Tough City Living

Quoting from the book, "In crowded cities, people face very real isolation, anonymity and loneliness. They may never even seen their neighbours in their high rise block of flats. Within the EU, it has been discovered that the primary problem people feel they face in life is loneliness. We might have expected people to think of financial, housing or work related issues as their main problem, but actually loneliness heads the list by a long way. Christian workers, too, are not immune from the fundamental problem in cities.

If the gospel is to attract lonely people, it must demonstrate the reality of Christian relationships of love. As Christians, we seek to follow the model of Jesus himself, who related in love, humble service and unity within the Trinity. In our study and teaching of Christology, we should no longer be restricted to the traditional divisions of the person and work of Christ, but should also add the relationships of Christ.

In the Gospels, Jesus made a point of eating with various people. HE gives us a model of enjoying fellowship and companionship over food (spot on! :D). In this way he demonstrates his love for them and draws them into a close relationship with himself and with each other. Perhaps we need to add a biblical theology over food to our systematic theology!

...Most of us were brought up in suburbs, small towns or the countryside. The call to minister in the loneliness, violence and bustle of the inner city or in the anonymity of blocks of high rise flats will involve very real sacrifice...

It is clear that Christian mission must increasingly be located in cities... "

For your prayers, Flatfish Inc. is a missional living initiative by Melanie Cripps, Natasha George, Alan Collins and John Wayne aka kerepok lekor in the heart of Auckland City. In the midst of our mundane city living, working and studying, may we be a light that shines through the darkness and brokenness of the city.