Stuart Bodin, 60, lives in Miami Lakes. He is pastor at Miami Lakes United Methodist Church, also known as Hope Church.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the church has been the site of a weekly food distribution.
For nearly a year, more than 600 cars have lined up on giving days to receive donated groceries.
“It is a direct reflection of the ministry, seeing the smiles and hearing the ‘thank yous’ makes sense to what we are doing,” he said.
Bodin is married to Gloria Bodin. Their four children are Erica Bodin, 24; Derek Bodin, 22; Kade Bodin, 19 and Dane Bodin, 17. The family has a rescue mutt called Anakin.
Q: Where are you from, and what is your back- ground?
A: I was born in Duluth, Minnesota. I attended Duluth East High School and I attended the local college, Lake Superior College, for some time. I have a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary.
Q: What do you like about Miami Lakes?
A: The people, their warmth and willingness to help. There’s a small- town feel, and everyone is friendly.
Q: What do you dislike about the town?
A: Like any other town, the traffic.
Q: What are your responsibilities as pastor, and what do you hope to accomplish?
A: My main responsibility is to care for the people that are part of the church and beyond.
We have a Celebrate Recovery program which literally saves lives. We help those who need God; we serve as a beacon for them to move forward.
We also have a youth program which focuses on troubled youth and we have seen them come out on the other side.
Seeing us make a positive impact and change in someone’s life means the world to me.
Q: What is your biggest accomplishment, whether in your personal life or career?
A: Raising four kids and being married for 25 years. Having four wonderful children is my greatest achievement.
Q: What would you rather be doing/do you have a fantasy career?
A: I dream about being a cowboy sometimes. Being out there on the range and all you have to worry about is cows and wolves.
Q: What are you reading or what podcasts are you listening to?
A: I am currently reading “Alexander Hamilton” by Ron Chernow.
Q: What have you binge- watched on TV?
A: I don’t really binge watch TV. I mostly watch sports like football or basketball.
Q: Where did you last travel to on vacation?
A: Yellowstone in February. I went for a week with my wife to celebrate our 25- year anniversary.