Meet our church family!

Debbie Hoffman

7 years ago, my family and I were looking for a new church because we were very hurt and disappointed with what had happed at our old church. We were skeptical and weary.

When we first walked into the old building at center drive, we saw the banner which stated: “Our mission is to help sincere seekers and disenchanted disciples become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.”

My husband and I saw the banner then looked at each other and said, “Is this a sign (literally) from God?” We didn’t know for sure but we continued coming to RCC and more and more felt for sure this was the right place for us. We love RCC and Pastor John and will enjoy worshipping God together forever!

Tim Tiemens

Over the last several years, the RCC Family has been an instrument of God’s love and grace to me. As examples, two situations immediately come to mind:

A few years ago, my heart just stopped beating (no prior history, no warning, no pain); within a few hours, I literally died three times and was brought back with paddles. Members of the RCC family immediately came to Intensive Care...prayed for me, supported me and my family...and continued to pray and support over next several weeks. I should have had some permanent damage from the incident......but I don’t..... (I received prayers for healing). And so far, so good....no further incidents.

Last year, I was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer....again, out of the blue (no prior history, no warning, but a lot of pain). Again, RCC members prayed and provided emotional support - God’s love manifested......made real. And after chemo & radiation & prayers for healing....so far so good....no reoccurrences to date.

My “human” nature is that I do not like to ask for help... I am much more comfortable offering help than receiving it. Above incidents have taught me that asking for and receiving help is also what God’s wants for me.

Lynnette Guptil

God has shown His grace and glory so many times over the last 5 or so years that Ron and I have been attending RCC. Ron accepted Christ a few years back and that was only the beginning! We found out that we could not get pregnant in a traditional way, that one option we had was in-vitro fertilization. Well, in a nutshell, through our small group and church involvement we surrounded ourselves with the body of Christ, immersed ourselves in prayer and God made Seth the first attempt.

We celebrate each day, in some way, how God has blessed us. I have been able to stay home with God’s provision of Ron’s job and look forward to homeschooling our son. God has blessed us through the eternal relationships we have been able to cultivate through RCC. I love coming together for worship and praise on Sunday mornings with this body.

Barbara Johnston

When I was growing up, prayer was a huge part of our family life. We practiced Catholicism, but what I remember most about those early years was my Mother’s conviction to prayer. I always believed in the power of prayer, but never experienced it before until one Sunday at RCC.

In August of 2002, my Mother was diagnosed with cancer. In October, we were told that she would be leaving us within 6 months. By November, she was too weak to cook or do any household chores. As always, I had talked to my Mother before church and she was getting weaker and praying that she had the energy to do the laundry and cook a meal, just one more time.

On one particular Sunday in January, Pastor John, asked us to break into small groups and pray. Our group prayed for my Mother and unbeknownst to me at the time, another group was too. My Mother was not in a lot of physical pain, but she hated depending on everyone to do what use to be simple tasks for her. In our group we prayed that God would give my Mother strength, for just 1 more day or a week, anything. After church I ran into another woman who knew my Mother and she mentioned that her group had prayed for Mother too.

When we got into the car I received a call from my Mother. She suddenly had a burst of energy and was cooking lunch and doing the laundry. The last time I could remember her cooking and cleaning was early November. God blessed Mother with one week before her energy was depleted again. I will never forget this. She shopped, she cleaned, and she cooked. I had my Mom for 1 more week. She became bedridden after this. The Lord took her home 2 months later. I believe that miracles have happened and are happening at RCC. My husband and I consider it a blessing to be a part of this great community.