In this book, Pastor Jonathan Brooks tells the story of how he ended up pastoring a church on the south side of Chicago. He interweaves this story with exposition of Jeremiah 29. Brooks begins by being honest about his desire to get out of the South Side. Growing up, success meant moving away. Over time he was drawn back and grew to see God had placed him in this community to serve.

But Brooks’ message is not that we should all move to the city. Drawing on Jeremiah 29, he argues we should settle down and work for the good of the community in which we live. He does encourage us to pray and ask God “where” we should be rather than solely asking “what” we should do. I think, the me of my early 20s would read a book like this and say “omg, I need to move into the city and help the oppressed!” The me of nearly 40 is moved by what people like Brooks are doing but realizes we can find oppression and brokenness in any community. How can I bring blessing to where I live?

That said, I appreciate learning about what’s going on in Brooks’ community. I got this book because I had taken a group of college students to the south side of Chicago for a week to just live there, learn what’s going on and serve alongside people. This book was recommended as a source to keep learning (I’m not sure if any of my students read it...). Christians need to learn from each other. Too often we only hear the stories in the news, stories that paint a much different picture of the south side than Brooks does. My hope is that we’d read books and listen to stories that confront our assumptions. I want my students (and my kids, and myself) open to visiting and serving with and learning from people outside our comfort zone. This can then enrich us to bring these lessons back to our own communities.

Overall, great and highly recommended book.