I moved here in early November with the understanding the Co:Here building would be completed in December, but due to
construction delays the move was postponed until mid-February. In the months in between I had the opportunity to connect with almost all of the Co:Here residents.
There are 26 units in our building with a diversity of people ethnically, economically, physically, mentally, emotionally, and from a faith perspective. Six to eight of the units are housing people who don’t require social housing but are there to live out the love of Christ and the values of His Kingdom. We have regular rhythms to keep us grounded in Christ and in community. The remainder of the units are there for folks who require low income housing, and there are a number of issues that necessitate their living in social housing.
The building was the vision of Grandview Calvary Baptist Church which is one block from Co:Here and has a long history of involvement with people on the margins and issues of injustice. I worship there and am involved in healing prayer, prayer for people after worship on Sundays, their missions team, and with a group of men who are devoted to bringing repentance and reconciliation in the issue of gender violence and disrespect. I also continue to be involved in care for some of the missionaries in CRM, my sending agency.
As previously mentioned God led me here not only to live out the heart of the Gospel in a social housing setting and the community around it, but to humble me, and continue to shape me in seeking first His kingdom
and to live out denying myself, taking up my cross daily, and following the Jesus I see in the NT. I am consistently
convicted of my instinct to comfort, predictability, order, and my addiction to “my space and my time”. I am truly grateful for God’s love for me and His relentless, patient, and tender pursuit of my “heart, soul, mind, and strength”. I am deeply grateful for the ways He has formed me, equipped me, encouraged me, and led me to be here for “such a time as this” in my life.
I continue to thank God for His gift of Sanctuary in such a sensitive and profound time in my life and that of my family. God knew what was stirring in our hearts and lives as Sue battled with cancer and eventually went to be with Him, and He led us to His people and His worship at Sanctuary in those holy days. We experienced His presence and grace each Sunday as we worshiped and were ministered to by His Word. Thank you for your faithfulness to Him, and care for us.
Let me know if you get to visit this incredible city with much beauty and things to do in the summer! It would be great to see you.
My love in Christ,
Johnny