As we continue to hear truly terrible things that go on around us, we frequently hear, "Why do you stay there?"
1. We love the community. There is a tight knit group of Christians that look out for each other. We share life. Can you do that elsewhere? Sure, we had that same type of community in Singapore and China. But here it is a choice to live in an undesirable area that brings us together. There are pastors of big churches in the suburbs, pastors of small churches in the neighborhood, a family that runs a woodworking shop for local dads, a physical therapist, teachers, construction managers, computer programmers, and nurses. All living together to bring life to this area.
2. We see change. Even in the three short years we have lived here there are been many positive changes. These range from more pride in the neighborhood to neighbors looking our for each other.
3. We are used in small ways. Matt was able to help someone by calling 911. We often have movie days on the weekends and kids from the neighborhood watch a decent movie in a safe environment. We are able to have positive interactions with many of our neighbors. It's great to live in a place where children of all colors play together with no problems.
4. If you don't bring in light-darkness wins and a sense of hopelessness reigns. This area around here is known for the high amount of overdoses. Last week a 22 year old was murdered over a gaming system that was stolen from him. Sometimes just living life in the neighborhood, showcases a different way to live--a better option. A life of hope even when everything doesn't go your way.
1. We love the community. There is a tight knit group of Christians that look out for each other. We share life. Can you do that elsewhere? Sure, we had that same type of community in Singapore and China. But here it is a choice to live in an undesirable area that brings us together. There are pastors of big churches in the suburbs, pastors of small churches in the neighborhood, a family that runs a woodworking shop for local dads, a physical therapist, teachers, construction managers, computer programmers, and nurses. All living together to bring life to this area.
Today we dedicated a house that is being finished soon. We got to write verses on the studs before the dry wall goes up.
2. We see change. Even in the three short years we have lived here there are been many positive changes. These range from more pride in the neighborhood to neighbors looking our for each other.
3. We are used in small ways. Matt was able to help someone by calling 911. We often have movie days on the weekends and kids from the neighborhood watch a decent movie in a safe environment. We are able to have positive interactions with many of our neighbors. It's great to live in a place where children of all colors play together with no problems.
4. If you don't bring in light-darkness wins and a sense of hopelessness reigns. This area around here is known for the high amount of overdoses. Last week a 22 year old was murdered over a gaming system that was stolen from him. Sometimes just living life in the neighborhood, showcases a different way to live--a better option. A life of hope even when everything doesn't go your way.
5. God has showed us that where He puts is the safest place to be. Sure we take precautions, and our kids have rules that they wouldn't have elsewhere, but we are not afraid to be here.
We are glad God is able to use this odd group of people to love people here in Brookside.
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