Home of Shalom Boldly Brings Simple Acts of Kindness to Spokane

By Isaac Meythaler,

Upper Columbia Conference Communications Coordinator

Be Bold for Jesus, a Christian Conference in Spokane, WA, took place from October 3-5 with Shine 104.9 Chaplain and Home of Shalom Pastor Tyler Kern representing Shine 104.9 as a guest speaker and organizer of the event’s community service projects.

Kern was given the opportunity to speak to an audience of youth and young adults during the event, giving his testimony on his spiritual journey finding purpose in Jesus. He shared his history growing up in the church, how he left the church, and pursuing filmmaking until he felt called to ministry.

“We all have a story to tell,” said Kern. “Because when someone asks you ‘how are you so sure that God exists?’ You can say ‘I know because I have experienced His presence in my life.’”

For more than 6 years, Shine 104.9 has partnered with the Be Bold 4 Jesus Conference as a local sponsor, promoting the event and coordinating the final evening concert, which features a Christian artist.

At the end of 2024, event organizers reached out to Shine 104.9 to help plan for 2025’s event. With the news that the upcoming conference would only be held on Friday and Saturday, Shine Chaplain Tyler Kern saw an opportunity to practice bold faith in service of others.

Kern suggested holding a community service project as part of the conference, which was met with enthusiasm. Kern continued to coordinate and organize the events in collaboration with BB4J, and in exchange, Home of Shalom received a free sponsor booth at the event where people could sign up to participate in the service project.

On Sunday, almost 100 volunteers split into three groups focused on doing good through service in the Spokane community.

One group served at a local food pantry, sorting donations and stocking shelves. For every can and box sorted, a family was relieved of the burden of hunger.

Another group rolled up their sleeves and cleaned up trash and debris in High Bridge Park. The final group walked through the heart of downtown Spokane, engaging in a prayer walk with homeless people. A single mom with her two young children attended the prayer walk. Violet, at only 5-years-old, was eager to reach out and pray with people, often holding the hands or touching the heads of the people she prayed powerful, authentic prayers of healing over.

“This wasn't just about praying for them,” said Kern, “it was about being a non-judgmental, loving presence with them — reminding them they are seen and valued.”

Kern reports that several people who signed up at the BB4J conference are now regular participants in service projects, continuing to serve their community in bold impactful and faithful acts.

“These events were simple, but their impact is huge,” said Kern. “They are a tangible reminder that we don't have to wait for a grand opportunity to show the love of God: We can do it right now, right where we are.”

Learn more about Home of Shalom at homeofshalom.org and Shine 104.9 at shine1049.org.