Some encouragement...

Over the years, she’s always had a soft spot for kids, especially babies. About 18 years ago, in classic Leigh-Ann fashion, she “mentioned” that she’d signed us up to explore becoming licensed foster parents. I should’ve known what that meant. A few months later, the Division of Family Services called. Then they showed up for an interview. Then a home visit. Then Tuesday nights turned into 3-hour foster care classes. (She sold this to me as a date night ?).

But in all seriousness, as God worked on both of our hearts, we eventually became licensed and had the incredible privilege of welcoming several children into our home. And we’ve even adopted our two youngest.

The journey hasn’t been easy. It’s messy, beautiful, heartbreaking, and holy all at once. But what we’ve learned is this: hospitality isn’t about having a perfect house or perfect plan. It’s about having open arms.

Whether you’re encouraging a tired caseworker, a struggling birth parent, or stepping into the chaos of a child’s life, the ministry of foster care is one of the rawest, realest forms of hospitality there is. And Leigh-Ann has lived that out with faith, grace, and determination. I’ve just tried to keep up and not get in the way.

This Sunday, we’re looking at Acts 11:19–26 which includes a part of the story of Barnabas, “son of encouragement.” Barnabas didn’t just offer kind words. He travelled about 300 miles, built friendships, and welcomed outsiders into the family of God. His encouragement made space for hospitality, and the church in Antioch grew because of it.

What I love about the meaning of his name is that it may say more about his parents than him…"son of encouragement” points to parents who personified encouragement, and since it’s Mother's Day, we’re going with Barabas’s mom as the encourager who rubbed off on her son.

It’s a timely word for us, especially on Mother’s Day, as we honor the women who have taught us how to love with open hands and open hearts.

So come join us this Sunday. We will have flowers and coffee cards for moms along with a COLD BREW BAR, and this is all a part of our opportunity to come together for Extra at the Austin, 1720 Cherry, Kansas City, MO. Here is a shortcut that shows parking options and has some FAQ’s. Our services are still at 8:00, 9:15 (Full KidCity available), or 10:45 am (Full KidCity available), or you can watch the Livestream on YouTube (Like and Subscribe) or on our New Life website at 9:15 am.

See you Sunday!

Troy

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