What a book! In a world where racial diversity and racial tension are still alive and well, it was so refreshing to read about a place and time when people came together as people, and were able to get past the color of skin and truly succeed. It warms my heart to know that places like this exist in America.

"Racial reconciliation" is a term that I have only really heard since moving South, actually, really since coming to the church that I attend here. I know someone that is from the Spanish Harlem in NYC. I am interested in learning how to love people within the inner city well--before I moved South I attended church in Kensington, Philly... and while it was insanely difficult to break in (people told me that I wouldn't be accepted there because I was a white girl and I smiled too much) when I left I felt like I was leaving my family.

These are all reasons that I asked for a reviewer's copy of this title.

There are a lot of things I really, really appreciate about this book. I appreciate how Humphreys created a safe space for people of diverse backgrounds (ethnic and religious) to come together and ask each other questions and share their stories. I really appreciated the model he presented of making it a space for awkwardness to be brought out--sometimes it feels like we have made it so impossible for people to ask questions without causing offense. So sometimes it feels safer to sit in ignorance than to risk asking the questions that could offend others. During my time at Urban Hope, the church in Kensington, I was continually humbled. I ran into brick walls and open arms through my questions and interactions. People that I was afraid to approach... well, I would challenge myself to step into their space and try to hear their stories. From that I became so close with people that even after 5 years I still want to go back.

This book breaks down the model of showing up, staying put, and seeing for a church community.

Guys, I don't really know how to properly review this title because so much was covered.
Instead, I'm going to write some of the ideas that I am thinking about now after finishing. If you want to know more... I would say ask me.... but how about you read the book for yourself? ;]

1. Creating safe spaces for communication (this isn't from the book but is related to this, "You can't hate someone once you've heard their story."-- that is why I agree that a safe space like Humphreys tried to create is important and necessary.)
2. Churches needing to stay in their communities and being a part of their communities, getting to know the small businesses that surround the area.
3. How whiteness has effected the evangelical church. (This is something that I've been thinking about not just in racial terms but also how being "American" affects Christianity and how we live out what God called us to be.)
4. Okay, making this list isn't really even working..... This is an really good resource. I don't think that it should only be pigeon holed for inner city ministries but used for others to adjust their ministry models for reaching out and building community in the community and amongst the community of believers.

I received a complimentary copy of this title in exchange for my unbiased review.

Seeing Jesus in East Harlem
What Happens When Churches Show Up and Stay Put
by José Humphreys
InterVarsity Press
Christian , Religion & Spirituality
Pub Date 09 Oct 2018
I am reviewing a copy of Seeing Jeaus in East Harlem through Intervarsity Press and Netgalley:
We all come from different places, and some of us come from many places, but often where we come from can be reflected in our walk. Our faith has its own stories, stories that are uniquely ours.
In this book Pastor Jose Humphrey’s reminds us how our faith is deeply tied to our stories in our places.
I give Seeing Jesus in East Harlem five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!