Happy Wednesday!

I hope this email finds you well. Before I dive into the main topic, I wanted to update you on a personal matter. I'm about to head out to have a heart echo this afternoon, as my family has been diagnosed with a genetic disorder that could lead to Dilated Cardiomyopathy. The other day, I tested positive for it, so they want to establish a baseline for my heart function. Right now, I feel fine and am still very active, working out at karate 2x a week and weight training 2-3x a week with no noticeable issues. Praise the Lord! However, I would greatly appreciate any prayers you feel led to offer up on my behalf.

Have you ever noticed how in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus didn't just minister to people in a church building? Nope, he went out into the world and met people where they were at.

He ministered thirteen times by the lake, six times on a mountain, seven times in houses, and twelve times in town. Only six times did he minister in the temple. Crazy, right?

So why do we feel like we have to conduct ministry from a church building? Nowadays, when we go out to do outreach or ministry, we usually end up inviting people back to our buildings so we can talk with them about joining our group, participating in our programs, and helping fund our ability to go out and invite more people in.

But let's be real, not everyone wants to go to church. Some people have jobs that don't afford them Sundays off (been there, done that), and others just don't want to listen to the same sermons and songs every single week. Can you blame them?

So instead of condemning people for not coming to church, let's focus on the bigger picture. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, the overarching story is one of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration.

In the gospel according to John, Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." He was willing to give his life away for the benefit of others, even those who denied, betrayed, and killed him.

That's the story we should be telling others when we're out and about. It's not just about inviting people to church, it's about living out the love of God and showing people that there's nothing that can separate us from his love.

As I wait for my heart echo, I'll be spending some time in the waiting room. It occurred to me that this could be a great opportunity to meet and talk with some of the people here. Maybe I can share a kind word, offer a listening ear, or even pray with someone. Who knows what kind of impact we can have when we step out of our comfort zones and share God's love with those around us?

So, whether you're at the hospital or just out running errands, I encourage you to look for opportunities to be a light in the world and share the story of redemption and restoration with those you encounter. Let's go out and make a difference!

For Him,

Preacher Shane