What is a ministry focused on housing? What can one person do? These are questions that came to me as it became clearer that my ministry is to be focused on housing for those unhoused and affordable and workforce housing for those struggling to continue living in New Paltz and Ulster County.
I believe that housing security is not only a basic human right, but is foundational for a stable and healthy society.
But what does God say about housing?
In Isaiah 32:18 we read:
“My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.”
Who among us would choose not to live “in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest”?
Who among us would want to live with the fear that we might lose our housing? Who among us would choose to be unhoused?
But there are among us, right here in New Paltz and surrounding Ulster County and the Hudson Valley, those who live with this fear every day. And there are those among us who have NO home at all, who are unhoused.
So what can I do? And what can you do?
God calls us to do things we never expected to be doing. And it is a blessing when we recognize that WE are being CALLED by GOD to do these things! At least we realize it is a blessing once we get past, “God, You want ME to do WHAT?” And, “God, I have NO IDEA how to do THAT!”
If you are stirred by housing issues, let’s talk. Or if you feel a stirring for other matters, let’s talk.
I was away from the church, and God, for over 40 years, yet here I am, a Synodical Deacon, writing this note to you, my Siblings in Christ! How did this happen? It happened through feeling a stirring inside and through conversation with Pastor Tobias.
My dear Siblings in Christ, if you feel a stirring, it’s probably God calling you!
If you feel a stirring, let’s talk.
You can reach me in person on any Sunday. Or you can email me
Next month I’ll share with you some specifics of how God is working through me to assist others with a housing need.