The area around where we live is growing like proverbial weeds. SW Ocala, or the Liberty Triangle, is the second-fastest growing area in Florida. The best kept secret is a secret no more. Not only does this community check all the boxes for retirees looking for 55+ developments, but those who are working in service industries, distribution centers, and construction are moving into our new rental neighborhoods. Within a five mile radius of this congregation and where we live, our infrastructure is not catching up (yet) to the growth. Can they say, “moratorium”? Please, pretty please?

It is a treasure trove of a mission field for sure. As I drive past all these new homes, I muse about the stories of the new residents. Are they looking for a church home? Would it possibly fit in with their lifestyles, their routines? Would I be a crazy person, intruding on their privacy, by knocking on their doors? We have tried prayer walks in these new neighborhoods. I wonder if we gave up too soon, after four of these walks didn’t bear fruit. I have to believe that doing something, anything, will not only be worth the effort, but is what God is hoping I (we) will do. It is easiest to invite those like us, age-wise. We rarely have the opportunity to encounter “Gen X/Y/Z” folks and reach out to them in ways that aren’t creepy. Still we realize and know what people need, which is the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Every dwelling, especially the new ones, is waiting for our invitation. Nineteen out of twenty may say, “thanks but no thanks”, politely or not. Trust that the Holy Spirit will blow when, as He-She/They will. We really can’t fail in the eyes of The One who loves us unconditionally.

Pastor Art