by Shane Shaddix
I have had the privilege of knowing Andy Rodriguez for almost a year now, and few people have been as powerful and consistent a picture of the grace of God as this brother has been. In our growth group, we often remark that there is nothing outside of the gospel that could lead this little group to gather every week for prayer, fellowship, and time in the Word. This is, I think, most true for me and Andy. We come from different places, have different experiences, have different heritages, and have very different interests.
But the gospel tears down the dividing wall of hostility, and it brings peace and unity where no human willpower can create it. The grace that Andy and I share in Christ is easily more potent than any human inhibitions that might deter our fellowship, and in this dear brother I have found a source of great grace, edification, and encouragement.
All those who are in Christ have a story of God’s grace, and in that Andy is no different. However, his story is unique in that it is the picture of God’s particular, redeeming mercy on his life. It is his to proclaim. May God give us many more like it as we seek to make much of Jesus in Raleigh and among the nations. Thank you, Lord, for your grace in Andy’s life.