Julie and I got some great news this evening! A few months ago we invited a young couple who were interested in moving to Homewood over to our house for dinner. We really enjoyed our time with them, and we tried our best to answer their questions about living in Homewood without trying to influence them in one way or another. They have some incredible ideas on how to impact the community by living here, though. We have been praying and hoping that they would move here. Tonight, they stopped by our house to let us know that they have decided to move to Homewood within the next couple of weeks!
For us, this is a huge answer to prayer. My goal is to see many families move to Homewood to raise families, buy homes, start businesses, open bank accounts, volunteer in their kids' schools, advocate for government accountability, and demonstrate the love of Christ to their neighbors on a daily basis. I had been hoping that our move to Homewood might inspire other people to want to move here, but to be honest there has actually been very little interest. Almost an awkward amount of disinterest. I sometimes think people don't like to talk to me about our life in Homewood because it makes them feel uncomfortable. From one perspective, that's fine with us because we are doing something countercultural that many people have a hard time understanding. From another perspective, it's disheartening because I have much to share with people about how God is moving in this neighborhood. I have written much on this blog about how God continues to work through us to impact Homewood in unique ways. It is an amazing feeling to be in the center of God's will.
If you are reading this and you live in a large metropolitan area like Pittsburgh, I would strongly encourage you to move to a marginalized neighborhood like Homewood. If you have questions about it... just ask me! People all over America and in cities around the world are moving back into cities because of the many benefits that urban centers have to offer. Yes, there are risks involved in living in the city. But there are also risks involved in living in the suburbs or rural areas. God is moving in cities at a tremendous rate in cities all over the world... I think you should join his work there. If you're in Pittsburgh, I'd love to talk to you about living in Homewood. One final note: There were roughly 11,000 residents living in Homewood before my family moved here, many of whom are amazing people who care deeply about their community. Many organizations and churches have been working in Homewood for years, long before LAMP or North Way got here. My family, and the LAMP mentors from North Way, are simply seeking to join the Holy Spirit in the work that is going on in Homewood. Another couple just jumped in. I'd love to see hundreds of new families move into Homewood. Care to join us?
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