Let’s all be bridge-builders where we are. Whether you’re here in San Francisco, or somewhere else. As Jesus was Immanuel, God with us, let us who know him be with those in our communities and cities.

These kids know and embrace that their neighborhood is not always the cleanest, rough around edges or even unsafe at times; and yet they talk about how they know it won’t be like that forever, because they are going to grow up and make a difference in it. And that is why it’s an honor to walk side by side with these visionaries.

These days the Tenderloin is still a welcoming beacon for all. YWAM is able through God’s provision to provide a place for those in need, giving a place to drop-in, showers, restrooms, food pantry. A place where Jesus is lifted up and shared into the community.

Each day we have opportunities to connect; we get to look people in the eye, to learn their names and to know them. We often subconsciously ignore or choose hurry instead of human in these moments. This was me, this is me. It takes work to change our habits and it doesn’t happen in a day.

Living in the Tenderloin has taught me a lot about seeking out God’s beauty amidst the chaos of daily life. The Tenderloin has always been an eclectic neighborhood filled with diversity and creativity. When walking through it’s easy to take the Tenderloin at face value; trash littering the gutters, abandoned items, but really there’s so much more.

As I sat on the top level of a tall San Francisco building, I gazed in awe of the beauty. Every flickering light - a person made in God’s image loved and known. As I continued to stare across the city towards the light-sprinkled hills, a Bible verse came to mind. It was in Revelation 7, with this scene of people from every tribe, every tongue, every nation. This settled in my heart:  

San Francisco was similar.

What would it look like for you to show up in your community for those who feel forgotten? God is BEYOND our doubts and mustard-seed faith. He is the literal King of Kings. He is the God of Peace and Security. His safety protects us from our enemies and is even with us in the middle of our sickness. He remembers us when we don’t even remember ourselves. He shows up. Will you?

Living life together in the Tenderloin enables me to see and understand my neighbors at a much deeper level. We share the unique experience of the Tenderloin together. The most common meeting places are on the streets, at the park or the farmer’s market, a grocery store or a community event/party. 

Someone once said, “If you want to love your neighbor sometimes you have to start with loving your neighborhood.” To love your neighborhood you have to go out and get involved in the things that the neighbors are concerned about. For me, one of the places where I get to know the problems and the peoples of my neighborhood is my monthly police-community meeting.