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JUAN MARCOS RODRIGUEZ ‘93, better known as MIKE, has always been an “outside-the-box” thinker. His approach to expanding boundaries is a common theme in all that he applies himself to do, whether it be as a kitchen designer, art teacher, Christian rapper, church planter, DJ, or farmhouse owner. Mike has never been afraid to push the envelope and encourages everyone to develop meaningful expression towards God by nurturing curiosity and creativity.
Recently, he and his family have embarked on a hospitality ministry to serve those that often go unnoticed. With the purchase of an old farmhouse in Landisville, Pennsylvania, Mike has been able to merge his four primary passions: 1) the gospel of Jesus Christ, 2) his family, 3) passion to serve, and 4) creativity. This is an effort to strengthen and encourage individuals that need a break from the monotony of life and are seeking refuge and answers to life’s dilemmas but would never step foot inside a church. The “Pan de Vida (Bread of Life) Farmhouse” is a ministry of love and service staffed by Mike, his wife ADIENEZ GONZALEZ ‘97, and their four children. It is a hospitality ministry to feed and serve the stranger while providing an example of God’s love via a family dinner and art class. It’s a missional and intentional version of a Paint & Sip event. The last several years Mike and his family have invited Lancaster area widows to participate in a Valentine’s Day Dinner & Painting event.
Being a member of the class of 1993, Mike fondly remembers the opening of the new art wing in the Fine Arts Center. The new space, dedicated to his passion for art, provided him with the opportunity to experiment with various artistic mediums. In these classrooms his love of art grew, curiosity and creativity were nurtured, and he began to consider pursuing art as a career.
He encourages young people to think outside-the-box and to, “Go before the Lord, into Scripture, and look at the apostles and how they took risks. They left an ordinary fishing village to become fishers of men – not exactly the career outlook move!”
When reflecting on the core values of nurturing curiosity and creativity, Mike shares, “Curiosity is huge. Especially when looking at the life of Jesus. Look at the questions He asked. It led to a discovery process for all that heard His voice, and that discovery process led to learning for His audience. The closest disciples would get bigger nuggets of information because they inquired. This model of nurturing curiosity and creativity led the disciples, and now the students of LM, to innovative thought patterns.”
“Like the Creator we are creative. We are made in the image of the Creator and must do all that we can and be creative with what is given to us.”
