity must confront. “In the Garden (of Eden), it was conversations with a snake, and I believe that’s what is happening in this situation,” he cautioned, urging churches to unite against the challenges posed by AI.
Although unable to attend, Steven Sierra Alcabes, the process engineer officer for the city of Midland, contributed a statement emphasizing the need for genuine human connections to preserve “our humanity.” Rosa read Alcabes’ statement, where he remarked, “The quality in the real and human connections that we build will make the difference between checking off boxes versus trust that can’t be faked.”
Crystal Velasquez, executive director of digital transformation at Midland College, discussed the impact of AI on education. She noted that students have formed distinct groups of AI users, prompting Midland College to establish an AI committee aimed at understanding and addressing these trends. “With this many people on campus, we can’t keep track necessarily of who’s doing what and how,” Velasquez explained, adding that the institution is in the early stages of learning and developing best practices.
John Burkholder, a city councilman-at-large, provided a governmental perspective on AI, voicing concerns about its societal, economic, and mental health repercussions. He warned that the monetization of AI could shift focus away from universal welfare, stating, “I feel that there has to be serious conversations and guidelines to minimize that or keep that from happening.”
Looking ahead, Rosa aims to broaden the group’s investigation into AI by conducting on-the-street interviews with Midland residents. He is also planning a town hall meeting in May to facilitate discussions, allowing community members to voice their concerns and inquiries about AI.
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