A Los Angeles pastor is praising Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson for his donation to a church-run organization that serves the community “in the areas of homelessness, hunger, poverty, addiction, domestic violence, education, and human trafficking.” Matthew Barnett, pastor of Angelus Temple and CEO of The Dream Center, took to social media after unexpectedly meeting the superstar.
“How in the world do I describe the magnitude of the moment when [The Rock and his wife Lauren Hashian] showed up at the [The Dream Center] to take care of one of the mothers who lives on campus by providing for the needs for her baby delivery,” wrote Barnett in an Instagram post.
“Not only did he treat her like the most important person in the world he stayed and listened with a heart of extraordinary compassion to her and anyone. I realized very quick that this man not only cares about people’s immediate needs but he cares about their potential,” Barnett continued. “I’m still in awe by his extraordinary humility and the spark of hope that he brings to the world.”
Located in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, Angelus Temple is known for its community engagement and was founded in 1923 by evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson, who also launched the Foursquare Church denomination.
Barnett, who co-founded The Dream Center in 1994, became the church’s pastor in 2001. That same year, The Dream Center merged with Angelus Temple. The center offers a variety of programs, including educational courses, transitional housing, and other physical resources for underserved members of the community.
Barnett told Faithwire that he was surprised to meet Johnson, saying that he was in his office studying for a Sunday sermon when a staff member informed him that someone was dropping off a donation of various items for an expectant mother.
Barnett said that he went outside to help with the items and thank the donor. As he glanced in the car, he noticed Johnson was inside taking a phone call. Barnett said he didn’t want to bother the professional wrestler turned Hollywood actor. Nevertheless, moments later, Johnson jumped out of the car to greet Barnett and others who were present.
Barnett noted that Johnson was generous with his time and attention.
“He’s like, ‘Hey, how are you guys doing?’” Barnett said. “Engaging people in the most real, normal level. I’m thinking, ‘How much time does he really want to spend here?’”
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“[He was] talking to this mother…for 10 minutes, asking what she’s going through,” Barnett added. “She was in foster care most of her life…it meant so much for her.”