Stories of Grace #2 - Nino Marques

Hi, my name is Nino.

I’m the pastor of Knox. But a pastor is also a member of the church—a sheep in God’s fold, a child and servant of God. And like many of you, I’ve experienced God’s grace through the life of our local church.

I’ve been going to church since I was born. I was baptized at 11 and fell in love with the church when I was 17. Over the years, I’ve seen and experienced many different church communities, each with their strengths and struggles. And I can say that what I’ve experienced at Knox has been a unique blessing, not because everything is perfect, but because of how God is at work in and through the people.

Our church isn’t large, but I truly feel loved by those around my family and me. The members of this church have shown us the love and grace of Christ—love that exhorts, encourages, and strengthens us in our walk with God.

As a man, I’ve been especially blessed with a group of brothers who walk alongside me. Men of courage, men who love Jesus and His Word, and who are willing to stand for truth. I believe God is raising up these men to help lead and serve the church shoulder to shoulder with me, and I'm extremely thankful for that.

I’m also deeply thankful for the women in our church, women who aren’t chasing after the patterns of the world, but who are seeking to live out true biblical womanhood with strength, conviction, and grace. I’m thankful for the way they encourage my wife and for their godly influence in her life.

And I’m especially moved by how these women love and serve the children of our church. They don’t just care for my kids, which they do really well, but they care for all of them. They teach, comfort, correct, and nurture with faithfulness. Their commitment helps create a culture where our children come to love the church, and that’s something I can’t put a price on.

I know I’m in a season of spiritual renewal and growth, and I don’t credit that to a private relationship with Jesus alone. I’m deeply aware that much of it comes from the community He has placed around me. I often ask God to help me understand more of His love, and I’m confident that our church family is one of the ways He answers that prayer.

May God continue to give me the gratitude to see the blessings He’s already given, the wisdom to preserve and grow what He’s entrusted to me, and the faithfulness to multiply it.

Soli Deo Gloria.