We’re excited to introduce this month’s guest writer—our newest Development Director, Carey Darlington! Carey shares a beautiful story of obedience and faith as she followed the Lord’s leading in her life, which ultimately brought her to join the CLDI team.
We hope you’re encouraged by her journey and inspired by the ways God continues to work in and through our ministry.
Blessings,
Kaleb Perdew
Obedience: The only correct response to God is to obey, fully and right now
Recently, I’d been praying specifically for the opportunity to merge my desire, aka calling, to serve the Lord into a career, seeking what I’ll call “Kingdom Work.” This is where I say (with laughter and a hint of irony), be careful what you ask for, as a fourth round of layoffs hit the company I was working for, and I found myself without a job. Within weeks, I’d booked a five-week missional vision trip to Africa. One week later, I received a call from Kaleb Perdew asking if I might be interested in a conversation surrounding Lisa Reinschmidt’s retirement and position as Development Director with CLDI. Fast forward a quick four months, and I am happily serving CLDI in full-time capacity!
With little more than 4 weeks at CLDI, I can’t tell you I fully know what the Lord is up to, but I am confident that I am exactly where He wants me to be. The Lord uses the willing (that’s me!), and I endeavor to be worthy.
I share notes from my personal prayer journal to begin weaving a story of trusting the Lord as He knits together my skills with His ways for HIS GLORY.
- Prayer journal entry 2/17/25: “Lord, I don’t think I was expecting you to answer so quickly.”
- Prayer journal entry 2/18/25: “When God speaks, the only appropriate response is to obey.”
John 21:21-22 speaks to me, and I’ll paraphrase crudely– It is none of our business what the Lord is doing. It is our business to show up faithfully and do the work. I humbly invite each of you to come beside me in prayer and deed as I forge work and territory so new to me.
“The light that shines the farthest shines the brightest at home,”
C.T. Studd.
Prayers
- For CLDI–that the Lord might continue to bless this ministry and touch the lives of many on the South Side, and beyond!
Praises
- For this opportunity to work for the Kingdom! For relationships, new and expanding.
Currently reading & listening.
The Giver and the Gift by Peter Greer and David Weekley explores a transformative, Kingdom-minded approach to fundraising, one that emphasizes mutual blessing, relationship, and eternal impact over transactional giving. Told through the dual perspectives of a nonprofit leader (Peter Greer) and a generous donor (David Weekley), the book challenges traditional models of development by highlighting how fundraising can be a deeply spiritual and joyful act for both giver and receiver. Rooted in biblical principles, it invites ministry leaders to view fundraising not as an awkward necessity but as a sacred opportunity to invite others into God’s work.
Scripture to Meditate On
“When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”
John 21:21-22
Blessings,
Carey Darlington – Development Director of CLDI
