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June 20, 2007

Philly Fire Destroys Simple Way Community Center

"Fabric of our community life changed forever."

David Neff

In its September 2005 cover story, Christianity Today introduced Shane Claiborne and the Philadelphia intentional community, the Simple Way as models of what is being called the "new monasticism."

The daughter of friends of mine has worked with the Simple Way in its Yes! And afterschool program. They've kept me informed today via e-mail of the effects of a horrendous 7-alarm fire on the Simple Way community.Kensington2%20fire.jpg As a result of the fire, eight neighboring families have lost their homes, the Simple Way has lost its community center, and Simple Way members Shane Claiborne and Jesce Walz have lost all their possessions. Fortunately, no community members were seriously injured or lost their lives.

"This fire will forever change the fabric of our community," says the Simple Way website. Check there for further updates, for fire photos, and for information on giving to help the Simple Way and the displaced families.

[uncredited photo from thesimpleway.org]

posted by David Neff | Comments (5)

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Now its time for those who have helped others so much to experience the blessing that God wants to give to them. Our heart is heavy for those who have lost their homes and possessions - but we give God the glory because He is going to use this in miraculous ways.

Posted By: Scott Childress | June 21, 2007 7:28 AM

Wow. This is awful news, but I am sure Shane and others will pull through this with even more stories to share... God is good.

Posted By: Sara | June 21, 2007 11:00 AM

That stinks. Let's help them rebuild.

Posted By: Jeff | June 22, 2007 6:22 PM

Hey David. You can hear Shane talk about the fire here. We had him on our show on Friday.

Peace.

Posted By: Erik Guzman | June 23, 2007 3:14 PM

Hi, i just surfed in searching for interesting blogs on Spirituality, you have a cool blog. Do keep up the good work. I'll be back even though i live far from where you live. its nice to be able to see what people from across the world thinks.

Warm Regards from the Other Side of the Moon.

On a related note perhaps you might find the following link interesting. Its propossing a theory and i'll like to hear your take on the subject via comments. See ya...

Was
Jesus an Essenes ?

Bibby

Kerala, India

Posted By: bijoy | June 25, 2007 1:25 AM