On The Wrong Side of the Track

There are at least two empirical observations concerning the growth pattern of a city where land is either available or annexation merited. The emerging affluent residential and commercial developments are likely to occur first in a northerly direction away from the old downtown and city seat. The presence of railroads or highway further demarcates the have and the have nots of the inhabitants. The concentration of wealth and amenities services are more abundant and accessible on the "right" side of the track and fartherest away from the city hall and inner city surroundings.

A double whammies beset and dissect the westside of our city. This section of town is separated by the north-south State Route 99 and the Southern Pacific Railroad. Here is where our version of the West Side Story unfolds daily. It is here on the "wrong" side of the track Medical Ambassadors is serving the poor, the sick, and the destitute with Jesus' eyes.

The Vine House is Medical Ambassadors' drop-in center. At this house, food and drink are provided along with Christian-based videos, a clothing exchange, and a warm place to rest. Our church small groups will be doing repair and remodeling for this center for the next 40 Days of Community and beyond.

Our group will start cleaning and repairing parts of the Vine House next Saturday afternoon, and on the two following Sundays after worship.