 Charles Brooks and his wife Paula have been coming to Lakeland for three years. When asked what his favorite thing about Lakeland is, a wide smile crosses his face. We left a church that we had been at for 25 years and we were trying to figure out where to go next so we “test-drove” a couple of places. We ended up coming back to Lakeland. “It’s hard to pick one favorite thing about Lakeland. We love the preaching, we love the music and we love the people.” A low chuckle reverberates from his chest as he recalls the event that led them to Lakeland. “Garrett was the speaker at Mary Kate’s baccalaureate. We said ‘He was pretty good, let’s see what that place was like.’ We found Lakeland online and came. We liked it the first time and the second time we knew it was the right place.” Charles and Paula have been very busy the past three years. Charles and Paula partner together in one of Lakeland’s small groups for couples. Paula stays connected with her fellow Lakeland ladies through the Women’s Retreats. Charles attends the Men’s Discipleship Breakfasts for both friendship and developing his spiritual relationship with God. They’ve also helped with the 20/20 dinners, part of Lakeland’s 20/20 Financial Challenge that continues to provide for not just Lakelanders but people around the world, everywhere from Kansas City to Anapra, Mexico. “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” -Colossians 3:16
ABOUT MY STORIES
Every month Pastor Marta Gillilan and members of the Lakeland Social Media Team interview an individual, couple or family. From struggles in faith to joyful events, Lakelanders are sharing their stories through the “Humans of Lakeland” blog series. Get to know the people who call Lakeland home.
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 by Kelly Johnston Not only have we appreciated our fellow Lakelanders sharing their incredible stories, but we enjoy learning what aspects of worship help strengthen their relationship with God. One of our favorite questions to ask: do Lakelanders enjoy preaching, music, Scripture, something else or maybe even a combination? When we pose the question to Charles he smiles. “One of my favorite parts about service is preaching. I remember early on Dan talking about the only way to feel connected is to put yourself out there…to get into a small group, to serve. If you’re just coming in and out of service you’re not going to feel like you belong.” Charles chuckles. “Ironically enough after Dan preached about that I heard it from another pastor. And I thought ‘Really, okay, I get it.’” “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created.” -Revelation 4:11 ABOUT MY STORIES Every month Pastor Marta Gillilan and members of the Lakeland Social Media Team interview an individual, couple or family. From struggles in faith to joyful events, Lakelanders are sharing their stories through the “Humans of Lakeland” blog series. Get to know the people who call Lakeland home.
 by Kelly Johnston Charles Brooks knows a little about the challenges of ballet. After all, he broke his foot when he jumped off a desk wearing ballet shoes. “I was a teacher, and just to clarify there was no tutu. There’s also no pictures,” he adds with a laugh. “Unfortunately the day I broke my foot I was playing Santa Claus in the faculty Christmas play.” We’re thinking Lakeland needs to have a dance recital soon… “I’m a 12-time Jeopardy reject. I keep trying and trying and I’m not cutting the mustard there. I figure at some point why not?” Despite his brush with dancing injuries, Charles continued his career in education. But in addition to working for the Missouri Teachers’ Association and volunteering with Lakeland, Charles has another passion; Jeopardy. “There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?” - Ecclesiastes 2:24 ABOUT MY STORIES Every month Pastor Marta Gillilan and members of the Lakeland Social Media Team interview an individual, couple or family. From struggles in faith to joyful events, Lakelanders are sharing their stories through the “Humans of Lakeland” blog series. Get to know the people who call Lakeland home.
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