When my family and I moved to the states in 1995 from our homeland in Egypt, my parents knew that they wanted our family to be a part of an American church early on. We weren’t going to forget our Egyptian heritage or stop being a part of the Egyptian community here in the states, but they knew it was important for my brother and me. Starting in second grade I began attending Lake Avenue Church regularly. By fifth grade I had made some friends that I knew would last forever. My experience as a youth at LAC has been so incredible because I was able to be a part of a small group and continue with those same guys from 5th grade until the end of high school. I was lucky enough to have had some incredible small group leaders, John Wilson (former Jr. High Pastor) and Jeff Mattesich, to name two. But there was something special about having the Junior High and High school Pastors as your small group leader, because well, it didn’t feel like they were the junior high and high school pastors. That may sound alarming, but what I mean to say is that relationship I developed with my leaders early on was one that I felt like there was mutual respect and understanding.
They weren’t above me; they were my friends and I could easily come to them with anything. But they also weren’t my peers, so I was able to be led by them spiritually and grow in so many ways during those years.
During the last few months of my senior year, I knew I was going to be sticking around and attending Pasadena City College, while our entire small group was going to be spread out across the country. I was extremely sad because I would no longer have the friends I had spent time with the past 10 years but also because I wasn’t heading out to a university right away. What I thought would be a grueling next few years at community college became the most transformative years of my life that have shaped and prepared me for the mission God has called me to.
Throughout my four years of high school, God began growing a passion in me to love and serve alongside those experiencing homelessness. As the years went by at PCC, I became restless. I had a yearning to serve and be involved in homeless ministry but I wasn’t taking action, I was merely waiting for the next step of my educational journey. I was spending more time in college than my friends were. When I still had four more years of schooling left, my friends were already graduating. Knowing that I had two more years at PCC made me bitter and I felt like I was wasting my time.
It was at that point that God blessed not only me, but Lake Avenue Church, with a great man, Jeff Liou. When I first met Jeff I told him I wasn’t very interested in attending the college group, thinking in my head that was his initial interest in talking to me. His response was, “Oh, no worries, if you ever want to hang out, get coffee and just talk I’m always here for that.” What began as just a simple coffee meeting turned into something that happened each week. But it wasn’t a casual “hey how are you” kind of coffee meeting. Each time I met with Jeff he essentially asked me: “Rafik, how are you going to be an effective agent for Christ in these next two years and change the world?” My perception of how I was currently living my life began to radically change. Instead of waiting to go to a university and continue my studies and calling, Jeff pushed me to think about what I could be doing right then.
I began attending community development conferences, some local and some across the country. I served at the community meal as often as I could. And I began to ask questions and see how I might be a useful tool for God’s ministry at Lake Avenue Church. Last year, Jeff approached me about becoming a member, and he explained to me how serious of an undertaking this was. That committing to a church body is not a casual thing by which we just sit in a class and learn about church history and then check a few boxes. But that by agreeing to become a member, I was agreeing to truly committing myself to the mission of LAC. After much thought and prayer I knew that no matter where I ended up for college I wanted to stay committed and plugged in at LAC.
This past Fall I transferred to UC Davis to continue my undergraduate studies in Neurobiology, with hopes of eventually becoming a doctor. As excited as I was to pursue this dream, I was also mourning the idea of not being able to serve and worship at LAC each week. As often as I can, I watch the sermons online, and constantly text or call Jeff Liou and Mayra Nolan to keep me updated on the happenings at LAC. Each and every time I do, I am pleased to hear the utterly amazing things that are happening now and will be happening in the near future.
But just hearing about it wasn’t enough; I was yearning for more active involvement, even if I was 400 miles away. About month ago, Kathy Hollimon, the ministry chair for the Missions and Evangelism division, approached me and asked something that I was certainly not expecting, but was indeed an answered prayer.
She told me that there was a position open on the division that allowed her to appoint someone and that I would be a great fit. What an incredible opportunity I had, to be able to serve my church and contribute whatever I can, even from how far I was. I haven’t been more excited and honored about something before in my life. I happily accepted the role.
I often brag about Lake while here in Davis, in the most humble of ways of course. I tell others of this amazing place that invests in its attendees and members starting from one year of age. That the investment that LAC commits to is one that believes in young students growing into Christ-centered, world-changing leaders. I know this to be true because this is how the leaders and pastors at LAC have invested in me. I hope that through the rest of my life I can continue to grow, lead and foster the next generation for His glory. Amen.
My hope for you reading this is that you would continue the great legacy that is LAC by always investing into the coming generation, hearing their story and shepherding them in Christ. All of this is done with an outward focus on how we as a united body of Christ followers can bring the kingdom of God here and now to all.