Mike Hammer is the Sr. Pastor at Celebration Community Church in Dillsburg Pennsylvania. It’s great to see his passion for a small community where they are making a huge impact. Guys like mike are what this podcast is all about, to take ownership in bringing the message of Jesus Christ to your community and change the world. Special Guest: Mike Hammer.

Renewing Our City

Episode 17: Mike Hammer on Church Planting in a Small Community

Jonathan Hentrich is a pastor and church planter in Albany New York, one of the least churched cities in the United States. It’s awesome to listen to Jon and hear his heart for the city after he moved from the suburbs into the city of Albany. Special Guest: Jonathan Hentrich.

Episode 16: Jonathan Hentrich on Church Planting in the City

Overview In this episode, Matt Shaw and Jose Rodriguez discuss Jose’s background on how he became a pastor and church planter, starting house churches, using outside finances missionaries receive for the most good, how to do ministry with your family, and being a family to young men coming out of gangs. Pray for Jose They are working to establish 1 new church per year. They have a 100 church goal in El Salvador. Pray for Jose’s family, particularly his son as he works to become a doctor. Special Guest: Jose Rodrigues.

Episode 15: Jose Rodriguez - Rapid Church Planting in Central America and Discipling Young Men

This episode features Fledge Fiamingo, founder of Son Safaris, a ministry that connects people with Gods Creation, through his creation. We discuss lessons we can learn from the African Safari, thoughts on racism in South Africa in the early 90s and how the people of God can be a light today, and discipline people through delegation. Special Guest: Fledge Fiamingo.

Episode 14: Fledge Fiamingo on God's Creation, Discipleship, Fundraising, and Racism

Ben Hardman is one of those guys who has the phrases, word pictures, and charts that bring complex ideas and makes them simple. Through his experience as a pastor at a Southeast Christian Church (https://www.southeastchristian.org/) to planting a Church with young adults across the street from the University of Louisville (http://louisville.edu/), Ben’s desire is to connect great leaders with great ideas. Ben’s a cofounder of Gravity Leadership (http://gravityleadership.com/) to grow Christian Leaders, focusing not on programs but on access to his life. We discuss Church planting, life-on-life discipleship, the need for pastors and leaders to have an apprentice, and inviting someone into a discipleship relationship. Special Guest: Ben Hardman.

Episode 13: Ben Hardman on Leading Relationally Like Jesus

Simply waking up every day could defeat Becky Carpenter and her family after the tragic loss of her 15-year-old daughter in a car crash during a school trip. Through the power of Christ and looking to Him for strength and hope, Becky has been able to use her to help others grow in their relationship with God and overcome adversity. In this episode, we discuss Becky’s home church, Cross Brand Cowboy Church in Tyler, TX and what it is like to reach ranchers. How you can battle your crisis and get filled up with God, and what to do if you have a message to share. Special Guest: Becky Carpenter.

Episode 12: Becky Carpenter on Authenticity and How You Can Battle the Storm

Tony Jones is a Canadian Logger turned global worker. After his conversion to following Jesus in September 1997, Tony shut down his business and moved to Cuba. After four years of underground ministry and working as a travel agent and exporter of organic fruits and veggies, Tony was arrested and deported by the Cuban government. After searching for God’s direction, Tony moved to Haiti, not realizing they didn’t speak Spanish and fell in love with the people in the remote mountainous regions. Tony continues to fund his ministry through businesses that support his family and the residents. After seeing the great need for teachers in remote villages, Tony has helped school teachers, started a Christian radio station, exports coffee, and shares Jesus with just about everyone he meets. Tony’s answer to the question, “what is your most embarrassing moment in ministry?” It is hilarious! Enjoy the episode. Special Guest: Tony Jones.

Episode 11: Tony Jones on Haiti, Sacrifice, Coffee, & Sharing Jesus with Witchdoctors

Amy & Gary Wixtrom are making a difference in the lives of thousands of people through their unique style of music, but also through their involvement with persecuted Christians around the globe. They lead worship at many of the Voice of the Martyrs conferences around the US and bring a unique perspective on how you can make a difference in the lives of others. Image courtesy of unsplash.com Listen to the Episode Question: How can you use your gifting for the mission of God? You can leave a comment by clicking here. You can listen to the audio on iTunes (Click Here) Overview In this episode, I sit down with Amy & Gary Wixtrom. We had a great time during the 2014 Voice of the Martyrs conference talking about topics from raising awareness for persecuted Christians, Amy’s job in Heaven (I think it will be a harp teacher), how their music reaches people, and a lot more. “Beautiful Scars” is a powerful song written for the faithful brothers and sisters who are being harmed for their faith in Jesus. They have 16 records ranging from harp instrumental to worship music. Gary is a really fun guy, and I think you are going to enjoy this episode. Beautiful Scars Video/Song If you can’t see this video in your RSS reader or email, then click here. Contact Info Contact Amy and Gary (amyshreve.com), (Facebook), or email: amyshreve@aol.com Purchase Their Music (Website) or on itunes Photo Amy Shreve Subscribe to the Podcast Subscribe in iTunes Link to Stitcher Share What You Like If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. The post Episode 10: Recording Artists Amy & Gary Wixtrom appeared first on Pastor Matt Shaw.

Episode 10: Recording Artists Amy & Gary Wixtrom

Christmas is just a few days away, and this is another another guest, Joseph Hovsepian, speaking on persecuted/martyred Christians, particularly in Iran. Listen to the Episode Question: Leave your comments about the episode and commit to praying for the persecuted church during Christmas You can leave a comment by clicking here. You can listen to the audio on iTunes (Click Here) ‘Iran is a closed country with open hearts’ Joseph HovsepianClick To Tweet Overview This interview with Joseph Hovsepian’s from Hovsepian Ministries is packed with helpful information about the persecuted church in Iran, including what Joseph with the rest of his family are doing to point people to Jesus through Iranian media. Joseph’s, alongside his brother Gilbert, produced the 10x award winning documentary , A Cry From Iran. This story tells the untold story of their father, Haik Hovsepian’s, who was a prominent evangelical pastor, who was murdered and other Iranian Christian martyrs who paid for their faith with with their lives. Here is the first episode on the persecuted church with Sarah Liu on China. A Cry From Iran Trailer If you can’t see this video in your RSS reader or email, then click here. To purchase the complete documentary or host a screening at your church click here Photo of Joseph Hovsepian courtesy of Hovsepian.com Links Iran (Wikipedia) Joseph Hovsepian: facebook Voice of the Martyrs Hovsepian Ministries: website, facebook, youtube, email: info@hovsepian.com A Cry From Iran Subscribe to the Podcast Subscribe in iTunes Link to Stitcher Share What You Like If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. The post Episode 9 : Joseph Hovsepian on Iranian Christianity appeared first on Pastor Matt Shaw.

Episode 9: Joseph Hovsepian on Iranian Christianity

Sarah Liu has an amazing testimony of faithfulness to Jesus. After becoming a Christian, she knew it would cost everything. Because she told others about Jesus, Sarah was arrested, tortured, and put in prison for 6 years. In this episode, Sarah shares about the persecution of Christians in China, and what we can do about it. Photo courtesy of dollarphotoclub.com/58218692 Listen to the Episode Question: Will you commit to praying with me about the persecuted Church during the Christmas season? Leave your thoughts about Sarah’s interview too! You can leave a comment by clicking here. You can listen to the audio on iTunes (Click Here) I am praying for persecuted Christians! #RenewingOurCityClick To Tweet Overview At one of the 2014 Voice of the Martyrs regional conferences, I was able to interview Xianzhi “Sarah” Liu. Sarah is an amazing woman of God. Not only is her story powerful, but she is extremely humble and kind. In this episode, Sarah answers some common questions that you may have about the Christian persecution in China. Some of the questions Sarah answers are, Why are people hostile to Christians in China?, How do non-Christians (not in power) in China view the persecution of Christians?, How many people are coming to the Lord through the persecution of Christians?, and What was your reaction of coming to America?. Sarah’s Story This is a short documentary on Sarah Liu’s story and the persecution in China. Sarah’s Trail of Blood by Voice of the Martyrs. If you can’t see this video in your RSS reader or email, then click here. 3 ways Sarah recommends to support the persecuted Church Pray for the persecuted Christians around the world. Many people undermine prayer because they just don’t do it. We say that we believe in the power of prayer, but it is easy to forget to actually pray. I’m guilty myself, but Sarah encouraged us in the episode to pray for the persecuted Christians around the world. We as Christian leaders need to understand that prayer is the most effective thing to do for the persecuted Church. Use your God given gifts to help. I love the different parts of the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12) because we all have unique relationships, skills, resources, and gifts that allow us to help serve others, especially persecuted Christians in suppressed countries. God has given you a unique opportunity to serve the Church, so use your gifts for his Glory. Bring awareness to your church. Now that you know about the persecution that goes on in many countries, including China, you can share this with your circle of influence to spread awareness of the injustice. Voice of the Martyrs has many excellent resources to share with the people in your church. Many times bringing to light issues of social injustice starts with a passionate spokesperson. Scriptures Mentioned “Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”” (Matthew 16:24–28, ESV) “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2–4, ESV) Subscribe to the Podcast Subscribe in iTunes Link to Stitcher Share What You Like If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. The post Episode 8 : Sarah Liu on Persecution in China appeared first on Pastor Matt Shaw.

Episode 8: Sarah Liu on Persecution on China

There are millions of people around the world who go hungry every day, so ABC food packing is helping families around the world meet their most basic necessity, food. Lifeline Christian Mission’s Matt Collins and Greg Murphy-Dillow, sit down with me to discuss how they are sharing Jesus by first meeting the needs of the community. They use churches and groups in the United States to package food packs to curb world hunger. photo courtesy of JohnSmayProductions.com Listen to the Audio Question: “What is the best way you have found to get your whole family involved in ministry?” You can leave a comment by clicking here. You can listen to the audio on iTunes (Click Here) You can feed the hungry! @LifelineCM #RenewingOurCityClick To Tweet Overview Lifeline Christian Mission started by feeding kids in Haiti. The first years they packed a few thousand meals. With the support of churches around the United States, today ABC food has packed over 5 million meals during the last few years. Their goal is to give the familes a meal that is both nutritious and taste good. ABC’s foodpacks provide 70% of a child’s daily nutrition and one pack can feed a family of six. Lifeline educates the families receiving the meals on nutrition and preparation of the food to help them feed their families, but they also share about Jesus throughout the whole process. ABC food goes into churches, organizations, and groups by hosting food packing events. They set up an assembly line to work together as a team to pack the food. Here are the 5 steps to the food packing Fill with 4 ingredients Weigh the bags Seal the bag Box them up Repeat If you are interested in hosting an event, you can email Matt Collins or go to this page and fill out the form. Links ABC Food Packing (Website) Lifeline Christian Mission (Website) Matt Collins – ABC Food Director, Lifeline Christian Mission (email) or call their office: 614–794–0108 Greg Murphy-Dillow – Communications Director Lifeline Christian Mission (email) Bob and Gretchen DeVoe – Founders of Lifeline Christian Mission Haiti ABC Food Distribution Video If you can’t see this video in your RSS reader or email, then click here. Scriptures Mentioned “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” (Matthew 25:34–40, ESV *Emphasis Added) Subscribe to the Podcast Subscribe in iTunes Link to Stitcher Share What You Like If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. The post Episode 7 : Matt Collins & Greg Murphy-Dillow on ABC Food Packing appeared first on Pastor Matt Shaw.

Episode 7: Matt Collins & Greg Murphy-Dillow on ABC Food Packing

Hearing a dynamic sermon, listening to powerful music, attending worship times that are different than the usual Sunday morning church can impact someone greatly. Dave Kyllonen and his family have been involved in multiple evangelistic ministries over the last 58 years preaching to thousands of churches and inspiring people with his music. Dave’s passion and experience will motivate you, so enjoy the episode. courtesy of dollarphotoclub.com/71384131 Listen to the Audio Question: “What special event have you been to that has changed your life the most? Share some detail about the event and what God did in your life.” You can leave a comment by clicking here. Win 1 of 6 autographed copies of Dave’s book Our Final Quarter by leaving a comment answering the question above. You have until December 31, 2014 to enter to win an autograph copy of the book. Our Final Quarter ‘Missions is for free!’~Dave KyllonenClick To Tweet Overview Dave Kyllonen has traveled for the last 58 years in multiple ministries to over 60 countries and 10,000 churches. This episode not only talks about Dave’s life and ministry, but also has great information about hosting evangelistic events in your community or what it takes to start your own. Topics Covered The role of a church bringing in an outside speaker, or band, as a special event for your church How to become a traveling evangelist The character needed to be an evangelist Reading and writing books The quality of your content Speaking from your heart The need for an evangelist to stay focused on the local church, not themselves Staying faithful to Jesus throughout your life Dave Kyllonen Preaching Referenced The Original Couriers – Dave’s singing group. Central Bible College – Where Dave went to Bible College. Now it is apart of Evangel University. The Blackwood Brothers – This group was the inspiration for Dave’s bass singing. Barbados – Dave did mission work with the Couriers leading crusades, then eventually stayed as missionaries for three years. Westside Assembly of God – The church Dave Pastored for 7 years. Pentecostal Evangel Magazine Two Guys with Heart – Dave’s Radio show with his co-host Giff Briner on WPFG in Carlisle, PA . They encourage listeners to walk in faith to follow Jesus. Subscribe to the Podcast Subscribe in iTunes Link to Stitcher Share What You Like If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. The post Episode 6 : Dave Kyllonen on Evangelistic Meetings appeared first on Pastor Matt Shaw.

Episode 6: Dave Kyllonen on Evangelistic Meetings

Pastor Karl Roberts is one of the men who inspired me to become a pastor. He loves the Lord deeply, and if you are around him you will know it by him sharing his savior with those around him. My parents, over 25 years ago, started going to the church pastor Karl was ministering to, and after over 40 years of ministry he is still serving Jesus any way he can. He brings great insights on how you can personally share Jesus with others. Courtesy of dollarphotoclub.com/56130538 Listen to the Audio Question: Who do you know that needs to hear the message of Jesus? Share their first name in the comments, so we can all be praying for you to have an opportunity to share and their heart will be open to listening. You can leave a comment by clicking here. Full Show Notes ‘When you start with the great commission, evangelism is just something that’s gonna happen’ Karl…Click To Tweet Overview In episode 5, Pastor Karl Roberts speaks about his life and ministry, namely how he has grown in sharing Jesus with a lost world. Karl had multiple mentors who taught him how to love people and follow the great commission in Matthew 28:18–20 of sharing the message of Jesus with his community. Now he share his knowledge with you of how to do personal evangelism in your community. One of my favorite things about being around Karl Roberts is his genuineness of wanting to be your friend. He does not comes across as pushy, but shows his urgency of loving people enough to take time and share the gospel with someone who does not know Jesus. Topics Covered: The importance of a wife to minister alongside of you Having mentors in evangelism The Holy Spirit’s work Meeting needs to share Jesus The importance of scripture memorization for children Being called to a community and knowing a community Ministering to multiple generations of a family Sharing your testimony Referenced American Machine and Foundry Co. Wikipedia Palmer College of Chiropractic website ‘A need is a way to explain Jesus to somebody.’ Karl RobertsClick To Tweet Scriptures Mentioned “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”” (Joshua 24:15, ESV) “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:18–20, ESV) “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” (Proverbs 18:22, ESV) “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.” (Proverbs 31:10, ESV) “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16, ESV) “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6, ESV) “And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him.” (Mark 12:28–32, ESV) Subscribe to the Podcast Subscribe in iTunes Link to Stitcher Share What You Like If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. The post Episode 5 : Karl Roberts on Personal Evangelism appeared first on Pastor Matt Shaw.

Episode 5: Karl Roberts on Personal Evangelism

Pastor Joshua Ngao from Fisher’s of Men Ministries joins me for a second interview to talk about ministering to refugees in your community. Also, we talk about being involved in local missions before going to a foreign mission field and why short-term trips matter. If you missed Pastor Ngao’s first interview on African missions and his personal testimony, you can find that here Courtesy of dollarphotoclub.com/60708035 Listen to the Audio Question: Do you know someone from a different country in your neighborhood? What are ways you can bless them? You can leave a comment by clicking here. The Nations are coming to our Jerusalem! @JoshuaNgao #RenewingOurCityClick To Tweet Overview Fisher’s of Men Ministries is doing amazing work in Kenya, Africa with the goal of planting a church in every county in the country, along side of training pastors, taking care of children, and doing community development work. God has call Pastor Ngao to great things, so when he moved to the United States, that calling is not on hold. Joshua said, “The Lord, a few years ago, started bring the same people they were reaching in Africa to the United States.” The US State Department writes, “Since 1975, Americans have welcomed over 3 million refugees from all over the world. Refugees have built new lives, homes and communities in towns and cities in all 50 states.” (source) Joshua gives great advice on how to work with the Refugees who are resettling in your community, and how you can share Jesus with them by serving their most basic needs. One of the easiest ways to help them is with furnishing the appartment of the family before the arrive to your city. Yet, he says, “even if you have nothing else to give, you have the Lord to share with others.” We also discuss people’s calling to the global mission field and how they can prepare for their calling. He also answers the hot topic question, How can we go to other countries for missions, when we have unmet needs in our own cities? Pastor Joshua Ngao 5 ways to get involved in serving refugees in your community Get connected with an organization like World Relief One time, help them with basic tasks in life such as, furnishing their apartment, driving them to hospital visits, teaching english, taking them a meal, getting their children registered in school, and any other thing you can think of. Have your family or small group adopt a family and support them as much as possible. Serve them and they will see Jesus through you, so when they ask, “why do you help me,” you can respond with the gospel message of how God wants a relationship with them. Donate household items Explore Additional Resources In the Renewing Our City Podcast Episode 3, Joshua’s first interview talking about his calling in life, his personal story, and how they are reaching people in Kenya, Africa. Fisher’s Of Men Ministries website Joshua’s Facebook Joshua’s Twitter @JoshuaNgao World Relief does many things, but Joshua works with Refugee Resettlement Habitat for Humanity builds homes so everyone can have a decent place to live. How to Become an American If you’re called somewhere else, you need to realize that you’re 1st called to your own communityClick To Tweet As promised, a picture of my kids, Lili (4 years old) and Liam (1 1/2 years old) Liam and Lili (2014) Subscribe to the Podcast Subscribe in iTunes Link to Stitcher Share What You Like If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. The post Episode 4 : Joshua Ngao on Reaching Refugees in Your Community appeared first on Pastor Matt Shaw.

Episode 4: Joshua Ngao on Reaching Refugees in Your Community

This podcast dives deeper in to the global mission field with the topic of African missions. Pastor Joshua Ngao brings his experience to the table from working with Fisher’s of Men Ministries to talk about about poverty in Africa, ministry in and trips to Kenya, accountabily for mission groups, supporting national pastors, and much more. Listen to the Audio Question: Who has Jesus called you to reach? What is the calling on your life? You can leave a comment by clicking here. If he has called you, whatever you go through, in the end there will be a testimony.Click To Tweet Overview Growing up in poverty with a single mom, Joshua moved to Nairobi, Kenya in High School. Then in college, while working at a Hotel, Joshua met a man who shared Jesus with him, and he committed his life to Jesus. The Lord called Joshua into ministry, taking him out of a great life and job, to working with kids in Nairobi with nothing. A US House of Representative member from Mississippi and a lady from Camanche, IA came to visit Kenya, which led to Joshua sharing his heart for ministry with them. Pastor Ngao was able to get a visa to America. which the Lord opened doors for Joshua to speak all over the US about Kenya and the needs. Fisher’s of Men Ministry is not about their own prosperity, but to build the Kingdom of God in Kenya by planting churches, training leaders, and care for children’s needs. FOM’s goal is to train and send local missioanries to all the 47 counties of Kenya to reach the entire country. Pastor Joshua Ngao Topics Discussed Poverty in Kenya and other African countries Ministering in Africa God’s calling on your life Sacrificing for the Lord Expectations for a Trip to Kenya Effects of the prosperity gospel being preached in Africa Accountability for missionaries African’s perspectives on Westerners Supporting national missionaries Caring for physical needs in ministry Explore Additional Resources Fisher’s Of Men Ministries website Phone Number (563) 508–5550 Joshua’s Facebook Joshua’s Twitter @JoshuaNgao Child Sponsorships Kenya Prosperity Gospel ECFA Seal If you can’t see this video in your RSS reader or email, then click here. How to Minister in Africa Be careful who you support so you are not scammed. Work with a local pastor because they know how to work with the people. If you are called to minister in Africa, take a 2 week trip for confirmation. Support local/national pastors by training them in leaders and sending them out. Teach them to provide for their needs so they are able to be apart of the church. We demonstrate the Gospel to People. #RenewingOurCityClick To Tweet Subscribe to the Podcast Link to itunes Link to Stitcher Share What You Like If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on itunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. The post Episode 3 : Pastor Joshua Ngao from Fisher’s of Men Ministries on African Missions appeared first on Pastor Matt Shaw.

Episode 3: Pastor Joshua Ngao from Fisher’s of Men Ministries on African Missions

The podcast that EQUIPS YOU TO REACH YOUR WORLD. The Renewing Our City Podcast's host, Matt Shaw, interviews effective Christian leaders about missions, evangelism, service, leadership, church planting to help you share Jesus and Serve others in your neighborhood and around the world.

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Renewing Our City

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