Just like every neighborhood ours is a combination of joy and pain. The Image of God uniquely shines through in the Brentwood area. For example, the neighborhood reflects the generous and loving nature of God. One study found that Brentwood’s zip code had the highest rate of charitable giving in northeast Florida. In many other ways there is apparent evidence that brokenness has staggeringly vandalized the Image.

The Fall has impacted our neighborhood. We see its results through individual choices and systemic policy. We see it through the ways people are hurt by historical and present day injustice.

Some of the statistical outcomes that reveal things are not as they ought to be:

• Overall life expectancy is nine years shorter than the city as a whole.

• Household income is less than half the county average and the majority of households earn less than $25,000 per year.

• More than 1 in 5 homes are vacant or abandoned.

• The rate of low-birth weight babies is 40% higher than the rest of Jacksonville.

While we are clearly aware of the reality that things are not as they should be, we know that Christ is redeeming and reconciling all things to himself. We know that his death and resurrection provide the power and the access for individuals to know him, be transformed by him, and become ambassadors of reconciliation themselves. We also know that one day, he will redeem and reconcile all things back to himself. And while we might not see that today, we are all called to act and pray for his Kingdom to come in great and small ways through our lives.