Neighbors — I finally met the neighbor across the street, because both of our cars were broken into. It’s funny how that works. I’ve been praying for ways to meet our neighbors, but a robbery definitely wasn’t on my list of preferred options. Maybe I need to start being a little more specific in my prayers. Still, it led to a real conversation, a shared moment, and a name with a story attached to it.
• 4 Questions: Spiritual Habits to Recapture Christlike Friendship — 4 Questions is officially launching on Amazon Jan. 31. It will be available for $5.99 on Kindle and $9.99 in paperback. I’m grateful for everyone who has encouraged this project along the way and excited to see how God might use it in the lives of ordinary people living on mission right where they are.
• Nerd Culture — I had a really meaningful moment at a local board game meetup recently. It reminded me of something I’m always thinking about: What spaces already exist that I can step into? Who are the locals that actually make up my community? About 12 people showed up. I already knew a few of them. Several were already on my prayer list. And there were a few new faces — names I’m now carrying with me in prayer. I almost didn’t go that night. I was tired. It would have been easy to stay home — I’m really glad I didn’t.
• Drywall — Mudding drywall is impossible. At least, it feels that way to me. It’s necessary work if you want finished walls, but there is nothing clean about the process. The mud drips everywhere — even when you’re careful. You work for smooth surfaces only to step back and realize the “perfect wall” is really an illusion. Adequate is a word I’m holding onto these days. I want to do an adequate job — whether that’s in the drywall work that’s finally moving forward, or in preparing people to live mission-shaped lives with their friends and neighbors. It’s often messy. It’s rarely perfect. But layer by layer, something solid begins to form. If you feel called to reach your neighborhood with the gospel — or are curious about a smaller, home-based expression of ministry — we’d love to walk alongside you. You can reach us at clinton@4-spaces.org or (870) 316-1519.
• Prayer Needs — Please pray for the new leaders, that we will be able to finish this house in February, and for opportunities to get to know the 24 neighbors on our road. We also ask for prayer for our outreach here in Jonesboro, and that I would be able to invest myself faithfully in the projects God has specifically aligned with my gifting.
