Love the Lord With All Your Heart – An Interview with Pastor Macklin (RCS Class of 2005)

Submitted by Alyssa Kiefer in Alumni News, Class of 2005, RCS Highlights on September 04, 2019

Our Interview with a Redwood Christian Schools Alum

Dr. Hearne recently interviewed RCS Alumni, Aaron Macklin, class of 2005.  As part of the interview, Dr. Hearne asked for Aaron to share his thoughts on this month’s theme verse Deuteronomy 6:5-7, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

Aaron stated, “This is amazing!  I just preached a sermon on this topic.  What I see God telling us today is that we need to establish a history in our own homes of loving God, talking about God, and teaching the things of God to our children.  I want for my house to be known for talking about the Bible, about God, about what God has done throughout history, and most importantly about what God has done in our lives.  For example, my kids know that I love to play Christian music in the house because I want the atmosphere to be saturated by God. My kids hear Scripture read in the house so that they know about the great things that God has done.

When did you begin attending RCS and what year did you graduate?

I first attended RCS during 3rd grade.  I returned to RCS for Junior High and High School, graduating as a proud member of the Class of 2005.

What was your favorite activity while a student?

Being on the track team.  I was a short sprinter and hurdler as well as whatever else Mr. Gillette could throw me in to get points for the team.

Who was your favorite RCS Teacher?

There are so many that I could name.  Right now, I’m going to say Mr. Edington because he introduced me to really studying God’s Word.  He taught me to look deeply into God’s Word and how to ask serious questions about what I was reading.  Mr. Edington truly modeled how to dig deeper into the scripture.

What did you love about RCS?

I love the fact that all of my Redwood Christian Schools teachers cared about me.  I knew that my teachers not only wanted me to learn, they wanted to see me grow as a person, as a student, and most importantly in my faith.

What did you do after graduating from RCS?

I went to Chabot college in the fall of 2005 and made the track team!  From my first day at Chabot, I knew my goal was to transfer to Texas Christian University (TCU).  In 2007 I was accepted to TCU and also made their track team!!! I graduated with a BS in Communication Studies and a minor in Religion in 2009.  I returned home to Hayward and began working as a Community Organizer for People Improving Communities Through Organization (PICO). I worked in Hayward, San Francisco, Berkeley, and Oakland, helping to raise awareness for voting, housing, and gun violence prevention.  Then in 2011, I was led by the Lord enter seminary and further my theological education. I was accepted to Beeson Divinity School (BDS) in Birmingham, AL.

Also in 2011, right before leaving for seminary, I met my future wife, Krystle.  Right before I left for BDS Krystle told me, “I don’t do long distance relationships.”  Understanding this, I did the only thing possible, I called her every single day! And we were married in July 2014!!!  Krystle and I have two daughters, A’Kaia who is 15 and a sophomore at RCS, and future RCS student Noel who is 3.

Upon returning home, why did you enroll A’Kaia in RCS?

Krystle and I want for our girls to have the same type of opportunities that I had in school.  First, we want her to have a Christian education. Second, we want her to sit under Christian teachers who share our same worldview and values.  Third, we want her to make good friendships that will last a lifetime.

What are you currently doing?

Aaron: I’ve got three jobs that have me deeply involved in ministry.  I’m the Assistant to the Pastor at Glad Tidings International in Hayward California under my father the founding and Senior Pastor. I’m also a consulting affiliate for Pray.com, a new take on social media that allows for people to post their prayer requests at their church. Lastly, but certainly not the least, I’m the head coach of the RCS Cross Country team and we are well on our way to a very memorable season.

#PraiseGod #CelebrateRCS #Deuteronomy6