Page 21 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2025 - Online Magazine

SENIOR 2 SENIOR

Article Submitted by
Emily Rodgers SUNDOWN HIGH

Emily Rodgers attends Sundown High School. She participates in band, UIL,
powerlifting, and track. She enjoys reading, hiking, and traveling. Her parents are Kirk
and Kari Rodgers. When Emily graduates, she plans to attend Angelo State University.

In 2024, I met Pastor Phil for the first time. My family The group cooks and serves guests all year. He also
was transitioning churches, and my father recognized visits sick or disabled members of the church who are
Phil from an online photo, as the pastor from the unable to attend the regular service. When Pastor Phil
Springs church that he had attended in college. Upon lived in Lubbock, he was a volunteer track coach for
arrival, we were greeted warmly by the congregation, Trinity and Lubbock-Cooper Middle School. He is an
and Phil introduced himself. He shook all of our hands, active member of his community and is always willing
even my two youngest brothers’. The small-town to give assistance when it is needed.
church was welcoming and genuinely glad to have
us as visitors. My parents enjoyed the service, so we Pastor Phil is a leader and amazing role model who
continued going on Sundays. After attending as guests looks out for others. As a drum major who helps lead a
for three months, my family became official members large band, I have great respect for how Phil leads the
of the church. congregation. From coming out of retirement to preach,
to meeting with me outside of the church setting, it is
Phil is a part-time pastor who came out of retirement obvious how much he cares about other people. He
to help the Levelland church until a permanent pastor continuously leads by example, and I can see the effect
was found. Phil is currently training someone to take he has on the congregation and community.
over once their studies are complete. I was amazed
that someone would want to go back to work after I asked Pastor Phil if he had any advice for the 2025
retiring, but Pastor Phil has never complained about graduates. He reminded me that the Lord will never
his job. He is always cheerful and supportive; he leave or forsake me, no matter my circumstances,
announces the youth’s extracurricular accomplishments meaning that I can trust in God and His plan. Secondly,
to the congregation after we compete in an event. he told me to be quick to forgive; do not let an offense
Phil asks the youth how we are doing in our various root itself so deep that I become bitter. These two ideas
competitions and expresses how proud he is of us. allow one to show Christian love to their community.
This advice is especially important for a pastor, but
I admire Phil’s work in the community as well. He Phil undoubtedly follows it outside of his job. His
is part of a group at church that hosts “Love and wisdom inspires me to keep God in my heart, offer my
Lunches” on Tuesdays for anyone who needs a meal. assistance when needed, and lead by example.

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