Serving the City

Serving in the City Manager’s diversity network has given me a significant perspective on the church’s responsibility to love our neighbors. Last year the network was feeling through the difficult emotions created by the news of George Floyd’s death, the uncertainty of Covid-19, and the election. This year the emotions continue to stir over the war in Ukraine and the effect of inflation. Because of these challenges, what started as a network of 21 members in 2019 has decreased to only 10 active members in 2022. While I feel for those who were frustrated and decided to leave, I know this is where God has called me to serve. I’m not here because I have the perfect solution to resolve the city’s complex problems. I am here because I genuinely love my neighbors, and I feel a responsibility to my city, who needs the church to influence the conversation. Now is not the time for me to complain or stop altogether. Now is the time to love my neighbors and so God is calling me to be faithful. My prayer is that by pressing in and encouraging my friends in the network that we can better advocate for the needs of our city. So last week I hosted an informal meal (see photo) to connect and encourage each other. While I cannot stop the bad news, I will be a part of the good news that builds a stronger BDAN team, and ultimately a stronger city of Bellevue. Pray for me as I seek to love my neighbors as Jesus has loved me. Pray for me as I seek to model what I want our church to do, which is, to devote three hour every week to loving their neighbors. Pray that each of us will be a faithful witness in the places where we live, work, learn and play.