Setting roots through service

Whether for work, family, or a desire to roam, there are seasons when the road seems like home. And while a life of travel has its fair share of adventure, the desire to set roots and build a community is just as great a call. This is the story of Houston and Emily Phillips, along with their son, TJ.

The growing, young family traveled for 25 months straight as part of Houston's selection and training process to become a Chick-fil-A operator, which brought them to Omaha in January 2024. "We could either stay on the road," Houston explains, "or exit and work while we waited on interviews."

Though this travel period was a part of Houston’s professional development, there was a palpable sense of uncertainty. As Emily says, “Being on the road for two years and not being connected, I felt a lot of anxiety about what was next.”

Their priority upon settling in Omaha was finding a church home. After a search, Dream City quickly rose to the top of their list, and they began attending in February.

"We tried it and kind of instantly fell in love," Emily says. The church's size and ministries appealed to them, and from the first visit, something felt different. "Anytime we talked with someone or started a relationship with someone, it immediately felt like home and was the right place to be."

Encouraged by their new small group members, the Phillips family strove to go deeper and serve. “We don't know how long we're going to be here," Emily says, "but we wanted to put down roots and we wanted to serve."

As the school year began, Houston and Emily signed on as volunteers in Dream City Youth. The fruit for their obedience was near instant.

Houston and Emily listening to Pastor Kevin’s sermon at Dream City Youth.

"The relationships we've made here have been deepening," Houston explains. "We feel even more part of the community—truly more than just a Sunday."

Beyond these crucial connections, serving has brought about a sense of purpose. "Not all of us are called to be the pastor or the lead team of the church, but it takes a lot more than that to reach all the people there are to be reached,” Emily reflects.

"God's given me a lot of confidence in who I am supposed to be and how I can impact every single person around me,” adds Houston.

As for what serving looks like, it does not always have to be something dramatic or in the spotlight. More often than not, it is the simple act of showing up consistently.

"Knowing that you don't have to give every single day, but the two hours we give on a Wednesday can have a significant impact on the students," Emily says. Houston agrees, noting, "I've never regretted coming and giving time because of the amount of things it unlocks and the peace we have knowing this is home for us, no matter how long that is."

And home is exactly what they've found at Dream City.

"Truly, we could be here for four, five more months, or we could be here for two years. We could be here the rest of our lives," Emily reflects. "In the uncertainty of everything else, the certainty we have is here."