I was blessed to have grown up in Pipe Creek Church of the Brethren. However, in my

teenage years, I slowly became less involved in church as personal life became more stressful. I may have been struggling in life as I began my struggle with depression, but my family at Pipe Creek was not ready to let me stay disconnected. Once every four to eight weeks I would receive a call or message indicating that I had been signed up as worship leader the following Sunday. Out of respect for commitment, I brought myself to church and managed to stay connected through my one visit a month.

About the same time as this, my best friend in high school invited me to the Wednesday evening youth group at Locust Grove Church of the Brethren. Once again, missed attendance was followed up with some form of contact encouraging involvement. The Church was insistent on my continued connection. Shortly after becoming an adult I found myself at church every Sunday morning and every Wednesday evening. This resulted in increased involvement, but I was still struggling with my faith and my depression. This struggle reached its climax in October of 2014 and I finally realized that something had to change. All of the seeds which has been planted were restricted from growth by my doubt and insecurities. I got down on my knees and begged God for help.

I had no idea how quickly help would come. In January of 2015 I found myself attending a Waterboyz for Jesus Bible study table after receiving an invitation from my new boss. These ordinary men were humbly applying Sunday morning to their daily lives. This caught my attention. Four months later I attended a 72 hour men’s retreat through Credo Recovery Ministry. During this retreat I realized that I had to start letting God lead my life and allow the Holy Spirit to nurture these changes. It was time to take my faith seriously. That fall I assisted with pulpit supply for Pipe Creek during our pastoral search. Through study for those sermons, I began to realize my calling into ministry. I finally began to feel peace.

Over these past seven years, God has continued nourishing and growing the tree of my faith. I have been continually guided along an amazing path providing me with a network of love, guidance, and accountability. I am now getting watered by Frederick Church of the Brethren and my loving wife. I’m receiving nurturing through my courses at the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center. The seeds planted by Pipe Creek and Locust Grove Churches of the Brethren have received water by so many people and ministries. I thank Waterboyz for Jesus, Credo Recovery Ministry, Celebrate Recovery, Wheat Gatherers Recovery Ministry, Jesus For All Evangelistic Ministry, Motel Church, Strong Tower Christian Church, Shepherd’s Spring, Bush Creek Church of the Brethren, The Brethren Academy, Salt & Light Youth Ministry, El Shaddai Congregation, and Vineyard Via de Cristo for keeping me watered. The opportunities to serve, learn, teach, pray, and reflect within these ministries have changed my life. I I thank God for all these wonderful ministries and loving people. I thank God for keeping me connected. I

thank God for this new life and calling. All praise and glory to His wonderful name.

Dylan Rinehart currently lives in Thurmont, MD with his wife (Maria) and daughter (Isabel). After growing up on a dairy farm he entered the automotive industry as a mechanic. He is still working full time as a mechanic while serving in Frederick Church of the Brethren.