The good happening in Midtown.
“Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
This question was once asked by a community member who heard about the extraordinary work Jesus was doing. It wasn’t just about His miracles, it was about who He was and where He came from.
Jesus, as Isaiah described, was not impressive in appearance, nor someone we would naturally choose as a leader. His audience was confused because such might, such power, and such authority were expected to come from someone who looked impressive and came from a place that was impressive. But Jesus didn’t look impressive, and Nazareth wasn’t impressive either. And yet, here was Jesus of Nazareth doing the impossible.
What can we learn from this?
Well, first off, we learn that perception doesn’t tell the whole story.
Human perception of what is “good” or “worthy” has failed the people of God many times.
David was a shepherd boy — the least likely to look like a king.
Gideon was fearful and hid — an unlikely candidate to lead an army.
Israel was a small nation among giants — yet God called them His chosen people.
God seems to have a habit of using what looks like the least likely candidates to display His power, goodness, and glory.
Secondly, we learn that God’s presence qualifies the “unlikely”.
God’s presence resting on what we would call “the least of these” is what qualifies both people and places. The very person of God proves that seeing isn’t always believing. And I believe God still works this way. I’ve experienced it firsthand here in Daytona Beach, in my community called Midtown. From the outside looking in, people often see this place as “the hood”, “the ghetto”, or worse, they don’t see it at all. But like David, Gideon, and even the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, beauty and glory are hidden just beneath the surface. I believe God wants to use this forgotten place to draw many to Himself. When I sit on my front porch, watching people walk by or observing the rhythm of the neighborhood, I’m reminded of Jesus’ words: “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”
Photo by Gordon Parks, 1943
And here in Midtown, the laborers are few largely because the same skepticism exists today as it did in ancient Judea: “Can anything good come from Midtown?” The answer Is a resounding YES! Good can come from Midtown. In fact, not only is there a rich history of good in the soil here from years past, but there is good happening here every day. In the same way that the goodness of the Lord Jesus had always existed in Naverath, so too has good always been here. That has been our family’s experience since landing in Daytona this past summer. When we began to become integrated into this community that we now call home, what struck Kaitlyn and I the most was the way in which Jesus felt alive and near in this place. It was as if Jesus were walking the block here.
Many people would look at a place like Midtown and think that what makes it a place of goodness is its past or its future potential, but the biggest blessing we have experienced is the presence of the image of God in its people here and now.
Men and women.
Children and elders.
Dreamers and doers.
I want to say this loud and clear: God is here! Even though Midtown may appear forgotten, overlooked, or stuck in a cycle of decay, God chooses to dwell here. I know this because 3 days a week at the community gym, I rub shoulders with men, young and old, who want to see this community better.
I know this because when we were locked out of our house, we had a neighbor hand us her keys so that we could take our kids to school without thinking twice about it. This same neighbor often drops groceries on our doorstep unprompted.
I know God is here because every fourth Sunday our church walks the block to talk and pray for the people in our community, and you can hear how God is working in their lives, even through the toughest circumstances.
God is alive and active in Midtown, and it is our desire that we could fully integrate and serve this area in a deeper way. Our desire isn’t simply to fix the problems that are present; it’s to integrate with the good that’s already here. We long to become a part of this place and participate in this good work.
A New Season of Ministry in Daytona Beach
Over the past few months, our family has entered a new season of ministry in Daytona Beach, Florida, where I’m serving as Assistant Pastor of Community and Care at Identity Church. In this 2 year role, I’ll be helping the church deepen its relational discipleship, strengthen pastoral care, and create structures for spiritual growth and community formation, all in the Midtown area. The goal is that at the end of the two years, I either plant a church or stay on as a pastor. This season will also include pursuing my goal of finishing seminary, to continue growing in theological depth and pastoral wisdom. I believe this time of study will strengthen the very work God has called me to in this community.
This isn’t fast work — it’s a steady, faithful cultivation of relationships, trust, and hope. To do this well, we are building a team of partners who will help sustain this ministry over the next two years. We want to invite you to be a part of this work in two ways:
1. Prayer Partnership – Commit to praying for us regularly as we serve and listen to what God is doing in Midtown. My goal is to send monthly updates and resources on our work here that can guide your prayer.
2. Financial Partnership – Become a monthly supporter or give a one-time gift to help us reach our $75,000 goal. Your generosity will allow me to be fully present with the community, deepen our ministry of care, and finish seminary well. If you would like to give you can do so RIGHT HERE.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for considering how you might join us in this ministry. Your prayer, encouragement, and generosity mean more than words can express. Every prayer and dollar given helps us continue to serve the people of Midtown, deepen our ministry of care, and finish seminary well.
With gratitude and hope,
Carlos Sims, Jr.
