“You are only as good as the people you surround yourself with.” Robert has said it many times throughout his life, and the sentiment still rings true for him today. In an environment like Church on the Hill, this saying is as true as it ever will be because it's the individual people at Church on the Hill who make it feel like home.

Robert Conklin and his wife Nancy attended Church on the Hill for the first time with their neighbor and friend, Petey. Petey and her husband Ron lived in the Conklin’s neighborhood and, over the years, developed a long-lasting friendship. They’d always be the ones to lend a helping hand and walk through life’s happenings together.

When Ron suddenly passed away in 2022, Robert and Nancy were right by Petey’s side to support however they could. Petey’s request? “Come to church with me so I won’t have to go alone.”

Robert and Nancy agreed to tag along with Petey. “In our minds, we didn’t want her to feel alone without Ron. Little did we know, in that church, there was so much love and support given to her during that time. We were in awe of the strength she was given. That feeling of love made us want to be there, too.”

Petey was already known and loved by so many people at Church on the Hill, and Robert and Nancy soon befriended several people, too. Being a part of this church’s community began to impact their own walks with the Lord in big ways.

For Robert, he has felt welcomed into a world of faith and the word of God. Not only that, but has been sincerely welcomed by the people of Church on the Hill. “The people at the core of this church have not only accepted me with no obligations on my part, but they also are unselfishly guiding me and the path I’m on.”

Because of this community of believers, Robert has grown in his personal faith journey, knowing Jesus daily and being reminded that His gentleness, presence and love is always with us. Similarly, Nancy recalled how much Church on the Hill has impacted her life by saying she’s learning to love Jesus and to live by His word.

Throughout their marriage, Nancy would say to Robert, “Everybody has a story.” And that phrase so naturally reflects the theme of “We Are The Church.” The past is the past, it’s done being written. The future is in front of us, and we only get out of it what we put into it.

Robert says, “You reap what you sow. I know that my future is what will defi ne me. Will I be perfect? No, only one person was ever perfect. But I can lead by example and entrust that others will follow. That way, we all will be examples of ‘We Are The Church’!”

Nancy adds in by saying, “God’s plan has me right where I should be. And, I’m not alone in my journey! I’ve never been surrounded by so many beautiful, God-loving followers of Jesus.”

Petey’s simple invitation got Robert and Nancy through the doors of Church on the Hill on that initial Sunday morning. And the hearts, support, kindness and love of the people of the church brought them back time and time again.

Robert and Nancy are surrounded by incredible people who encourage them and build them up. Robert and Nancy are also now a part of the Church on the Hill body of believers who love, serve and encourage others. Everyone has a story, and Petey facilitated introducing the “Church on the Hill" chapter of Robert and Nancy’s story into their lives.

Petey, Robert and Nancy all get to be an impactful part of living out the We Are The Church themes at Church on the Hill. The church isn’t just a place to gather. It’s about being active participants in God’s extraordinary plan. Petey, Robert and Nancy are three individuals who are each empowered by a God who does immeasurably more. And their stories of trusting in the Lord’s power are proof that God is doing extraordinary work through His church.

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