After decades of industrial decline, a dwindling population, and facing more than $14 billion in debts, last month Detroit became the largest American city ever to declare bankruptcy. But even amid this economic disaster, there are signs of hope in Detroit, some of which are coming from the city's youth. And Detroit is far from the only major city facing challenges. Cities around the world struggle with problems such as declining housing markets, poor infrastructure, and schools with inadequate resources. But there are opportunities in all of these cities for young people to be agents of hope. LinC looks at how God uses us to redeem and transform our cities and communities. Key Scriptures: Jeremiah 29:1-7; Zechariah 8:1-5; Acts 2:42-27. Do you have all the supplies you’ll need for the upcoming school year? Chances are your teachers have provided a list of materials that you will need for their classroom. And as you acquire the necessary pencils, notebooks, calculators, and dry-erase markers, it’s worth giving some thought to your spiritual supply list. What resources do you need to grow in your relationship with God and to learn how to live as a disciple of Christ? Next week we’ll look at how resources such as the Bible, the rituals and traditions of the church, and the wisdom and guidance of our brothers and sisters in Christ help us to mature in our faith.
