Seeking the City

Jeremiah 29 gives the text of a letter that the prophet sent to the Jewish people who had been deported to Babylon. Rather than bemoaning their captivity, Jeremiah tells them to “seek the welfare of the city where I sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jer. 29:7).  Add to this Jonah’s commission to go to Nineveh, “that great city” (Jonah 1:2, 3: 2-3), and it becomes clear that God has a concern for cities. While modern American Christians think that God works best in the suburbs (hence the proliferation of suburban churches), we neglect the cities to our hurt.

Tim Keller is the pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in the heart of Manhattan. He has written a blog post called “The Difference Christianity Could Make in the City.” I think what he says could apply to Youngstown, Akron, or any other city.

The Rescue Mission serves the entire Mahoning Valley, but we are located in the city of Youngstown and we are invested here. Will you join us in praying for the welfare of the city?