CHARLES BROOKS: MY FAVORITE THING AT LAKELAND

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

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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.