CJ Wehrkamp and Sara Rogers are an interesting story. They are getting married in just a few weeks and have been part of the Rustic Hills Church family together for about a year.
CJ grew up around Rustic Hills. He came to church with his family, but never really felt like church was for him. Sara, on the other hand had never been to church at all, for any reason. After high school CJ left Sioux Falls for the Twin Cities and school. After graduating he came back, and eventually started dating Sara.
Both CJ and Sara were into the party scene and big drinkers. Life was mostly about having fun. They enjoyed being with each other – enjoyed the party life.
CJ remembers coming back to Rustic Hills for Mother’s Day. “I wanted to make my mom happy. I wanted my parents to quit bugging me. But nothing really changed. I kept drinking.”
Then came the night that CJ had a long, serious talk with God. CJ knew all the answers. He had grown up in church. He had gone to a Christian school. He knew what was right and wrong. That was never the issue. CJ says, “It seemed like God was telling me that He was done protecting me from myself. He was done giving me chance after chance. I could start doing the right thing, or He would leave me on my own.”
CJ decided that He would rather have God. He was done with the lifestyle he had been living. No more drinking. No more wild parties. Even though it was the middle of the night, CJ went to talk to Sara. CJ told Sara, “This is what I am doing. I am done with drinking. I am going back to church. I want you to come too.”
Sara was surprised. She said, “CJ invited me to church. He didn’t want to be a party-er any more. He didn’t pressure me. He just said, ‘This is what I’m doing.’”
Sara said, “I was so nervous. I didn’t feel like I belonged. But everyone made me feel so welcome. I met people that first time that I know and talk to every week now.”
CJ says, “Coming back to Rustic Hills was different now. I felt more connected than before. Sara and I have made friendships with people our age. We love the people at church.”
CJ and Sara both say, “Rustic Hills has such an open atmosphere. I think most people experience church as being judgmental. They think they will be picked on, or talked down to. Some of our friends are like that. But Rustic Hills is very open. No one looks down on you. When we come to church it feels like we are going to a family reunion. Everyone is family.”
Andray, Sara’s son, loves Churchtime for Children. “He brings the crafts and projects home and has them all over the house.” “It is great for your family.”
Both say, “We love the praise and worship. It really picks us up. It is fun music.” Sara says, “Pastor Mike really makes it easy to learn. I came to church not knowing anything, and I can follow the message. A person can come and learn even if they don’t know anything about the Bible.”
Both CJ and Sara are experiencing God at work in their lives. Sara has entered into a real friendship with God, been baptized and gone through some basic discipleship studies. CJ is exploring some ideas about future ministry possibilities. They are getting married in April and are looking forward to being part of the Rustic Hills family for a long time.
Say “Hi,” to CJ and Sara this month!