Pastor's Note - February 9 
Even as we prepare for an exciting Super Bowl Sunday (Go Chiefs!), two things this week have caused my heart to rejoice in the Gospel of Jesus. The first was the 9Marks Conference I attended with Pastor Aaron, Walt and Keith. The theme was “evangelism,” particularly in the context of the church. The 2 days reminded me of the beauty, truth and exclusivity of the good news of Jesus and the need to know/speak/live it well. I’m grateful to be part of a church that’s clear on the Gospel and who consistently demonstrates Gospel love to others!
The second thing was the tragic news of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. We can’t imagine the enormous loss of life and scope of destruction. On Thursday, a missionary friend serving in Istanbul emailed this update: In every part of Turkey, people are shaken by the disaster…it's an overwhelming crisis. Those lost in the earthquakes did not have time to consider their eternal readiness. Jesus warned us that these events would be sudden and devastating, and signal our need to be ready to meet Him…are you ready?
People everywhere need the hope, healing, forgiveness and redemption that’s only found in Jesus, through faith in his death and resurrection. That Gospel message is what excites me most this week. So this Sunday morning, let’s worship well our great God who reigns sovereign and shows mercy amidst the tragedies and joys of life; and in the afternoon, while we’re cheering for our team in the big game, be confident in your witness to the Gospel of Christ and certain of your own readiness to meet Jesus.
One more thing. CBC has a partnership with Lakeview Church in Utah, a 4-year-old MB church plant in a predominately LDS/Mormon area. Like Turkey and Syria, it’s an area where most people do not know the true Jesus; but Lakeview Church has had a front-row seat to God’s powerful work of transforming lives. Would you be willing to learn more through a CBC partner trip to Utah this summer? The dates are July 12-18 with these primary purposes:
- Learn LDS culture and Lakeview’s heart for Gospel transformation; develop a heart for the lost.
- Witness the life of a church plant, even as CBC gets closer to planting a church.
- Help Lakeview Church do things they can’t do by themselves. Two key ways this year: help at their church campout (food prep, devotions, childcare, connecting with people), and filling roles in their Sunday services (childcare, other).
- Build relationships that will continue.
If you are interested this summer or in the future or you simply want to learn more, please stick around for a few minutes after the service this Sunday for the Utah Interest Meeting. We’ll meet in the front (north side of the Worship Center) right after church, and I’ll share more details and answer questions. Hope to see you Sunday!