Health Update! by Pastor Mario

Count it all joy!

Here is an update regarding an event in my life that I believe has been both humbling and deeply reflective of God’s grace.

On May 5th, 2025, at around 4:30 PM, I was in a car accident at the intersection of 46 and Round Lake Rd. I lost consciousness due to the force of the collision and was immediately taken to Waterman Hospital, where I was treated for a concussion, a laceration to the back of my head that required five stitches, bruises on my lower extremities, and a potential torn calf muscle, etc. Needless to say, I won’t be leaping from the pulpit anytime soon. Lol

My car Ford Flex is a bye-bye forever, but through it all, I am thankful that there was no loss of life, and that I was the only one taken to the hospital by ambulance and for that, we praise God, because everything could have been much much worse.

Anyway, the wonderful staff at Waterman ER took great care of me and released me late that night, and I was able to hobble around with crutches, and since then it has been a time of rest and recovery. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my Mel. ***Something life-giving, though she didn’t know the full extent of my injuries, she faithfully brought clothes for me to come home in—a simple, yet profound act of faith. Her response reminds me that faith is more than words; it’s seen in the actions we take to reflect God’s love, even in moments of uncertainty.

I also want to share that this experience went beyond our church family. As Mel and I were at the hospital, our geographical neighbors even stepped in to help care for our children, Dante and Nico. So, this world of care extended beyond our church walls, and I am in awe of how God’s love was revealed through these neighbors who also (just like you have!) saw a need and acted in love because of faith.

It is a beautiful reminder that our call to love and serve extends beyond the church, that we are all part of God’s family, and we are all called to support each other.

Beloved Church, I am humbled and deeply thankful for all of you—your prayers, encouragement, hospital visits, and the meals and financial donations that have poured in. Thank you Cheryl Matthews for setting that up for us! Church, your kindness has been a beacon of God’s love during this time. As I listen to my doctors and continue on medical leave, please know that I won’t be leading worship for one more Sunday, however know that the plan at this moment is for me to return to the Church office on May 20th and to pulpit for preaching on May 25th.

As I continue to praise God and heal, I am reminded of a powerful truth which I also wanted to share with you: Our faith is not meant to protect us from hardship, accidents, or the inevitabilities of life like illness or death. Instead, our faith sustains us through them. As the famous theologian Jürgen Moltmann once said, “The God who is with us in our suffering is not a God who merely comforts, but a God who suffers with us.” (Jürgen Moltmann, The Crucified God, 1974).

This passage reminds me that God’s providence is not about sparing us from pain but about being present with us in it, walking beside us as we endure and, ultimately, experience transformation. Church, I can’t say why God allowed this accident to happen, however I can tell you that His providence has been evident every step of the way. God has shown up in the support of my family, the congregation, neighbors and even in the small but profound acts of care, like Mel thinking ahead to bring clothes for me without even knowing what I would need. This is where we see faith lived out: in those small but mighty acts of love.

I also reflect on the words of Henri Nouwen, who wrote, “Faith is the realization that, in our brokenness, God is present with us.” (Henri Nouwen, The Inner Voice of Love, 1996). The accident has been a reminder of how fragile we are as humans, but it’s also been a reminder that our brokenness doesn’t separate us from God—it draws us nearer to Him. Even when life takes unexpected turns, our faith allows us to find strength and peace, knowing that God’s presence is not just a comfort, but a sustaining power in times of difficulty.

Let us remember the words in Isaiah 41:10, which says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” God’s promise is not that we won’t face challenges, but that He will be with us every step of the way, offering strength, help, and hope. I’ve witnessed that promise in action through your support, your prayers, and your actions that reflect God’s love to me.

I thank God for His love, for your patience, and for the opportunity to continue in this journey of faith with all of you. Let us remember that our faith is not about avoiding the difficult moments of life but about how we reflect and reveal God’s love through our actions, especially when the road gets tough.

Thank you for all your care and your prayers. I am humbled and deeply grateful.

Rev. Mario Bolivar