Where Strangers Become Friends

We’re Romeo and Raquel, and we’ve been part of the Eastside family since 2021. In 2022, we took a leap of faith and began leading a small group. Little did we know how much this decision would impact our lives and the lives of those around us.

Our small group is a beautiful tapestry of diversity. We have single individuals, a widow, and married couples, each bringing their unique perspectives and life experiences to the table. This diversity is one of the things we cherish most about our group. As Romeo puts it, “Because it’s so diverse, they’re able to share their experiences, especially if you’ve never been in that situation and someone they could share that.”

For Raquel, the small group has become more than just a weekly meeting. “I really love our small group because they are part of our family and part of our lives now,” she says with a warm smile. The connections formed within our group have grown deep roots, creating a support system that extends far beyond our regular gatherings.

Leading the group has been an unexpected blessing for both of us. Romeo finds joy in the learning process, saying, “I love leading this group because it makes me learn. Teaching actually makes me learn more about what the Bible has to apply in our lives. So with that, it also gives me a chance to spread that and give other people the same information.” It’s a beautiful cycle of growth and sharing that enriches everyone involved.

For us as a couple, the experience of leading together has strengthened our marriage in ways we never anticipated. Raquel shares, “Leading a small group is really life-changing, not only for me but also in our relationship. It actually strengthened our marriage. I know that we have people who have our back.” The support and accountability we’ve found in our group have become pillars of strength in our lives.

One of the most powerful aspects of our small group is the sense of community it fosters. Romeo emphasizes, “Because we’re a spiritual family, we also encourage each other and if someone’s going with some life changes or problems, we rally together as a small group.” This support system has proven invaluable during both celebrations and challenges.

If you’re on the fence about joining a small group, we want to encourage you to take that step. As Raquel enthusiastically puts it, “I highly encourage everyone to join a small group. Don’t think twice. A small group is for everyone.” It’s a place where strangers become friends, and friends become family.

Romeo reflects on their journey, saying, “We started out as strangers, and from there we grew into relationships that I believe will be lifelong. I encourage people to come and just experience that.” The bonds we’ve formed are truly special, and we believe they can make all the difference in your spiritual walk.

So, whether you’re new to Eastside Christian Church or you’ve been around for a while, we invite you to join a group. It’s more than just a weekly meeting; it’s a place to grow, learn, and build lasting relationships. As we often say, we are all “unfinished,” and being part of an Eastside group has made all the difference in our unfinished journey.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to deepen your faith and build meaningful connections. Join a group today and experience the transformation for yourself!