<<First Name>>, I wrote some thoughts about the news on social media that I'd like to share with you below. You're invited to friend or follow me on social media.

I taught in an African-centered public high school in urban Kansas City for a year. I learned more than I taught. Some days I was harsh on those who discriminate. Other days I was ashamed of my own prejudices. But I’ll never know what it’s like to be "just black in the wrong place," as Ms. Castile said about her son after he was fatally shot in Minnesota last week.

I grieve this injustice and the resulting violence in Dallas and elsewhere. I cannot fully understand racism because I have not been its victim, but I choose to bear witness to this harm. I pray for healing and hope for change.

This week I’m partnering with a church in St. Louis that wants to make a difference in their community by creating a youth center. It is a small church, mostly white, in a diverse neighborhood north of Ferguson. I’m honored to help, and I love this church. I have some ideas of what can be done - and hopes about what can be accomplished. Their work is vital and faith-driven, but it will be hard.

I would value your thoughts on how to help this community.

– Matt Vaughan

TWO HOME RUNS AND A MISSION TRIP STORY

Amy and I have two boys who love to play baseball. They both hit their first home runs in back-to-back nights a few weeks ago. Jack is 11 and hit a grand slam to deep right field. Sam is 14 and hit a 275-foot dinger over the fence. It was an exciting moment for them – and for me!