Restoring Shalom in our City
Can you imagine caring for the poor as "normal" life for a Christ follower? Instead of talking about the poor, or soothing our conscience with giving money, why not serve them? Jesus said that those who personally gave the cup of cold water to the "least of these" had really given it to Him. It wasn't those who wrote a check, or those who held conferences on the subject.
When God created the heavens and the earth, He wove it all together like a million silk threads forming a dazzling garment never before seen - each thread passing over, under and around millions of others to create a perfectly complementary, tightly-woven, interdependent, amazing whole. This wondrous webbing together of God and humanity and all of creation is what the Hebrew prophets called shalom.
Shalom is a word packed with hope for a broken, bruised and wounded world. It speaks of wholeness, right relationships, justice, salvation, and righteousness, all of which can be missed when we simply read its English definition, ‘peace.'
God's intention for every community is that His shalom would reign. Can you imagine neighborhoods with secure streets, healthy relationships, effective and affirming schools, clean air, and a thriving local economy? Can you picture neighbors sharing meals together, children laughing and playing freely, and the elderly being valued, honored and cared for as the norm in our communities? Can you fathom vibrant faith communities in every neighborhood being beacons of light and hope because of their deep concern for the well being of all community residents, not just their members? Can you envision people being drawn to the love and power of God because of the clear witness of Christ followers fully committed to Jesus Christ?
Our passion and commitment is to be a voice of challenge, equipping Christ-followers who are ready to step forward and see the shalom of God become a reality with under-resourced areas of our city. To this end, we pray boldly and confidently, as Jesus prayed, "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
We invite you to join this "shalom" revolution...
