By international office staff

In February, two graduates, Joel and Daniel, moved into a cul-de-sac in Christchurch, New Zealand, with a fellow Navs student—not just to live, but to engage with the people around them. We asked them a few questions about what that looks like in practice.

WW: Why did you decide to live intentionally among a neighborhood together?

J&D: A lot of young men in their 20s move from place to place without really knowing their neighbors. We wanted something different. We saw this as a chance to put down roots, be present, and really engage with the people God placed around us.

WW: What has that looked like so far?

J&D: We've been intentional about connecting from the start. We invite our neighbors over, such as our elderly neighbor for dinner, we take opportunities to practically serve, and hosted a neighborhood-wide Easter gathering with home-made hot cross buns. Extending invitations also gave us helpful insight on who was more keen to engage. We also drew a simple map of the cul-de-sac which enables us to pray for each household and think through good ways to reach out and build relationships. It does not always look glamorous and our faith does not come up in every conversation, but we are committed to our neighbors.

WW: How has this shaped your faith and ministry?

J&D: It’s reminded us that community isn’t just about living nearby. It takes intentionality, hospitality, and Christ’s love. We want to be salt and light right where God has placed us. Part of that has also meant investing in others—mentoring someone younger in the faith, just as others have poured into us. It’s a joy to pass on what we’ve received.