90% of the students at the local elementary school cannot read or write at grade level.
Neighbourhood Church in Fresno, CA sees this as their problem, something they need to take responsibility for.
So pastors and missionaries Joe and Heidi White, together with their congregation, own and repent of this failure to the children in their neighbourhood.
As the hands and feet of Jesus, they have responded in three ways.
First, they have advocated for their local school to the local district and state governments.
They have requested school counsellors, to help their children deal with the trauma and complexity of life in the Jackson neighbourhood.
Second, they have supplemented the state education with volunteers to help in the classrooms.
Congregants come regularly to support teachers and assist students who struggle.
Plus, every 4th grade class is challenged to reach personal health, fitness and character goals.
Upon graduation, they earn a bike, helmet and lock.
Finally, the principal at the local school knows they can call or text Neighbourhood Church for support and mediation.
If God had his way in the Jackson neighbourhood, the children would be cared for and properly educated –
and so Neighbourhood Church comes alongside this mission.
What a privilege and joy to cooperate with God and nurture shalom in this neighbourhood!
Photo credits: Unspash (Jerry Wang)