A Life of Service — Now in Need of Help

For over two decades, Pastor Rodger Loar, now 53 years old, served the people of Central Phoenix with compassion, humility, and faith. He led a small community church where everyone knew everyone, and where no one went without help if Rodger could find a way. He baptized babies, buried the elderly, counseled couples, and ran a daycare center that gave working parents peace of mind.

But in the past five years, everything that gave Rodger’s life stability has unraveled — first the church, then his health, and now his family.


The Church That Couldn’t Survive COVID

When COVID-19 hit, Rodger did what every pastor tried to do — he kept the church going on Zoom, calling and checking on members, keeping the spirit alive. But the small congregation was aging, and donations fell away. The daycare center that supported much of the church’s budget had to close.

By 2023, the trustees decided they had no choice but to sell the property. Rodger oversaw the difficult task of liquidating assets, paying all debts, providing severance to church and daycare staff, and establishing a charitable foundation with what remained. He did all of it honorably, even as it meant the loss of his livelihood and home.

A Sudden Health Crisis

Rodger found other work — in schools, in counseling, in nonprofit service — and tried to rebuild his life. Then, in 2024, tragedy struck again. Two strokes within months left him hospitalized and paralyzed on his left side. He lost much of his mobility, and his speech and vision were deeply affected.

After months of hospital care and long-term rehab, Rodger returned home determined to recover. His speech and cognitive function have improved, but he still struggles with fatigue, limited mobility, and visual distortion that makes reading and working on a computer extremely difficult. He uses a motorized wheelchair to get around and continues physical and occupational therapy.

He has applied for Social Security Disability and state vocational rehabilitation, but those benefits don’t begin to cover the basic costs of living and keeping a roof over his children’s heads.

A Family in Crisis

This month (October 2025), another blow fell — Rodger’s wife of 29 years left. The separation has left Rodger and his three children trying to keep their household afloat.

His oldest daughter, 24, recently graduated from ASU with a degree in architecture works part time and is job hunting for a professional position.

His son, 16, is on the autism spectrum and has limited ability to work outside the home.

His youngest daughter, 16, is a high school sophomore and is trying to find part-time work.

The family wants to stay together and continue living in their home, but without immediate help, they risk losing it.

What the Funds Will Cover


We are asking for $48,500 to help Rodger and his children through this critical time.

Funds will go directly toward:

How You Can Help

If Rodger has ever touched your life through his ministry, his kindness, or his friendship — now is the time to return that grace. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps keep his family secure while he continues his recovery and rebuilds his life.

Thank you for standing with Rodger in his time of need.

UPDATE: On December 1, 2025, Rodger was hit by a car and killed while crossing an intersection in his motorized wheelchair. The GoFundMe campaign is now centered on helping his kids rebuild their lives and prepare them for the future.