To the church in San Francisco,

to the ones already living in exile then a pandemic created a remnant, and it’s to you, I write these words. If you don’t call this beautifully broken city home, but think of yourself as a part of the remnant where you live, lean in, this is for you, too.

Ben and I hold hands daily and pray for you somewhere between 6:30 and 7:00 am. We pray for the Christians in this city. The ones we know and don’t know. The ones who have stayed. Persevered. We consider us laborers together because we work here, live here, eat the incredible foods, breathe in the eucalyptus and ocean air, and walk amazed at the different views atop the hundred hills. Yet we also step in stuff, appalled at the trash intentionally left, sweep up the broken glass, and shake our heads in confusion over what our city tolerates and doesn’t tolerate. We’re reading the same articles, days grateful we live here and not over there, and other days wanting to live somewhere else. 

Take heart. You’ve almost lived a year in one of the most restricted, yet healthiest cities in America with less than 400 deaths to date. Not saying it’s all easy from here, but muscles of faith and endurance have formed. You continue to live creatively, but we all have days we want to shrivel up inside your homes or apartments. For all the times you’ve gotten outside, put on regular clothes, made a wise and healthy choice, count it as a win for us, a win for the city. 

We’re glad we’re not the only ones here and just as we need to be whole and healthy and in our right minds, we desire the same for you. We imagine that the ceiling has felt low for some time now and that at times you wish God would just make your soft heart hard so you wouldn’t feel the pains anymore. This is the tension you are feeling. This soft heart is because we love and care and are invested and are changed by the love of Christ. These pains are as we see obvious idolatry and mental instability and unnecessary political battles. Will you also pray for us? It’s one thing to say you follow Jesus, it’s another thing to follow Jesus with your actions and words in a pandemic out loud among a people that don’t get the point. We are Christians living here in the city of St. Francis of Assisi. We are working on the land named after a man who told his followers, “preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” 

But that’s not why you are still here. God hasn’t released you. And I’m writing to remind you, you’re not alone. God is in this city. Have you believed it but for a moment? We are in this city. I know we don’t see each other often, but that’s what happens to exiled people. We’re tending our gardens and caring for our literal next door neighbor’s needs. We’ve tucked the dream away that we’ll share a piece of heaven together one day, but for this day, we’ve got to fight for the Kingdom of God to come here in San Francisco as it is in heaven. Because though we know not the day or the hour, God has etched His heart for this city in ours. 

Yes, God is here, but so are others. You aren’t the only ones who have had tough decisions about staying or leaving. About greener, cheaper, easier places to live and raise a family. There are more of us we haven’t met yet. God in His original-back-in-the-day plan, created us for each other. It’s why God made both Adam and Eve. It’s why Jesus’s hardest moment was when His Father had to turn away because His only Son was bearing all of humanity’s sins and He couldn't look upon it. It’s why Jesus sent disciples out in pairs. Why God sent the animals in pairs, too, or at least I think so! It’s also why Jesus said these words, “Again, I tell you, that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:19-20)

We’re not the persecuted church as some might think we are. It is a privilege to be where God sends us.

Children, you are being raised here.

God sees you as strong and brave. You see a lot in this place. Your heart grows in empathy and understanding in this city. Because you are growing up here, God has a special mission for your life. As you study, play, figure out your dreams and talents, go to Him first, to your parents second, and your church family third.

Adults, you’re being formed here.

It’s a loud and difficult culture, I know, but it challenges the muscles of faith and endurance. What attacks have you not experienced here? What sacrifice have you not made? Have you found the devil and his demons pitching tents outside your home or building? Why? Because this is one territory Satan will not go down without a fight of blood, sweat, and tears. 

Every prayer you’ve prayed. 

Every time you’ve gathered as a family around the table. 

Every time you’ve opened and read the Bible. 

Every song of worship that has left your lips. 

Every tithe given to the church. 

Every act of kindness. 

None of this is hidden from God. Not only does He see this, He’s currently using it in this very city in unseen ways. I’ve been reading the works of Eberhard Arnold, an anti-Nazi growing up in Germany who was a theologian and writer and established the Bruderhof community to resemble the first century Church. He said, “We are winning the earth completely for God by experiencing the life of love and working together with his power to transform the world.” 

Let’s heed Paul’s words to the people of Corinth, “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

In closing, I offer you 5 bits of hope that I pray will change the way you live in this beautifully broken city by the bay. 

1. We need one another.

2. Because we’ve got a city to love.

3. And in this city, everyone has a name.

4. So let us come close.

5. And when His story is our story, then our neighbor’s story gets our attention. 

With all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, I write you this letter,

Shauna 

Read the previous post: Smaller Congregation, Stronger Community (What is Happening in the Church in San Francisco)

And if you’ve read Love Where You Live, have you read the Bonus Chapter released by me and the publisher? You can read it for FREE here!