Tim Simpson
In 2016, I began praying for 33A Kirkwood Ave, which is a house right opposite campus. Back in my days as a student, I met others there to study the Bible. As I walked past 33A on my way to uni, I prayed, “God, can we use this house again?” In 2018, a big “For Rent” sign appeared in front of 33A. I excitedly toured the house. It was in a state of disrepair, with broken glass embedded in the grass from thrown bottles and cigarettes stubbed out in cupboards. But, with a bit of cleanup, it was perfect for our student work on campus.
Together with the three brave students who agreed to flat in the house, we signed the lease, trusting God to provide another flatmate and $400 additional funds a week. At the 2018 National Gathering, we asked people to consider becoming “virtual flatmates” at the Navigators flat. We needed forty virtual flatmates to provide $10 a week toward the rent. And just as the Lord had provided the house, he brought the flatmates. We were blessed with exactly this amount.
The live-in flatmates have changed over the years. Still, the vision remains the same for 33A Kirkwood Ave to be a welcoming space for any student to discuss and explore faith in Jesus. At the heart of this is community. Community builds friendships and a place of belonging for our students as together they seek to grow in their walk with Jesus. Community is also missional – it’s a place to invite friends as they seek to understand Jesus. It is John 13:35 lived out: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
