Writer: Emily Darnell
The concept of loving one’s neighbors seems simple enough, but it’s more than a concept — it’s also a command. What would the world look like if Christians made a genuine effort to love those who live in their immediate communities?
Raz and Kristina Bradley have taken seriously the “love thy neighbor” command. They have joined a local “CARES” team through a ministry called Apartment Life. Team members cultivate friendships by planning social activities to increase interactions between residents. The Bradleys hope the events will build long-term relationships with their neighbors.
“We’re designed and wired to be relational,” said Raz. “It’s our job to be friends with people.”
Recently married, the Bradleys have learned what it takes to work together as a unit to make their CARES team successful. “We’ve learned what gifts we’re each best at and how to trust and rely on one another,” said Kristina.
A transitional apartment community can be a challenging place to create long-term relationships, so goals have been set to ensure that efforts are successful. By scheduling three events per month, the Bradleys have multiple opportunities to engage in conversations with other residents outside of visiting them door-to-door.
At these events, conversations just naturally happen,” said Raz. “The ultimate goal is to see Jesus move in the apartment community.”
Too often Christians ignore the fact that the places in which they live and work are primary mission fields, and believers can miss opportunities to love and care for their neighbors. For Kristina and Raz, stepping outside of their sheltered Christian “bubbles” has been especially challenging.
“I’ve learned that it’s a lot easier to talk to people who are well outside of these bubbles we create than most Christians sheltered by the Bible Belt would think,” said Raz. “We’re just learning to have real conversations with real people.”
The Bradleys have no plans to get out of apartment ministry anytime soon. “Even if we weren’t a part of Apartment Life and moved into a suburban neighborhood, we’d be able to apply the same simple principles we’ve learned here,” said Kristina.
Raz added, “The love for hanging out with and genuinely caring for your neighbors would easily transfer to anywhere we decided to live as a result of being a part of a CARES team.”
Kristina and Raz recommend that others who live in apartment communities get involved with a CARES team ministry. For those who wish to make Jesus known throughout the world, it may be as simple as walking next door.