Dear CLDI Family and Friends,

Jesus’ command in Mark 12:30-31 is clear: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But what does that really look like in our daily lives? The parable of the Good Samaritan challenges us to see people—not as interruptions or obligations, but as image-bearers of God. When the Samaritan saw the wounded man on the road, he didn’t hesitate. He didn’t calculate the cost or weigh the inconvenience. He simply acted in love. What if we approached our relationships that way? What if we chose to see the needs around us, slowed down, and engaged with people in a way that reflects Christ’s love?

At CLDI, we believe in fostering a community that prioritizes relationships, where people are truly seen, known, and valued. Being relationally based means investing in the messy, inconvenient, and beautiful work of walking alongside others. Like the Good Samaritan, we are called to step into the suffering of others, offering presence, compassion, and tangible care. This commitment extends beyond grand gestures; it is woven into daily rhythms—taking the time to listen, remembering names and stories, and showing up consistently. When we center our work on relationships, transformation happens—not just for those we serve, but for ourselves as well.

Being relationally based is more than a mindset; it’s a way of life. It means stepping into the messiness of real relationships, choosing to listen when it’s easier to move on, and showing up when no one else does. Who in our lives needs that kind of love right now? Maybe it’s a coworker struggling silently, a neighbor who feels unseen, or a friend who just needs someone to check in. Love isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s in the small, consistent ways we care for others. When we prioritize people over tasks and relationships over efficiency, we create space for God to work in powerful ways.

Jesus didn’t love people from a distance—He lived among them, shared meals, listened to their stories, and met their needs. If we are to follow Him, we must do the same. So, who is our neighbor today? Who is God calling us to love? The world teaches us to prioritize convenience, but the gospel calls us to something deeper—an intentional, sacrificial love that reflects Christ. May we all take a moment to pause, see the people around us, and ask: How can we love them well today?

Currently reading & listening.

I’m only on Chapter 4 of Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard, and it’s been a slow, dense read—but a really good one. In the first few chapters, Willard lays the foundation for spiritual transformation, emphasizing that real change happens from the inside out. He describes how our thoughts, feelings, will, body, social relationships, and soul all play a role in shaping who we are and how true renovation begins with surrendering each of these areas to Christ.

He makes a strong case that spiritual growth isn’t about behavior modification but about allowing God to transform our hearts at the deepest level. Willard also challenges the way we often settle for shallow faith instead of pursuing the kind of deep, lasting change that comes from walking closely with Jesus. He highlights how much of our struggle with sin comes from disordered desires and unexamined habits and that renewal requires intentional formation through disciplines like prayer, study, and community.

CLDI Monthly Snapshot

• Our Hannah House Director, Jessica Smith, just started working with our daycare consultant. Prayers as we navigate opening an in-home, licensed daycare at the Hannah House.
•  Our intern, Sky, just started the Perspectives course at Faith Chapel this year. Please pray for her time while she takes this intensive weekly course and learns about God’s heart for the world.  
• We are gearing up for the relaunch of our Warehouse Project in March. Kids will begin filling out the application to participate this Spring. Please pray for these students and discernment as we make decisions.

Scripture to Meditate On

One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.” The teacher of religious law replied, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other.  And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law.” Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Mark 12: 28-34

 

Blessings,

Kaleb Perdew