Dear CLDI Family and Friends,
Isn’t it incredible how sometimes the simplest moments can be the most heartwarming? The other day, my wife and I were on one of our usual neighborhood walks when, out of the blue, we crossed paths with a student I remember from my days at Youth Works. And you know what? Even after a year, our connection was as strong as ever. He eagerly shared his latest achievement—a fantastic deal he snagged on a four-wheeler, thanks to the money he saved from his job at Wendy’s. Despite facing some tough challenges in his life, he radiated positivity, speaking of the blessings he’s experienced and the hope he holds for the future.
This encounter reminded me of two things I wanted to share. First, how essential it is to be a known figure in the community. It’s not just about the big projects or the grand gestures. It’s about consistently being there, showing up, and letting these kids know they are seen and cherished. And secondly, the undeniable power of hope. Even when life throws curveballs, holding onto hope can turn things around. Our young friend’s spirit, despite his past hardships, is a testament to that. He kept talking about the blessings that keep coming his way and how he feels hopeful about what’s next. It’s moments like these that underscore why we do what we do in our neighborhood. So, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
Currently reading & listening
Making Neighborhoods Whole: A Handbook for Christian Community Development by John M. Perkins and Wayne Gordon, I found a wealth of knowledge on the essence of community restoration. Rooted deeply in Christian values, the authors present a hands-on guide for grassroots change that truly resonated with me. Their emphasis on rallying local believers to drive community transformation from the ground up is both inspiring and actionable. As I delved into its pages, the book felt like a manual for anyone wanting to breathe new life into their neighborhood. This is a must-read for anyone looking to be part of genuine, lasting change in their community.
CLDI Monthly Snapshot
- Rail//Line Coffee is keeping the shop open till 6:00 p.m. through October. Along with adding new breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches, and Red Bull!
- At the Hannah House, we celebrated the graduation of two of our residents’ completion of the Genesis Process, a mandatory program that works through the root issues of addiction.
- In KMC – our rental managers have had three smooth move-ins this month. We are so excited to have these tenants join the KMC family.
Scripture to Meditate On
In Matthew 5:16, Jesus instructs, “Let your light go shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” This scripture emphasizes the importance of living out one’s faith visibly so that others recognize and attribute our actions to the love and teachings of Christ in order to bring Glory to God.
Blessings,
Kaleb
