When they needed it most, a couple saw the benefits of a strong neighborhood community.

 

Bente and Brian Newbury have always been the hospitable type, with a knack for gathering people together and nurturing new friendships. When the couple moved from a rural area to the suburbs of Lacombe, Alberta, they saw an opportunity that came with the move.

“I had a feeling from God that we should get to know the neighbors,” said Bente. She and Brian eventually connected with a ministry called Neighbourhood Life, a Resonate partner that focuses on joining God where he is at work in your neighborhood.

Led by Rick Abma, Neighbourhood Life offers tools and encouragement for people to move from stranger to acquaintance to relationship with their neighbors.

From Christmas parties to toy exchanges, the Newbury home became the center of a transformed neighborhood—then it disappeared in a fire early one terrifying morning. But what seemed like a devastating end to their story opened the way to a new beginning.

Rebuilding and Returning

“It was overwhelming how much love and support we got,” says Bente. “I think that if we didn’t get to know the neighbors before that, we wouldn’t have had [their] support like that.”

Wanting to return the love they were receiving in their time of need, Brian and Bente decided to spend an evening with their neighbors on the land where their home had stood. On Halloween, they set up a table with candy, coffee, and cookies, just to be with their friends. Their small community was so happy to have their friends back!

You Are Multiplying This Community

You share something in common with Bente and Brian—you too recognize the value of sharing God’s love with neighbors, and your support for Resonate has made it possible to multiply Neighbourhood Life in other parts of Alberta.

Rick Abma lives not far from Bente and Brian and, with your help, encouraged them in their community-building goals, offering supplies like a barbeque trailer and a coffee roaster to use at events.

Your gifts also allow Rick to share successes of what Brian and Bente’s neighbors are doing with other neighbors who want to connect but aren’t sure where to begin. Through your support, Neighbourhood Life helps people start by acknowledging that God is at work in their neighborhood and gives them tools to join God’s mission.

“Much like we love our children, there’s value to loving [our neighbors] without condition,” says Rick.

Friendships Bring Opportunities

Bente remembers an encounter with one of her neighbors that changed both of their lives. It all began with a simple greeting on the street. That developed into discussions about faith, and today this neighbor’s entire family expresses faith in Christ.

“Just the other day she said to me, ‘My family wouldn’t be here [at church] if it weren’t for you,’” says Bente.