Size Matters?

Recently presidential candidate Barrack Obama got into some hot water for reportedly saying some negative remarks about residents of “small-town” America. My family and I moved from Tucson, Arizona to Junction City, Kansas in 2001 to start Legacy Church. While Tucson is not a Chicago or New York, it is a lot larger than Junction City.

We are now moving back to Tucson in a couple of weeks. I’d like to share a few thoughts about my experience of living in a smaller community.

7 Things I’ve Seen in 7 Years

1. The ethnic diversity in the Junction City area has renewed my confidence that America can overcome racial prejudice. Our experiences in this community have been very positive.

2. Change takes time but Junction City is on the right track. I heard all the bad reports before I got here. Most are no longer true. Things are changing for the good.

3. People care in this area. There are plenty of good folks of every race and color here that love this area.

4. Unity is hard work but worth it. Keep working for it and you will see good things.

5. Everything rises and falls on leadership. That’s a universal truth but I’ve seen it play out in this community. We need to keep identifying and nurturing up new leaders.

6. There are pros and cons to living anywhere. Embrace the positive things of this community. There are plenty. Work to change the negative things.

7. Many of the community leaders have been open to the faith based community। You don’t always see that in larger communities. Both groups need to continue to work together for the benefit of this area.

We will never forget this community! We have been so blessed by our time here. What about you? Do you see the potential living in a smaller community?