Redemption on a Few Different Levels

Redemption seems to be a pretty "churchy" word now a days. That is to say, it is not a word heard frequently outside of a church context. This word carries a few different definitions. It can mean 1. to free from the consequences of sin, 2. to free from captivity by payment of ransom, 3. to buy back, 4. to atone for, 5. to change for the better, among a few others. One thing I have noticed about our new church location is the redemptive qualities it is having on the physical and spiritual realm. We are seeing slow but steady church growth on a spiritual level, and on a physical level the what was once abandon shopping mall where we are renting, is starting to fill up. Previously are only neighbors were an off track betting site, a liquor store, and a grocery store at the end of the complex. In just the last few months, a pharmacy has opened up, an internet cafe, a hardware store, and there are a few others that are currently in the remodeling process. We hope all of these business will attract more people to the shopping mall, and consequently more people will here the gospel preached! It is amazing how God works on both the physical and spiritual plane!
God Bless,
Matt J.