Last week we wrote about the importance of knowing the history of your family and how it can help you to move forward in your own life. This week we are writing about the importance of knowing the history of your area.
Let me illustrate it with a little piece of the history of our neighborhood. Years ago before we started doing anything in North Beach I learned a lot about the neighborhoods history. The neighborhood we live in has a rich Italian history. Many of the homes, stores and restaurants used to be owned by Italians in the neighborhood. Along with them came the culture of family but also a catholic Christian faith background. People helped each other out and were part in each other’s life, just like families do. So at one point an Italian man started the bank of Italy which was a bank for the working class of North Beach. It helped people to be able to afford homes that normally would not be able to (sometimes I wonder if the story of the movie it’s a wonderful life is in some ways based on this bank). The bank helped after the earthquake right away with loans so the rebuild of the city could start. So again the heritage of our neighborhood came to life through that bank by helping the people that lived here like a family. That bank later on merged with another bank (Bank of America) which became one of the largest banks in the world and still helps the working class with money for mortgages.
So this was just one example of a history our neighborhood carries. Many times when we find those things we can see more of how God intended a place to be. When you research the history you will understand your town so much better and again you will be able to make a greater impact in everything you do.
- Go to a library and find books about your town. Also research on the internet.
- Talk to older people from the area you live in and hear what they remember about the history of the town.
- Gather your information and see what common themes you see.
- Now start praying into it and ask God what your role is in this town.
Hey our friend
A week without community is a lost week. During the last week we saw again how much each of us needs community and people around them. During the different times we have people together at our house you can always see each one of them leaving refreshed but also we feel encouraged through there friendships. No matter if we meet up with people one on one or if it was times in groups both of them give so much life. Most of what we do is creating community wherever we go and showing through true relationship how the love of God transformed us. It might be through a game night, a brunch an encouragement group, helping out at a senior meeting or meeting up for a coffee. It doesn’t matter what way it is, the importance is to start with one!
God is so amazing, this year our cost went up with increase in rent, health insurance and other living costs in San Francisco, but since the beginning of the year we have already seen a big increase in monthly support. Right now we are still in need of $1.300 to cover our total monthly cost. Thank you to each one of you who is already part of our team. If you are not, but you would like to join our financial support team, find out more by clicking on this link. Thank you for considering us.
Don’t forget to research your town history!
Have a blessed week
Markus and Jen