Pastor Nick here. I wanted to brag on Jesus by sharing a quick story of how he encouraged me this past Sunday. I had the privilege of preaching on joy and celebration as an everyday rhythm (listen to the sermon), then got to spend the day in joyful celebration of Mother’s Day with my girls. I also had two conversations after our Sunday gathering that encouraged me, with two very different people.
One was with Robert. Robert, by his own admission, has led a difficult life. Through evil of all sorts, including addiction, surgeries, and life-changing accidents, Robert now lives in a nursing home as a paraplegic (he is no older than 40). A handful of the Rooted faithful befriended him well over a year ago, visiting him and the other residents often, playing board games, and talking about Jesus. By God’s grace, Robert now is among the redeemed, and we had the joy of baptizing him with a warm cup of water in church just a few weeks ago (his medical conditions prevented him from being dunked).
On Sunday, Robert wheeled his way up to me, looked me in the eye, and declared, “I love this church.” That was enough for me, but he proceeded to tell me about how our people have sacrificed for him, how listening to the sermons is changing him, and how everyday Jesus causes him to feel new again.
My second conversation was with Marsha. Marsha is an adoptive mom of 12. She and her family have been with the Rooted only a few weeks. On their way out the door from our gathering, as they said their goodbyes, Marsha said to me with a smile, “How can we not be a part of this church? You actually want us here!”
So why am I encouraged? Not merely because these people love Jesus and love our little portion of his Bride, but because our church is loving people who, quite honestly, many churches do not want. Marsha and I even joked about all the times they’ve entered a church service with their large family, only to be told, “You know, we DO have a children’s ministry…”
As I left, Marsha and her husband were talking with Joe about pursuing community by continuing to be involved in Joe’s City Group. And Robert was wheeling himself down the street towards home, with a Rooted partner walking by his side.
Pastor Nick
