‍In a world obsessed with square footage, upgraded appliances, and “me time,” my wife and I have chosen something different—something ancient, even. We live in a 625-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment in Inwood, Manhattan, with our four children. To the modern ear, that sounds like madness. But to those with eyes to see, it’s a seed. We are here for two reasons: family and church. My mother-in-law lives just a few blocks south in Washington Heights, and our church—a cornerstone of our lives—is nearby. We could have chased more space, more ease, or a quieter life. But we chose instead to build our life around something deeper: community, commitment, and covenant.

The Ancient Vision

This vision is not new. It echoes the convictions of the Pilgrims, who boarded the Mayflower not to improve their quality of life, but to build a society ordered around God. They endured cramped quarters and harsh conditions, not because it was comfortable, but because it was righteous. They wrote the Mayflower Compact as a covenant to “form a civil body politic… for the glory of God and advancement of the Christian faith.”

A New Kind of Pilgrim

We believe New York City needs modern Pilgrims—not those who flee hardship, but who dig in and build. Our one-bedroom apartment isn’t a limitation; it’s a declaration.

It says: we believe family is more important than square footage.
We believe proximity to church and loved ones is worth the squeeze.
We believe God works through tight-knit communities far more powerfully than through sprawling comfort.

The Blueprint: Acts 2

Acts 2 tells us that the early church was “of one heart and soul,” breaking bread in each other's homes, sharing what they had, and living in awe of God. That’s our blueprint.

If this city is ever to be restored, it won’t be through top-down policy. It will be through bottom-up faithfulness. Through families who decide to stay. To raise children with conviction. To anchor their lives in something eternal. To build the New Jerusalem in the heart of Gotham.

Planting Seeds of Purpose

We may not have much space, but we have purpose. And from our little apartment in Inwood, we are planting the seeds of a city that fears God, honors family, and remembers its spiritual roots.
So no, we’re not waiting until we “have it all together” to start rebuilding. We’re doing it now, with one heart, one mind, and one small bedroom.

‍