A Parish Story from “the Kill Zone” | East Oakland, CA
When Ben McBride ventured into the heart of East Oakland, California, moving into a neighborhood that locals dubbed the "Kill Zone," he found himself confronted with the challenge of forging connections in an unfamiliar setting. This led him to embrace a more expansive gospel that not only illuminated his own biases but also compelled him toward a path of generous inclusion, acknowledging the unique ways in which the Good News unfolds in places distinct from his prior experiences.
In the early days of residing in Oakland, Ben would often return home to find a man occupying the front steps of his house. Annoyance crept in as he grappled with this uninvited presence on his property, his concern for his family's safety heightening each time they passed by the stranger. The discomfort was palpable.
Embarking on a journey of bridging, Ben decided to engage in conversation despite his unease. To his surprise, he discovered that the man had grown up in the very house that now belonged to Ben and his family. This revelation prompted Ben to pause, forcing him to reassess how he had been asserting belonging while unintentionally denying it to someone with deep roots in the neighborhood. Despite being the newcomer, Ben realized he carried a load of preconceived notions.
While Ben's initial move into the neighborhood was fueled by a desire to instigate change through peacemaking and anti-violence efforts, the encounter with his neighbor revealed a different lesson. It became clear that the real change needed to happen within Ben himself – a transformation essential for listening and connecting across the differences that defined their lives.
