member spotlight: julian rodriguez

After their previous church closed in 2022, the Rodriguez family found a new home at New Life, where they experienced renewed faith, healing, and a fresh sense of purpose. Through a strong, family-centered community, they’ve grown both spiritually and within their household, finding encouragement and belonging. Read Julian's testimony below:

In one or two sentences, what was life like before you came to our church?

"Before New Life, my wife Reina and I served at a local inner-city church here in the city of Cleveland. I was saved at the age of 13 at this very church. I've been walking with Christ and serving in ministry since that time."

What brought you here?

"In 2022, coming out of the Covid epidemic, our home church shut its doors for good. We found ourselves in uncharted territory, looking for a new church community we could call home. I remember one day telling my wife that if we did not find a new church family by fall, we were going to uproot and move to Texas. God had other plans! After visiting around five to six churches in May of 2022, I searched Google for "non-denominational churches near me." New Life was the first to appear. From the moment we walked into the sanctuary, we knew we were home!" 

How has your life changed since being part of this community?

"Life has changed dramatically! Growing up and serving at a high level in a smaller church can often lead to various kinds of burnout. When we came to New Life, we not only received a new family but a second wind in our walks with Christ. A refreshing that was long overdue. It was something we needed as a family unit and as believers working out our own salvation." 

What is one specific way you’ve seen growth or healing?

"I have really come to realize growth within our family unit while being here at New Life. Serving here has been refreshing. It is palatable to the point where our leaders make emphasis on NOT neglecting our first ministry. That being our own household. My wife and I have had a safe space to grow individually, and that, in turn, has made a positive impact on our family."   

What’s one thing about our church that has impacted you most?

"The family-like culture has had a tremendous impact on me. To be part of a multicultural, multigenerational body has been such a blessing. New Life is composed of real people with real testimonies, and it's so encouraging to see people of all backgrounds pursue the call God has on their lives!"

What would you say to someone considering visiting our church?

"Whether you're a tenured believer or asking, "Who is this Jesus fellow?" New Life Church is a people you can call family. New Life is a place to cultivate real relationships. We know everyone who visits won't stay. This for various reasons! But I believe there will be a seed planted and watered, where God will bring an eventual increase! and if God wills for New Life to be your Home, I pray you experience the same healing, growth and love me and my family did when we walked through those double doors!"