Picture of my NIV by Fran Meservy
God's Word - My Guide by Frances M. McCrory-Meservy May 1992
Using the Bible as my guide, I decided to implement Mat 18:15-17:
If you have a problem with your neighbor, go and talk to him. This usually solves the problem. Most of the time, a person does not know he is causing a problem until he is told. If you call me first, it will only make him angry.
If that does not work, call me and I will talk to them for you. If this has no affect, I will talk to the owner and write a warning letter. If all else fails, I will write an eviction notice. If they do not comply, they will move.
It became obvious from the onset that most of the problems in the community was caused by a lack of communication. The people were afraid of each other. I insisted they talk to each other and went with the ones who were too fearful to go alone. People began talking to each other and found out that they liked their neighbors. They became friends and started helping and watching out for each other.
Now when a new person moves in, they are greeted by their neighbors and made to feel at home. Problems vanished like dew in the morning sun.
Since I used scripture to guide the community, the people were listening to God and fear of evil left them. I was learning God’s ways in a wondrous way.
We had 10 vacant lots when I started on June 1, 1992 and none within six months.
We maintained zero vacancies until I moved in September 2000. God sent me whomever he pleased and let me know who to lease to. He has only had me refuse to lease to a handful of people. There were several professions of faith within the first three months. God had given me a mission field and blessed me in it.
(Mat 18:15-17 NKJV) "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. "But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' "And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.