Dear Church,

Have you ever wondered if you're growing in Christ? Here's some ways you can know.

You are moving from controlling to collaborating.
You are moving from critiquing to celebrating.
You are moving from consuming to contributing.

Do we really believe Jesus when he said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."?

Here's a recent letter from one of our members who is "ascending" more and more every year. By no means has it been easy, but this member continues to press in and not give up.

Enjoy the testimony below.

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Dear Pastor Bryan,

I want to thank (EKKO) for blessing me with wisdom that comes from seeking God and teaching me how to love others intentionally. I look back at these past five years and I don’t know how I would have survived. If I were to guess, my life would be filled with a paralyzing fear keeping me from pursuing a life with meaning. I would not have had the guts to take chances…
Here is a note to myself about the Sunday after I started my first job.

“It was Sunday, May 3rd. The members of the congregation were lining up to give their offering. I was sitting in the middle section towards the end so people bumped and excused themselves past me. I did not tithe. In fact, it has been a while since I had last done so. One year has passed since I graduated (grad school)… Although I did not have anything prepared to drop into the offering box, I cannot remember a time I was filled with more joy and gratefulness. As people deposited their checks and envelopes filled with cash, I knew that I too would finally be able to give and contribute to my church, my home, my family— for I had just started my first job…”

Never have I felt more of God’s perfect timing. My life felt like it was on hold but that period of (I’ll call it) "reflection” turned out to be a blessing not many people could afford to have. I developed my interest. I strengthened my relationships. I sought after God. I realize how lucky I am to have (Ekko) to show me that being insecure is normal and nobody is perfect… except Pastor Janette — even her dorky jokes are endearing. I just have to remember that as long as I start and end my day with “My father, thank you for ________”, it becomes clear that I have been blessed beyond belief and this gift of life is pretty amazing...

Sincerely,
Ekko Member

(Oh and) One of the highlights I had in 2015 was at the men’s retreat… I was able to go on one of your “walks” that marked the first time you and I had a real conversation… I then watched you fart into the campfire. Thank you for showing me you don’t have to be perfect to be blessed.

(Btw) Serving at Ekko has been a blessing… it blows my mind witnessing all the preparation that goes behind the scenes… Anyways, I’m so thankful to be a part of Ekko. It’s exciting to witness all the change that been going on. And everyone is getting married!

(PS) You already have it but I formally give you permission to speak into my life…and to keep it real. Not too real though. I’m sensitive.