A few weeks ago, the Humboldt Park launch team heard a presentation by Architreasures, a community building organization that rents space in the NL-HP building.  In their presentation, Architreasures stressed their reliance on community anchors--people who have high stake in the community and great interest in seeing it improved.  These people's involvement is so pivotal, they said, that gathering their support is the first step in any successful community project.

That evening my family came to a chili dinner and worship gathering for those interested in helping plant this new location in Humboldt Park.  As praises and prayers gathered, I looked around the room and realized that what I saw was a room full of community anchors.  Teachers from local schools.  Public library staff.  Social workers from various agencies.  Long-time homeowners.  New residents.  Experienced urban church planters.  The most amazing thing was that no one convinced these anchors to come.  God had firmly planted them both in the Humboldt Park community and in New Life's church body long before New Life - Humboldt Park was in existence.  The moment God said "go" on this new location, they were ready. 

Praise to God, who has long been working in Humboldt Park--even preparing His own community anchors.