An unexpected acknowledgment from President Donald Trump became a memorable part of a recent Washington, D.C., trip for RISE Ministries founder and CEO Rob Roozeboom. But the Sheldon ministry leader says the experience also strengthened his commitment to sharing his Christian faith.
Roozeboom says he was among approximately 140 pastors and Christian leaders from across the country who gathered for an October 6–8 event that included a White House briefing, a Capitol tour, and a visit to the Israeli embassy.
During the White House portion of the trip, Roozeboom says the group was participating in praise and worship when they learned Trump wanted to address them. Attendees were then escorted to the Rose Garden.
“The president came out, addressed us all, and for a moment he gave twenty of us a shout-out, and I happened to be one of them where he said, you know, thank you by name.”
Roozeboom described the acknowledgment as humbling and said he was still processing the experience when he spoke with Sioux County Radio.
An Invitation Worth Rearranging Plans
The trip began with an invitation from a friend of Roozeboom’s, who encouraged him to join other Iowa pastors and Christian leaders traveling to Washington.
Roozeboom already planned to attend Christian Festival Association annual meetings in Nashville during that period. He ultimately arranged to leave those meetings early to make the Washington visit possible.
His father helped persuade him to accept. Roozeboom was filming a ministry project in the Pella and Oskaloosa area when a call about the opportunity came through on speakerphone.
“And so my dad hears the call, and he goes, Rob, I think that’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You need to go.”
Roozeboom said he initially did not fully understand what he was agreeing to attend, but was grateful his father encouraged him.
Beyond the White House visit, Roozeboom recalled seeing statues of Billy Graham, Martin Luther King Jr., and Ronald Reagan during the Capitol tour. He also connected with ministry leaders from around the country, exchanging stories about their work and RISE Ministries.
Bringing Renewed Purpose Home
Roozeboom says the conversations and experiences reinforced the mission that has guided his ministry for 25 years.
“And I think that’s one of the biggest things that I’m taking away is the importance to continue to stand for what you believe in and to not shy away from the gospel at all to continue to use the mouthpiece God has given you to continue to point people that way.”
The Israeli embassy visit also left a strong impression. Roozeboom says the group viewed disturbing footage of the October 7 attacks and heard from young people who had served and been injured while protecting others.
He said their experiences, along with the ministry leaders he met in Nashville and Washington, encouraged him to approach his own work with greater courage.
“I’ve been inspired by leaders and twenty-somethings to take courage. And the Bible tells us to take courage. Do not be afraid, for I am with you.”
Roozeboom says he returned from the trip motivated to continue sharing the hope he finds in Jesus and seeking opportunities to bring that message to others.
