Freedom from Fear
Hyde Park, New York
Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Psalm 84:3 (NIV)
“Home” is an important idea that most of us take for granted. We know it is a place of safety and refuge - a place of freedom from fear.
I heard a wonderful presentation on the “January Series” by Matthew Desmond. That motivated me to read his book, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City that describes the multiple pathways of loosing that safe place. I was also motivated by the challenges to the ministry of our downtown church.
The churches task is first to “see” the reality in their community and secondly to look for real solutions. We need to look for ways that support families and help them create affordable places that they can call home. “Habitat for Humanity” is one such response. Another is “Just Shelter”.
I would recommend this book as a primer for any downtown church looking for a healing community ministry.
Marvin
Desmond, Matthew (2016-03-01). Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City Crown/Archetype. Kindle Edition.
