Every now and then, you meet people who you know will change your life forever. This happened to me last week. I was privileged to visit a small town church in IL.
Rozetta Baptist Church – WOW is the only word I can use at this moment to describe the people of this wonderful congregation. I have attended and visited many churches in my lifetime and this is definitely one of the best.
I’m sure you’re thinking, Church is church Toya. You couldn’t be more wrong. Rozetta is unlike any church I have seen in a long time.
Let’s start by saying that the church is “open for business” 24 hours a day. The doors are never locked. If I want to go pray in the Lord’s house at 3 in the morning or ater 9-5 church office hours, I can. What a novel concept. In 2010 there is a church with a real open door policy. While I know that most places in our world this isn’t an option because of the clouded hearts of people, it’s marvelous to know that there are still places in the world where this is an option.
The people of Rozetta welcomed me with open arms and poured out some serious LOVE. I was made to feel like a part of the family. They showered me with hospitality and graciousness. My accommodations were taken care of by the church. They rented an entire hotel just for me! This has never happened before and I’m sure it never will again. The Hotel Lynn is a charming place that is taken care of by their local Historical Society. Now I can say I am part of History in Biggsville!!! 🙂 wink, wink.
They are a mission minded church. Local, domestic and International. They don’t discriminate and it makes my heart glad to see. They have poured into a group of young adults who have expressed a desire to work in missions. They support them prayerfully, and financially as the kids go around our country doing the work of the Lord. Their kids will be going to Grenada this summer on their first International trip. They had their first fundraiser while I was there and they were able to raise enough money for one person to go. My heart dances with joy.’
The mission team and I were able to make meals for some very needy people in their community and spent a little time with them to cover them in prayer. The hearts of these young people are to follow Christ. I don’t know if they realize how fortunate they are to have an entire church community backing them and pushing them forward in the things of Christ. How refreshing it is to see a church follow the greatest commandment, LOVE one another.
Thank you Rozetta for your support, encouragement and outpouring of love. You have changed my life forever. I can’t wait to come see you again. I look forward to leading your youth on another mission trip and I am prayerful that some of you adults will join me at some point in the future. 🙂
Pray for Pastor Bennett and his wife, Diane, Miriam, Alexis, Kara, Rachel, Caleb, and Justin. I’m so grateful to have you in my life!
Rozetta, thank you for loving your youth and for loving me! Love you back and mean it!
I am so happy to know of your feelings for our little church family. It has been a true blessing to find this small country church with a heart as big as the universe that our loving Father has created. Looking forward to seeing you again. God be with you always.
Toya,
You left your mark on Rozetta as well. We were blessed beyond measure by God in His sending you to us. Love hearing from you and keeping up with what the Lord is doing in your life……..Praying for you…..