Jerusalem was under attack by the Babylonian army. Though this would not seem to be a good time to buy land, Jeremiah publically purchased a field from his cousin, keeping it in the family. Why do you think God lead him to do that? What does Jeremiah’s action communicate to the rest of the Jews?
What action could people of faith take today that would give people hope in the midst of a housing crisis? With so many communities “under attack” with bank foreclosures and “short sales”, how could the church become a stabilizing agent?
Tongue on Fire 
Jeremiah’s action symbolized hope for the future. Who better than “resurrection” people to act in ways that provide hope.
One thought I had about how the church could stabilize communities: The church could purchase short sales and rent the property back to the family (thereby preventing displacement and potential homelessness). Rent would be based on what the church is paying for principal, interest and taxes. Once the family is financially stable, the church could sell it back to the family at a price that would cover the outstanding loan. This plan would also reduce the number of foreclosures that destroy communities.
This is just in the initial idea stage, and I’m sure there are issues that would have to be addressed, but I don’t think the church thinks enough about how it can use its resources to build community.
I’d love to hear your ideas and thoughts.
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Such a tough question. I don’t have an answer, but something occurred to me this morning while browsing facebook. A college acquaintance has busted her butt to connect 100 Ethiopian children to U.S. sponsors to help provide schooling and sustainable lives for their families. I’m reminded of The Heifer Project. Also, a CO church I used to attend sent a missionary to Uganda to build an orphanage, but her strategy changed significantly after some time there. Instead of an orphanage, she built a network of extended families who could take in cousins, nephews, nieces, etc. orphaned by AIDS–families that, before her help and coordination, were too poor to manage it. This strategy reinforced familial and societal bonds rather than try to replace them. So why is the church managing in-roads in Africa? Certainly, needs are profound there; also, intervention is cheaper. For little money, a family can be provided with tools for building and sustaining their own economic independence.
Here in the U.S., systems are complex and interventions are expensive. Pastor Ray, I love your idea about renting back to a family a home they might otherwise lose. When Gene and I lived in Chicago, we lived in a subsidized apartment building which had initially been built in part by a coalition of nearby churches. And another friend lived in a building which also provided affordable apartments to retired missionaries. I think denominations, because of their size (and available monetary and human resources), might have an advantage at experimenting with interventions that make a difference in housing here in the U.S.
That said, providing people with the tools to build economically sustainable lives is key. A less direct but equally potent intervention (on an individual scale) is to mentor an at-risk young person and see them through high school graduation. A place to start: contact Boys and Girls Clubs of America, or Big Brothers Big Sisters. I called up Volunteers of America who set me up with my G.E.D. tutoring gig. I hope the little I do can equip women to build economically viable lives for themselves and their kids.
I also think Jeremiah’s story might provide a clue to how/when to make a move to help: a word from God and a personal connection to a person in need. If those two things coincide, I try to find a way to act. Try.
Well…that was a long one. Sorry I didn’t manage to be more concise.
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