“Some of my friends told me about LCBC and how modern and different it was compared to traditional style church. I've always been trying to find somewhere I felt like I fit in but never really found the right place that clicked for me. Before getting involved with LCBC I played in a touring metal band for over 4 years. But on the road I made a lot of bad choices and was surrounded by a lot of negativity all the time. I wanted something better for myself.

Since I've been coming, I've made lots of really great friends and gotten involved more with the worship team! I’m currently in training right now to learn how to run front of house sound. The most defining moment for me was listening to all the worship songs to learn the drum parts. My first time playing with the band was when they added a new song to the list called "So Will I" and when I listened to it to get a feel for how it goes, it actually made me cry just because it spoke to me so much. Something like that has never happened to me before and that's when I really felt like I was being touched by God. I've felt a better improvement on my purpose in life and the way I feel about myself since I've been coming every week to the services.

Since coming to LCBC, I feel like my faith has definitely grown tremendously! With every day being a work in progress, I feel like I am following a great path that God has guided me to. I am so grateful for all the gifts and talents, and family & friends that have been given to me in this life. I’m very excited to continue to keep growing stronger in my faith, and impact others in a positive way!”

Jimmy Pino LCBC Hazleton

“I was born and raised Catholic. I always went through the motions, but never felt like I had a personal relationship with God. Shortly after college, I attended paramedic school. I was also part of Maryland Task Force One, a federal disaster response team.

Shortly after I started that job, my mom passed away. 9 years later, my dad was diagnosed with brain cancer and passed away just 45 days later. Over the next few years, I lost some friends and coworkers to job-related injuries, illnesses, and suicide. I began to drink alcohol, thinking that would help me through the difficult emotions I felt after experiencing so much loss. That wasn’t the answer – the only thing alcohol did was put a strain on my marriage and my relationship with my sons. When I suffered a career-ending injury a few years ago, I hit rock bottom. I was wondering why all these things happened to me.

A friend invited me to come to LCBC with him. My wife and I attended the next Sunday. After listening to the music and the message, I felt like the pastor was talking directly to me. I left feeling God’s presence more in my life than I ever had before.

Since attending LCBC, I have renewed my faith and trust in God. My relationship with my wife and family is stronger than it’s ever been. I used to deal with my struggles on my own, but now I pray and ask God for his help and guidance. His power is far greater than mine, and his strength begins where mine ends. By trusting in him and praying, I know he will guide me down the right path. I know ‘through his strength and guidance that I can handle any challenge he gives me.”

Sam Taylor LCBC Hanover

“We started attending LCBC Berks occasionally after we got married. In the fall of 2018, while it seemed difficult to not attend our home churches, we knew that God was pushing us to take a leap of faith and make LCBC our home as a married couple.

It was after church one Sunday in January 2019, we both felt God nudging us to get involved. That same Sunday we were able to talk to people in both the Worship and kidMinistry departments and left feeling encouraged and excited to begin serving. Through serving we have both made relationships with other people that have encouraged us in our everyday life and our walk with God. We have made friends who we are able to connect with outside of the weekend gatherings. They have been a huge support as we have recently been trying to figure out God's plan for our lives.

While serving has been a huge part of growing our individual relationships with God, our marriage has been strengthened more than we can begin to fathom. We feel incredibly blessed to attend LCBC.”

Adam and Kristin Rabenold LCBC Berks

“Before coming back to church, my life was a series of ups and downs. 6 years ago I was in a very bad motorcycle accident and almost lost my leg. After 13 surgeries and over 2 years of recovery, I’m finally back to almost normal. It was after this that I met Deanna. The way she was able to keep her faith through all of her ups and downs was unbelievable. She always would ask me to come to church with her, so finally LCBC Lebanon opened up and I agreed to go with her to check it out. I couldn’t believe the energy and happiness of everyone who was there. They had just started a series on overcoming adversity. It just made sense about trusting Jesus through the ups and downs of life and trusting that his plan has meaning. With all that we have been through in our lives, it just sort of all clicked.

After placing my trust in Jesus, I’ve found I’m more calm in the face of adversity. I don’t get worked up about the small things anymore, and my relationship with Deanna is stronger than it’s ever been.”

Matthew Lightner LCBC Lebanon