Jan, 2026 Newsletter

January 28th, 2026

Hey S.O.U.L. Church family,
We pray you’re staying warm and sharing that warmth with others. It’s been an exciting and meaningful start to the year, and we’re thrilled to share what God’s been doing among us.

The Treasure in Change
At the end of 2025, we were presented with an unexpected opportunity to love one of our neighbors near our downtown property—by simply turning down the volume of our sound system during worship service.
At first, it wasn’t easy. From a musical standpoint especially, we had to adjust, and honestly, it felt like a loss. But then something beautiful happened.
We began to hear the voices of our church—voices singing from the heart. The soft ones we had never heard before were suddenly audible. aAnd in that moment, God showed us the treasure hidden in the change.
Since then, we’ve intentionally kept the volume lower, choosing songs that everyone can sing together. What we’ve found is something sacred—gathering close, lifting our voices as one family, and basking together in the love of Jesus.
It’s only by His grace that we were able to respond the way we did. I’m so grateful we didn’t miss this opportunity—to love our neighbor well and to hear the beautiful voices of Soul Church that had been there all along, just waiting to be heard.

“I’ve Never Been Happier”
One of the most impactful ministries to grow out of Soul Church in recent years is Matt and his bus.
Every Sunday morning, Matt loads up a bus full of people and ensures they have a guaranteed ride to church—and then back to their places afterward. During the week, he does the same, bringing folks to Tuesday night Bible study and Thursday men’s group.
We are seeing the Holy Spirit at work in powerful ways among this group. Many of the men are still homeless, some in the process of finding housing or employment—but all of them are being ministered to simply by being brought into community and worship.
Recently, after a men’s group, one gentleman who had been coming for about two months quietly said, “I’ve never been happier.”
Those words pierced our hearts.
Not much about his external circumstances had dramatically changed. He was still facing many of the same challenges. But something inside him had shifted. He now knows God is on his side. He knows the comfort of the Holy Spirit. He knows the truth of God’s Word—rooted deep in his heart—that he is loved, seen, and saved by Jesus Christ.
Truth and love in Christ changes everything.
No matter what we’re facing, we can live at peace when we know God is faithful to finish the work He started in us.

Big Thanks to the Volunteers!
We want to extend a huge thank you to all the groups and individuals who kicked off the year by serving at S.O.U.L. Church. You helped us start strong, and we are deeply grateful.
Your willingness to step in and serve those who are in difficult circumstances, men and women searching for healing, hope, and restoration, does not go unnoticed. Your time, compassion, and presence matter more than you know.
One of the most beautiful things we continue to witness is how service works both ways. So many volunteers come wanting to help those in need, and in the process, they find healing and renewal for their own souls as well. It truly is a two-way street.
Scripture reminds us of this truth:
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
1 Peter 4:10
This month, we are especially thankful for the following partners and volunteers who joined us in serving our community in person or through resources donated:
Operation Blessing
UTD Golf Volunteers
YMSL Southlake
Friendship Baptist Church of The Colony
Vista Church
Lakepointe Church
Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus. Your faithfulness is making a real difference.

Snowy Sunday
It was such a blessing to witness the willingness of so many of you who insisted on showing up on Sunday morning, despite slick streets and our snow-covered outdoor sanctuary.
We served just a few, striving to follow the example of the Good Shepherd, who goes after the one in need.
We kept it simple: hot coffee, soup, oatmeal, blankets, gloves, and bus passes. A few acoustic worship songs. Plenty of warm hugs.
It truly felt like a hidden prize in the humble effort of gathering for outdoor worship and outreach in 16-degree weather, surrounded by a snow-covered world.
“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” — Matthew 25:40

A Look at Proverbs 27:17 with Pastor Leon
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
And as I look at my Enduring Word commentary I find these scriptures very encouraging for such a time as this!
Check this out!
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend: A man can be used to sharpen (improve and develop) his friend, but it may happen through a bit of friction and sparks. We shouldn’t be afraid of the friction that leads to godly sharpening.
“Gladly let us take up the bond of brotherhood. If a brother seems to walk alone, sharpen his iron by godly communication. Walk together in mutual concern for each other’s infirmities, trials, and temptations.” (Bridges)
Whatever you may be facing today with your friends, family or community, realize how crucial it is that we remain in healthy, accountable relationships with other followers of Christ. Remain teachable, humble and willing to hear another’s prospective. In doing so, may you be sharpened and refined.
Amen.

Praise!
Praise Reports, to name just a few more:
We are so thankful to have been part of filling two of our ladies’ apartments with furniture and household items after they received housing following years of homelessness. We’re also incredibly grateful that Victor received an almost brand-new electric wheelchair. Each of them were humbled and thankful for the generosity of our community and the provision of our Lord Jesus.
It’s a joy and an honor to witness God’s love at work in these moments.
Until next time—thank you for walking this journey with us.
Big Jesus Squeezes!
Give to the Cause Sign Up to Volunteer

Give to the Cause

Posted in Newsletter.