Louis plays in the front row. Photos courtesy of Sunnycrest UMC.

"Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest; heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.” – Author Unknown.

This week has been challenging for a multitude of reasons. Our hearts broke and continue to break for the families and community in Uvalde, Texas. Many of our friends and neighbors are dealing with ongoing severe weather and storm damage. The tensions continue to rise amidst the delay of the General Conference, the launch of the Global Methodist Church, and the lingering debate in The United Methodist Church over the language in the Book of Discipline related to our LGBTQIA+ neighbors. 

Where are you, Lord? How can we find joy and bring hope to our broken world?

Selfie with Louis for a donation to Sunnycrest UMC.

Meet Louis Lemke, who lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Music is his ministry. This young man attends worship at Sunnycrest United Methodist Church. 

He comes to church every Sunday with his mom, dad, his twin sister, and his little brother and sister, who are also twins. So yes, there are two sets of twins in the family. He brings his electric guitar every Sunday. Louis sits up front and plays his guitar along with the praise band.

“He completely worships his little heart out by playing along,” said Pastor Charlie Moore, Sunncycrest UMC. “He gets a ton of encouragement from the congregation to keep playing.”

Recently, he got creative and utilized his talents to inspire generosity. He sat in the front row, playing his guitar. Louis had seen how some people play, leave their guitar cases open, and ask for donations with a sign. 

Louis decided that he would hang around and play his guitar after service. He invited people to have their photos taken with him for a donation. He made a sign and encouraged people to leave their gifts in the guitar case. All the money raised would go to the mission work at Sunnycrest UMC. Who could resist such an offer!

Pastor Charlie said with pride, “He raised $44.00 after the service with photos and gave all the money to the church!”

Music, joy, hope, and Jesus, it doesn't  get any better than that!