Dear Christ Community,

Dear Christ Community,

This past week living on mission with you in Shelbyville has brought me a ton of joy!

Early in the week I got to pray with those of you who came to our prayer night. It was a sweet time of simply praying together. Nothing special. Just straining to be in his presence and ask him to work in the lives of so many in Shelby County who don’t know Jesus. I don’t know how else to describe it besides, “Good.” Makes me think of God’s remarks during creation..

I spent some time serving with ALC early in the week. It made me thankful for several of our ladies who work there, Liz and Kristen and Jody, as well as so many of you who serve and volunteer at places all over our community! We’re so fortunate to have organizations on the front lines who love Jesus and let us serve alongside of them. One lady in the class I was teaching mentioned how impacted she had been by her personal relationship with a lady from CCC. I was proud and grateful and encouraged all at the exact same time.

I had never been to an adoption hearing until this week, and, as you heard in this week’s sermon, it was a memory I won’t ever forget! My heart, and my eyes, were full!

Tommy and Emma Rowe welcomed a new baby this week as well! We’re all excited to meet Edith and if you want to take a meal to the couple who so faithfully helps coordinate every one else’s meals, get signed up!

I loved getting to sit with our new friend Christy and hear the incredible story of what God is doing in her life! Y’all, I can’t wait for you to hear it and celebrate with her in baptism! Coming soon!

Getting to hear and hold people’s stories is a treasure - whether they’re about the highs in life or the hard times. I got to hear some hard stories this week, too. I’m just as grateful for those; being able to talk through what we’re going through in a way that keeps God in the front of our minds is one of the greatest ways we are a witness!

Speaking of stories, wasn’t Caytie Burgin incredible?!? And Caytie, in case you read this, someone’s already told me that your story seemed specifically for them yesterday. Thanks for your faithfulness to see Jesus in your story and share it with a spirit that welcomes others into it. You’re awesome.

It was really fun to hear Daniel get excited about how many of you jumped in on opportunities to be witnesses for Jesus here, near, and far after the gathering yesterday. Keep going Christ Community!

Some other notes from my week..

My brother and his family came down to watch Tinley in her first high school game cheering. We didn’t know we were watching what Blane and I decided was an “instant classic” against Spencer County as several records were set in a game that came down to the last play. Win or lose, it was fun!

I had to learn again this week that it’s the gifts of the gospel that motivate us, not guilt. It was a good reset. 

Mike Ellis nabbed me mid smile yesterday. He snapped the picture (See Kaleb and I caught above) as he said with a wry smile of his own, “Blake likes big smiles. That’s what I tell people when I take their picture.”

His simple joy in that moment reinforced some of the things I’m currently reading in a book by Ray Ortlund entitled, “Eat, drink, and be merry.” We’ll see how it turns out, but something tells me it has to have a happy ending..

In closing..

As we head into September, let’s make it a September to remember by determining in our hearts to press into Jesus with everything possible. Dig deep for that next layer of dependence. And let’s enjoy all the good things he has for us.

Joining y'all in Joining Jesus in Going Out to Make Disciples,

Blake