Detroit- a city of stark contrast

5/24

We arrived in Detroit with the trip odometer reading approximately 230 miles. The drive was smooth and it felt good to put some miles behind us.

Much thanks to the Hochhalters for hosting us. Eric Hochhalter is a friend from Taylor, and his family lives in Grosse Point, a suburb just north of the city. Bryan, Eric's dad, pastors a church called Grace Community on the border between Detroit and Grosse Point. In the morning he took us on a tour of the city to show us the extremes.

We took a route from Grosse Point along the lake passing by some serious wealth. And then with the crossing of a particular street that served a a dividing line, everything changed. Now liquor stores and nail salons replaced the mansions. Picture windows were now broken and boarded up. Bryan also explained the problem of arson and showed us entire city blocks where only charred skeletons remained.

How could such gleam and dullness exist side-by-side? And how does Grace, a church serving both communities, minister to the contrast and encourage a reconciliation between the rich and the poor? The church is a place of common ground, where a a "mosaic of people" can seek Jesus together. Bryan explained that while the church is seeking to practically meet physical needs through a variety of avenues, he feels the need to preach the central gospel message. Rich and poor alike need Jesus.

While the city seems to be in economic despair, I am told that there have been recent signs of hopeful growth. Businesses are starting up and people are relocating to the city.

Alex and I left for Canada in the late morning and had an eventful time crossing the border. Check out Alex's story...