Friday, November 22, 2019

Home Sweet Home

Dear Friends, December 2019

Greetings from Pomona, CA. We never expected to move to Pomona. Or to buy a house.  But here we are, writing to you, finally, from our new home. Our move in May was part of a long transition, propelled by Jude’s need, after 30 years in the density of central LA, for a place with more peace. Now that we are here, we see many reasons why this is a good place for the next season of our lives, but getting here was a huge step for us.

The story, short version: For me (Jude), the last few years in LA were difficult. As I got older,  the neighborhood became increasingly dense, and also began to gentrify. I often did not have energy beyond the things I had to do. The joy I had found in being in LA was gone, and I would tell John, “I’m done, I can’t do this anymore.” Where should we go, he asked? We didn’t have an answer. We considered the other places where InnerChange is located, but didn’t feel drawn to those. We visited the central coast of CA. But that was too far from the kind of work and life we are committed to in InnerChange (although we love to vacation there).

When Fuller Seminary considered a move to Pomona, we sensed an invitation to relocate here. A sister organization, Servant Partners, has been involved in Pomona in significant ways for some years, and welcomed our potential partnering with them. The first home we looked at felt like a miraculous gift that was waiting for us –small, cozy interior, ideal space outside for hosting events, and an attached garage for John’s work with books. Recently Fuller decided to stay in Pasadena, but we are grateful to be here.

Pomona is a small city of 160,000 people, with an average income of $17,000. This area, the edge of LA county to the east, is one of the more affordable places in LA and we have found others from central LA moving this way, as rents are increasing rapidly. (For those wondering, Chris, Roxy and our grandkids are in Whittier, about 20 miles away). While there is substantial poverty here, it is far more spacious and quiet than our old neighborhood. At our current life stage, we no longer had the resilience that helped us endure years of helicopters, sirens and gunshots. Slowly, some deep rest is entering our souls and we already feel renewed and encouraged to continue in the work God has for us.

What does this mean for our roles with InnerChange? Jude’s now works primarily with global InnerChange, serving on both the formation and the staff care teams, as well as teaching part-time at Fuller. John continues to work with mentoring, coaching, discipleship and economic development. His work takes him back to the old neighborhood in LA, Cal State LA, and now Pomona. He has some promising opportunities opening up in Pomona.

“You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)



Thank You for journeying with us,
John & Jude Tiersma Watson



Considering end of year giving?  
“John & Jude Tiermsa Watson” for personal support
“Innerchange LA Mentoring for resources to help with mentoring and discipleship.
Find John on:
Instagram:  Jaw1LA
YouTube.com/Jaw1LA

Sharing Books for Halloween... many people expressed gratitude for Bibles and the Children books we shared.


Church Small Group, "Books, Coffee, and Kingdom Dreaming"
Sharing books is part of my lifestyle and opens doors to many other amazing life adventures...