It’s a privilege to share a bit of my story with you all. I felt after attending CPC for 30 years, my story might already be known, and I might be irrelevant! Maybe I look too blessed, or I have too much! However, God quickly reminded me how my story is a Testimony to HIS faithfulness, and should be shared whenever possible! It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, but it’s so much better with Jesus!
Here goes… On March 3, 2025, a police officer and grief support worker came to my workplace with the tragic news that my brother Ryan had died, and it was by suicide. I’m the oldest of 4 boys, and Ryan was #2; he was 45 years old. Ryan had battled with his mental health for 7-8 years at that point and had been diagnosed as Bipolar. He was divorced but had two beautiful kids and was an amazing Dad! Immediately after the Police officer left, I had to phone my parents, my wife, and my other 2 brother's. These were the hardest moments of my life, and I could barely breathe. To be honest, the trauma of having to be the person delivering the news can still haunt me to this day. Ryan lost his battle with his mental health, but before he did, in the previous weeks, he had told me he’d begun praying a bit and “talking to the big guy” as he wanted to remain cool. I believe Jesus met Ryan in his weakest, most broken moments and rescued him home into his arms. I will forever hold onto that image, and I’ve had many God Winks along the way that reassure me Ryan is OK!
So how does this story become beneficial to others reading it? Well, CPC, let me tell you how Jesus used the Church to help make this story possible. Pastor Mike was in my driveway when I got home that day, not as a hero but as my Pastor, and he was there to make sure I knew I was surrounded, cared for, and the prayer team had already been activated! I wasn’t going through this alone! I was offered meals; the CPC care team reached out and offered support, which I was able to redirect the flowers, etc to my parents. Jesus activated His people to care for one of His! I had friends show up, love up, and sometimes just shut up... lol and listen or just be quiet. My family was surrounded on all sides! Jesus was there, and he still is today.
My encouragement to you all reading this is to seek Jesus first, allow him to come into your heart and make His home. He loves ME, and he loves YOU more than you can possibly fathom. Plug into the Church, meet new people, join a small group, host people, share a meal, develop true DNA friendships that are supportive, challenging, and encouraging! I can’t even begin to thank the people around me enough for how they stepped into a major crisis and helped carry my family and me through. Sometimes when you think, “I wish I could just see Jesus,” look around; he’s there. He’s in the people he’s using to surround you; the smiles, hugs, meals, prayers are his hands and feet at work! Thank you, Jesus!
I love you, CPC family, and I’m so proud to be in God's army with you all. We all need Jesus, and the Holy Spirit is always with us, but he’s also there, ALIVE in all of YOU!
Blessings to you all,
Brook Petersen |
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