This book is a modern application of the apostles strategy to fulfill the Great Commission. Jesus walked over 3,000 miles through neighborhoods throughout Palestine. Jesus commanded his disciples to go into a neighborhood, find a worthy person, stay with them, and meet the neighbors. The disciples first showed love to them by meeting physical need(s). Only then would they share Gods love story, the gospel of Christ. Today most churches focus on attracting the neighbors into the church but this is not working. Less than 20% of Americans now regularly attend church and by 2050 if the church doesnt change, it is estimated attendance will drop to 11.7%. This can be reversed if we adopt Jesus evangelistic strategy. This book shows how Luke packaged the never-changing gospel for ten different types of neighborsthe hurting, religious, spiritualist, seeker, fanatic, good person, abuser, skeptic, misinformed and pleasure seeker. This book and its training manual give answers to over one hundred questions about spiritual matters!

The world around us is a wreck. When there's so much conflict around the country and around the corner, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, powerless, and helpless. What can one person do to make a difference? Here's the good news. Millions of everyday people are ready to step into their power to transform their communities. And you are one of them. Take heart and be inspired by real stories of ordinary people who took action and changed their corner of the world, one step at a time. Equal parts inspiration, education, and Do-It-Yourself, Transforming Communities by veteran community activist Sandhya Jha will open your eyes to the world-healing potential within you, and give you the vision, the tools, and the encouragement to start transforming your neighborhood, one person at a time.

Placemaking—personalizing public and semi-private spaces like front yards—is a growing trend in cities and suburbs around the world, drawing people out of their homes and into conversation with one another. Picture a busy avenue. Now plant trees along the boulevard, paint a mural by the empty lot, and add a community garden. Set up benches along the sidewalks and make space for kids' chalk drawings, and you've set the scene for a thriving community. Kids are natural placemakers, building tree forts, drawing on sidewalks and setting up lemonade stands, but people of all ages can enjoy creative placemaking activities. From Dutch families who drag couches and tables onto sidewalks for outdoor suppers to Canadians who build little lending libraries to share books with neighbors, people can do things that make life more fun and strengthen neighborhoods. Home Sweet Neighborhood combines upbeat text, fun facts and colorful photos to intrigue and inspire readers.

Six-year-old Manuel Diaz and his mother first arrived at Miami's airport in 1961 with little more than a dime for a phone call to their relatives in the Little Havana neighborhood. Forty years after his flight from Castro's Cuba, attorney Manny Diaz became mayor of the City of Miami. Toward the end of the twentieth century, the one-time citrus and tourism hub was more closely associated with vice than sunshine. When Diaz took office in 2001, the city was paralyzed by a notoriously corrupt police department, unresponsive government, a dying business district, and heated ethnic and racial divisions. During Diaz's two terms as mayor, Miami was transformed into a vibrant, progressive, and economically resurgent world-class metropolis. In Miami Transformed: Rebuilding America One Neighborhood, One City at a Time, award-winning former mayor Manny Diaz shares lessons learned from governing one of the most diverse and dynamic urban communities in the United States. This firsthand account begins with Diaz's memories as an immigrant child in a foreign land, his education, and his political development as part of a new generation of Cuban Americans. Diaz also discusses his role in the controversial Elián González case. Later he details how he managed two successful mayoral campaigns, navigated the maze of municipal politics, oversaw the revitalization of downtown Miami, and rooted out police corruption to regain the trust of businesses and Miami citizens. Part memoir, part political primer, Miami Transformed offers a straightforward look at Diaz's brand of holistic, pragmatic urban leadership that combines public investment in education and infrastructure with private sector partnerships. The story of Manny Diaz's efforts to renew Miami will interest anyone seeking to foster safer, greener, and more prosperous cities.

100 Answers to Questions from the Neighborhoods: Personal Evangelism Done Jesus Style Companion Study Guide is a modern-day application of Jesus and the apostles strategy to fulfill the Great Commission. In just 30 years their evangelistic method was bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world (Colossians 1:6)! Did you know Jesus walked over 3,000 miles through neighborhoods throughout Palestine? In Matthew 10, Jesus commanded his disciples to go into a neighborhood, find a worthy person and stay at their home. From there they went out and met the neighbors. The disciples then showed love to those they met by meeting any physical need(s). Only then would they share Gods love story, the gospel of Christ. This was also Jesus personal strategy. Today most evangelistic plans involve attracting the neighbors into the church. Churches do this with events, dynamic worship services, and quality programs for every member of the family. Many churches do this well but sadly the American church is in decline. Less than 20% of Americans now regularly attend church. In 1990, 20.4% attended church. In 2000, the percentage dropped to 18.7%. By the year 2050 if the church doesnt change, it is estimated church attendance will drop to 11.7%. This can be reversed if we adopt the evangelistic strategy used by Jesus and the apostles. This book gives you a detailed breakdown of the gospel the apostle Peter presented on the Day of Pentecost that ended with 3,000 baptisms in one day! The book will also show you how Luke, the author or Acts, packaged the never-changing gospel to ten different types of neighborsthe hurting, religious, spiritualist, seeker, fanatic, good person, abuser, skeptic, misinformed and pleasure seeker. This book and its training manual identify over one hundred questions about spiritual matters and help you have the answers your neighbors need to hear!

In these pages you will find inspiring, true stories of people who didn't have hope?until they had a home. Stories of children who gained identity and confidence for their future. Of families made stronger and healthier and prison inmates who are now giving back to their communities. Of entire communities bonding together around an ethic of hard work and mutual respect. Of denominational, political, and racial barriers falling with every swing of the hammer. Of a growing host of young people engaged in the quest to end poverty housing. And even some wonderful love stories. The end result is nothing less than the transformation of lives, communities, and families?one person, one home at a time. Which, of course, has always been the dream?to build more than houses. "Habitat for Humanity is building much more than houses. By building hope it is building relationships, strengthening communities, and nurturing families." ?Actor Paul Newman, Habitat supporter "Rosalynn and I believe in Habitat's integrity, effectiveness, and tremendous vision. With Habitat, we build more than houses. We build families, communities, and hope." ?Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter "I could have gone through my whole life bouncing back and forth on welfare. Habitat makes a difference, and allows people to be what God intended them to be instead of what their circumstances dictate." ?Missouri homeowner Terrie Robinson

In this exuberant picture book about transformation through art, Mira lives in a gray urban community until a muralist arrives and, along with his paints and brushes, brings color, joy, and hope to the neighborhood. What good can a splash of color do in a community of gray? As Mira and her neighbors discover, more than you might ever imagine! Based on the true story of the Urban Art Trail in San Diego, California, Maybe Something Beautiful reveals how art can inspire transformation—and how even the smallest artists can accomplish something big. Pick up a paintbrush and join the celebration! "Simply superb.” (Kirkus) Tomás Rivera Book Award * ALA Notable Children's Book * Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books of the Year * Huffington Post Best Picture Books of the Year * Kirkus Best of the Year * School Library Journal Top 10 LatinX of the Year