Richard’s Story

"Growing up in Uganda, my childhood was filled with chaos and tragedy. I witnessed people I loved—friends, my uncle, and others—being murdered or abducted. Women were forced into slavery, and children were taken. We were displaced to a camp where food was scarce, sometimes only eating once every two or three days. After my uncle, who supported my education, was killed, I decided to become a lawyer and fight for justice instead.

In 2015, I met Jeff, from LCBC Harleysville, during his mission trip to Uganda and we stayed in touch. I started law school in 2016, but as the only Christian lawyer in my community, I often felt alone. People came to me to share their burdens, but I had no one to share mine with. I spent eight years searching for a supportive faith community, and this year, I finally asked Jeff if he knew of an online group I could be a part of. He sent me a link to join a Group at LCBC about Christian Brotherhood.

Even though meetings were at 2 a.m. in Ugandan time, I knew it was worth it. From the very first session, I felt welcomed and understood. For the first time, I had a space to share my own burdens while also praying for and encouraging others. My faith has grown, and I’ve found true brothers in Christ. This group has transformed my life, reminding me that location is not a limitation."

RICHARD
ONLINE

Dan's Story

"I currently serve in Collide as a Group leader for 7-8th grade boys, as a coach, and once a month I host the Collide Gathering and VIP time. My wife and I wanted to get engaged with serving because we wanted to invest more deeply in the church community and get more plugged in at LCBC Lancaster City. Serving has challenged me to become a shepherd leader and feel more confident in pastoring others and leading them to Christ. One of the most impactful moments through my serve journey has been the influence I’ve had on Kirk. He was the first student I was introduced to, and I ended up leading him in small group and at Wildfire for several years. Not only did Kirk choose to put his faith in Christ after one of the Wildfire experiences, he was also recently baptized and shared that I’ve been a positive influence for him in his story! To me, serving simply means putting others before myself, seeing potential in others and calling them up to use their talents to benefit the people around us."

Dan
LANCASTER CITY

CJ's Story

“My family moved to back to the Clarks-Summit area in 2020 and returned to Parker Hill, where we grew up, which then merged with LCBC a few years later. I serve with the National Guard and have been deployed several times before. When I left for Kenya on December 31, 2023 for my third deployment I had the mindset that I wanted to be salt and light to the people around me. Not long after arriving, our camp chaplain left and I felt God nudging me to take over leading the Bible study at our camp. We started the book of Matthew together, and when we reached Chapter 3 and talked about John baptizing Jesus, I had the chance to share the Gospel and what it meant to be Baptized, and after several people asked me to baptize them. God nudged me to follow his lead throughout my deployment and invite other soldiers into having a relationship with him. I coordinated streaming At The Movies through the month of July for my fellow soldiers, and even had the opportunity to preach, and lead worship. I even had the chance to preach to the community at a Kenyan church. Reflecting on this past year, I realize that this deployment has been the most transformative period of my service. I not only grew in my faith, but also witnessed others embrace theirs.”

CJ
CLARKS SUMMIT

Joan’s Story

“I grew up going to church until my parents’ divorce at age 13, when we all stopped attending. Years later, I reconnected with my now ex-husband, began going to church with his family, and eventually raised our kids in a non-denominational church. Although I was saved, I struggled with deep wounds from my past and believed lies that led to ending my 23-year marriage. Afterward, I was filled with shame and stopped attending church, convinced I didn’t deserve forgiveness.

Years later, a friend invited me to LCBC Ephrata. From my first visit, I felt welcomed and loved, and for five years, I drove 45 minutes one-way to attend. Eventually, I started searching for a church closer to home, but even with good experiences elsewhere, I felt God guiding me back to LCBC.

In the fall of 2023, a chance meeting with a friend brought me to Pottstown, where I unexpectedly saw an LCBC flag. Curious, I looked into it and soon connected with Jeremy Sowers, who shared that LCBC was starting in Pottstown and planning for a permanent location. I knew this was God’s plan for me and eagerly joined the launch team. Looking back, I see how God orchestrated every step to bring me here—not only to help launch LCBC Pottstown but also to launch me into who he intended me to be all along."

Joan
POTTSTOWN