Time to break out a KU hoops analogy: Sometimes you’re beating Memphis in overtime to win the NCAA championship, and sometimes you’re playing exhibition games in Canada in the dog days of August…if you know what I mean.

October had some ups and downs, as the whole family was exhausted and cranky at times due to the flu, ear infections, and wisdom teeth removal (Lindsay). Nevertheless, God continued to surprise us in the ways he showed up.

In mid-October, Lindsay and I traveled to Jefferson City with Scott and Lindsay Ramon, two members of our team, for some more church planting training. That trip featured great conversations, and so many McDonald’s stops that we thought we were on the verge on winning McD’s Monopoly.

In the second half of October, I drove out to St Louis for the LEAD conference, a laser-focused series of training sessions that will help us make inroads in downtown Kansas City. Not many conferences focus directly on the challenges of city-center work—including compassion ministries and the arts—so it was a great opportunity to enjoy teaching and discussions and make some new friends.

A few days later I returned to St Louis for the annual Missouri Baptist Convention meeting—truly a cultural experience. I didn’t fully fathom all the political decisions being voted on, but I did spend hours hanging out in the Church Planting area and connecting with leaders who may help Crossroads Church get off the ground.

The upshot of all this legwork is that some generous, gospel-loving partners are lining up to support the church plant. And despite all the time out of town this month, some friendships are developing downtown. We’re seeing that despite sickness, tiredness, and complicated itineraries, Jesus will do what it takes to make room for the gospel.

Of course, there is a lot more to do—and to that end, some of you will be getting a support-raising letter in the next several weeks. (If you are afraid of being left out, be sure to let us know.) The letter will be a formal invitation to learn more about what’s going on with the gospel downtown and ask God whether you need to play a part.

In the meantime, please continue to pray that:

God will bless our efforts to strengthen connections downtown.

God will direct the right people to join the Crossroads launch team…

…and direct the right church partners to support us.

The economy is down and the flu is up, but Jesus is eternally wealthy and powerful. Thanks for reading our updates and praying with us!