We are at the close of our second full day in Ethiopia and it has been wonderful!!! We are thankful God has allowed this new chapter in our lives!
Yesterday and today we were able to spend about 2+ hours with our boys (we were not expecting to see them until Friday). They are both amazing! We have each fed Abreham a bottle, played soccer with Eyasu, read Eyasu a book, and Beth got "christened" today by Abreham...his diaper leaked :)
Abreham is big and happy!! He smiles a lot and seems very content. Eyasu was shy and reserved at first, but warmed up after a few of my goofy soccer ball antics. He seems eager for us to touch and interact with him. Needless to say, we are happy to oblige!!
Tomorrow, pray for our safety (health & travel) as we drive 6+ hours to the south to visit the area where the boys are from and hopefully meet their birth relative(s). We are excited about this opportunity to learn more about the boys' heritage and background.
The people of Ethiopia are amazing -- very friendly and kind. Their humility and grace is inspiring in the midst of very difficult circumstances. Many seem to have great faith.
We are unable to access internet frequently and replying is hard because of internet speed. Check Beth's facebook page for more frequent updates ... we hope to update every day or so.
Thanks for the prayers!!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Does God Smile?
Guest Blogger: Greg Womack, Worship Pastor
A lifelong friend of mine used to say, “All I want to do is make God smile.” While that is a worthwhile goal, the truth is we don’t have to do anything to make God smile, He already smiles at the thought of us. Zephaniah 3:17 says it this way: “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Do you see that amazing truth? The God of heaven and earth delights in you, covers you with His love, rejoices over you! He smiles when He thinks of you! Isn’t that incredible!
Unfortunately, we often focus on God’s displeasure or disappointment with us rather than His delight in us. The thought that God rejoices over us is hard to comprehend. But it’s true!
What would our lives look like if we really believed God delighted, rejoiced and sang over us! What would our work routines look like? Our families? Our worship? The fact that God really desires to be with us should inspire, motivate and drive us to be with Him, to love Him, to worship Him! Do you want to make God smile? His truth declares He already is!
A lifelong friend of mine used to say, “All I want to do is make God smile.” While that is a worthwhile goal, the truth is we don’t have to do anything to make God smile, He already smiles at the thought of us. Zephaniah 3:17 says it this way: “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Do you see that amazing truth? The God of heaven and earth delights in you, covers you with His love, rejoices over you! He smiles when He thinks of you! Isn’t that incredible!
Unfortunately, we often focus on God’s displeasure or disappointment with us rather than His delight in us. The thought that God rejoices over us is hard to comprehend. But it’s true!
What would our lives look like if we really believed God delighted, rejoiced and sang over us! What would our work routines look like? Our families? Our worship? The fact that God really desires to be with us should inspire, motivate and drive us to be with Him, to love Him, to worship Him! Do you want to make God smile? His truth declares He already is!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Why Missions?
Guest Blogger: Alfred Turley, Associate Pastor-Operations
We've received a lot of questions about foreign missions at Rock Bridge, especially as we begin planning future trips and partnerships. Some ask why we do it at all, as our own community has so many needs. I personally have been involved with foreign missions for over 15 years, and through those experiences, primarily in Haiti, I have seen God do some amazing things! Here is why foreign mission efforts are important:
-1) Others who are less fortunate need to know that they matter. By going on trips where we develop relationships and partnerships, they see that they are not just a handout, but that they are a person that matters to us and therefore matters to Jesus. Some mission trips only focus on projects, and while the heart of service is great, people hurting want to know that we see them, we see their hardships, and we care. We can't always get to know everyone, but we should try! Many of the orphans I have met in Haiti were treated lower than dogs. When we fed, played, sang, and laughed with them, they felt they mattered to someone, and that God just might actually love them!
-2) Missions remind us the world is bigger than us, and that God's heart is for the world. Missions remind us that just because people have different ways of talking, eating, driving, etc., that they still matter to God. Cultures around the world vary greatly, and it's important we realize that just because others do things differently, they still matter to God.
-3) Missions change us forever! Our country is so blessed... sometimes we forget what true needs really are. Visiting a country where there are no police to call, no ambulance to call, no power, no running water... it makes you realize we have so much! Some people literally do not have clothing to wear and walk around nearly naked. Some have no house to live in, so they build a shed with sticks and do the best they can to live. In Haiti, people regularly eat dirt, because there is nothing else to eat. A meal every day is a luxury. They can't imagine eating three a day!
-4) Missions give us the opportunity to sacrifice for our Lord, Jesus Christ. By going on trips, praying for missionaries and the people they are ministering with, by partnering financially, God gives us the chance to lay down our selves for others, and create a bridge of compassion that God will use to change lives!
We've received a lot of questions about foreign missions at Rock Bridge, especially as we begin planning future trips and partnerships. Some ask why we do it at all, as our own community has so many needs. I personally have been involved with foreign missions for over 15 years, and through those experiences, primarily in Haiti, I have seen God do some amazing things! Here is why foreign mission efforts are important:
-1) Others who are less fortunate need to know that they matter. By going on trips where we develop relationships and partnerships, they see that they are not just a handout, but that they are a person that matters to us and therefore matters to Jesus. Some mission trips only focus on projects, and while the heart of service is great, people hurting want to know that we see them, we see their hardships, and we care. We can't always get to know everyone, but we should try! Many of the orphans I have met in Haiti were treated lower than dogs. When we fed, played, sang, and laughed with them, they felt they mattered to someone, and that God just might actually love them!
-2) Missions remind us the world is bigger than us, and that God's heart is for the world. Missions remind us that just because people have different ways of talking, eating, driving, etc., that they still matter to God. Cultures around the world vary greatly, and it's important we realize that just because others do things differently, they still matter to God.
-3) Missions change us forever! Our country is so blessed... sometimes we forget what true needs really are. Visiting a country where there are no police to call, no ambulance to call, no power, no running water... it makes you realize we have so much! Some people literally do not have clothing to wear and walk around nearly naked. Some have no house to live in, so they build a shed with sticks and do the best they can to live. In Haiti, people regularly eat dirt, because there is nothing else to eat. A meal every day is a luxury. They can't imagine eating three a day!
-4) Missions give us the opportunity to sacrifice for our Lord, Jesus Christ. By going on trips, praying for missionaries and the people they are ministering with, by partnering financially, God gives us the chance to lay down our selves for others, and create a bridge of compassion that God will use to change lives!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Easter 2010!!
Easter Services at Rock Bridge: 8 services across NW Georgia!!
- Dalton Campus
- Thursday, April 1 @ 6:30 pm (Wink Theatre)
- Sunday, April 4 @ 8:00 am (Wink only); 9:30 & 11:00 (Wink Theatre & Stage 123)
- Calhoun Campus
- Sunday, April 4 @ 10:30 am (Calhoun Civic Auditorium)
- Chatsworth Campus
- Saturday, April 3 @ 5:00 pm (North Murray High School)
- Sunday, April 4 @ 9:15 & 11:00 am (North Murray High School)
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
What's Going On @RBCC?
People frequently ask me what is going on at church. It's a great question and a BIG one too. Here's a few things that are currently underway.
WEB SITE OVERHAUL: Our current website was not designed for a multi-site church and we've had some reliability issues. So we're in a process to upgrade, overhaul, and redesign our site. Expect it to be more user-friendly, cover all 3 campuses, and look great!
JOEL TEAM II: 3 years ago a team of staff members, Elders, and church members developed a strategic plan identifying facility needs, ministry opportunities, and staffing needs. This team's work laid the foundation for our multi-site strategy, new facilities in Dalton, and several critical staffing positions. Recently, the Elders commissioned a second Joel Team (from Joel 2:28) to look at our staffing & structure, ministries, and overall operations & leadership. This team's work will be critical in laying the foundation for our future. One thing I have learned is that "what got you here (one place) won't get you there (the next place)." We have to keep evaluating, keep learning, and keep working to be the church God wants us to be. This team's work ensures we are thinking and moving in the right direction. Their work kicked off this past week.
MISSIONS: Last year our Elders approved a plan to make our church more "missional". Part of this plan is to triple our missions budget over the next 3-4 years. A second part is to begin partnering overseas for mission work. Our first team heads to Haiti in April to look for ways we can partner and do Kingdom work in that nation. We hope this leads to a long term relationships in that country. Additionally, we will be working with Living Water International to build wells in areas where access to clean drinking water is limited. We hope to take a trip with them in 2011 to build a well.
PROCEDURES & CHECKLISTS: We discovered a few weeks ago that many of our procedures were out-of-date and ineffective for where our church is. Our staff is working to revise and upgrade many of the checklists, procedures, and guidelines for how we operate our church and ministries. For example, getting ready for a worship service is an extensive process that involves everything from children's safety to having charged batteries in microphones to signs and campus security. One Sunday after numerous oversights we had each department develop a checklist to ensure that everything that needed to happen actually happened to ensure our services were executed properly. This simple but long checklist keeps us on our toes, eliminates people "assuming" things have been done, and brings level of consistency to how we get things done. {An excellent book called The Checklist Manifesto describes how check-list are simple but crucial to enhancing the quality of work while eliminating "preventable" mistakes ... great read for managers and leaders!!}
There are a lot more things "going on" but those are some of the "biggies" that I think will make us a healthier church that is more prepared for what God has planned!
WEB SITE OVERHAUL: Our current website was not designed for a multi-site church and we've had some reliability issues. So we're in a process to upgrade, overhaul, and redesign our site. Expect it to be more user-friendly, cover all 3 campuses, and look great!
JOEL TEAM II: 3 years ago a team of staff members, Elders, and church members developed a strategic plan identifying facility needs, ministry opportunities, and staffing needs. This team's work laid the foundation for our multi-site strategy, new facilities in Dalton, and several critical staffing positions. Recently, the Elders commissioned a second Joel Team (from Joel 2:28) to look at our staffing & structure, ministries, and overall operations & leadership. This team's work will be critical in laying the foundation for our future. One thing I have learned is that "what got you here (one place) won't get you there (the next place)." We have to keep evaluating, keep learning, and keep working to be the church God wants us to be. This team's work ensures we are thinking and moving in the right direction. Their work kicked off this past week.
MISSIONS: Last year our Elders approved a plan to make our church more "missional". Part of this plan is to triple our missions budget over the next 3-4 years. A second part is to begin partnering overseas for mission work. Our first team heads to Haiti in April to look for ways we can partner and do Kingdom work in that nation. We hope this leads to a long term relationships in that country. Additionally, we will be working with Living Water International to build wells in areas where access to clean drinking water is limited. We hope to take a trip with them in 2011 to build a well.
PROCEDURES & CHECKLISTS: We discovered a few weeks ago that many of our procedures were out-of-date and ineffective for where our church is. Our staff is working to revise and upgrade many of the checklists, procedures, and guidelines for how we operate our church and ministries. For example, getting ready for a worship service is an extensive process that involves everything from children's safety to having charged batteries in microphones to signs and campus security. One Sunday after numerous oversights we had each department develop a checklist to ensure that everything that needed to happen actually happened to ensure our services were executed properly. This simple but long checklist keeps us on our toes, eliminates people "assuming" things have been done, and brings level of consistency to how we get things done. {An excellent book called The Checklist Manifesto describes how check-list are simple but crucial to enhancing the quality of work while eliminating "preventable" mistakes ... great read for managers and leaders!!}
There are a lot more things "going on" but those are some of the "biggies" that I think will make us a healthier church that is more prepared for what God has planned!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Good Quick Reads
Below are some good reads (click the title):
J.D. Greear on When Should You Move to Another Church?
Michael Hyatt: 10 Reasons Why You Aren't Done Yet
Michael Hyatt: 5 Marks of Authentic Leadership
His Child Orphan Care on The Spirit of Adoption
J.D. Greear on When Should You Move to Another Church?
Michael Hyatt: 10 Reasons Why You Aren't Done Yet
Michael Hyatt: 5 Marks of Authentic Leadership
His Child Orphan Care on The Spirit of Adoption
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Weekly Rundown (3.21.2010)
- Love preaching on our vision and sharing why God created Rock Bridge!! Great services this week all over NW Georgia!!!
- Our volunteers take things to a whole new level -- passion, commitment, excitement, & service. THANK YOU!!
- Beth & I were in Atlanta from Thursday to Saturday participating in Leadership Georgia. Our second of five such trips ... great opportunity to learn and connect with folks from all over our state.
- Rode MARTA a lot ... very clean and on time. Great way to get around the city.
- Toured the World of Coke. Coke is >200 countries!!
- Toured the Federal Reserve of Atlanta.
- Heard the Mayor of Atlanta and Senator Johnny Isakson speak.
- Listened to 9 of the 11 candidates for governor speak on a variety of topics ... impressive group of candidates.
- Learned that leadership challenges in business are not all that different from the leadership challenges in churches.
- My friend Rob Taylor celebrated his 20th anniversary of being "healed" from severe heart disease this weekend. He is a walking miracle, a testimony to God's grace & power, and a great friend!!
- We leave for Ethiopia in ONE WEEK :)
Monday, March 15, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Weekly Rundown (3.14.2010)
- Overwhelmed by the amazing Disciple Now 2010 ... had numerous students enter into a personal, saving relationship with Jesus!! Saturday night many teens stood up in front of their peers to profess faith in Christ and publicly say "I'm with Jesus!"
- Several people received Christ into their lives at Rock Bridge Chatsworth this weekend!!
- Had some people this week tell me they received Christ recently at RBCC!!!
- All of the above to say God is causing salvation to spring up in our midst, we pray for this to continue. We pray for His favor and we give all the glory to Him!!
- We introduced 3 marks of a disciple: love God, love others, and live sent!
- This week is VISION WEEK at RBCC!!! Who are you inviting and bringing to church with you this week?!?!?
- One more vaccination for the trip to Ethiopia ... the big, bad yellow fever shot.
- Daylight Savings Time is from the devil!!
- Saw "The Green Zone" tonight. Pretty soon I'll be saying "Bye" to action & (the occasional) chic flics and hello to Disney and animation flics :)
- Still wondering about what to do with an infant and toddler for 20-24 hours on a plane and during a long layover?
- If we fly into Frankfurt, Germany they have a playground in the airport!! How cool is that?!?
- Still curious about changing a diaper on an airplane? Already praying for the people seated near us.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Hijacked Blog: Special Announcement
This is Carla Bray, Matt's assistant, and I've hijacked his blog :)
The reason for my bold move is to announce a "Drop In Shower" hosted by friends of the family to celebrate Matt & Beth's adoption of their two precious boys, Eyasu and Abreham. Anyone is welcome to come so spread the word!
Monday, March 22nd: Rock Bridge's Stage 123 -- drop in anytime from 4:30-7:30 pm
If you want to get them a gift, Matt & Beth are registered at Babies R Us; Butterfly Kisses (Thornton Ave in Dalton -- used to be Davies); Target; and Wal-Mart. Gift cards or love offerings are also great ideas that would bless them as well!
If you have any questions please email me at Carla@rockbridge.cc.
The reason for my bold move is to announce a "Drop In Shower" hosted by friends of the family to celebrate Matt & Beth's adoption of their two precious boys, Eyasu and Abreham. Anyone is welcome to come so spread the word!
Monday, March 22nd: Rock Bridge's Stage 123 -- drop in anytime from 4:30-7:30 pm
If you want to get them a gift, Matt & Beth are registered at Babies R Us; Butterfly Kisses (Thornton Ave in Dalton -- used to be Davies); Target; and Wal-Mart. Gift cards or love offerings are also great ideas that would bless them as well!
If you have any questions please email me at Carla@rockbridge.cc.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Why We Need Vision Services
During our March 18th and 21st services at all our campuses we will casting and renewing the vision of Rock Bridge Community. I think this is one of the most important services we do all year. Here's why:
-1) An identity crisis can be fatal. Churches like people need to know who they are and who they are not. We must be both comfortable and clear about who God created us to be as a church. We are not trying to be any church but Rock Bridge Community Church. Our vision service reminds us exactly who we are (and who we are not!).
-2) Vision leaks. Over time vision becomes less clear, less apparent, and seemingly less important. Life and time are hard on visions. Interruptions, busyness, and urgent matters cause us to forget why we do what we do and what really matters most. Our vision service calls us back to the roots of why what we do is so eternally important.
-3) We've got lots of new people. There are hundreds of new people attending Rock Bridge compared to last year. They've gotten snapshots of the RBCC vision but never a full description, which they will hear during our vision service.
-4) The good is often the enemy of the best. A compelling vision gives focus and clarity, inspiring us to strive for the best instead of the good, the okay, or the "average". True vision comes from God as revelation and calls us to pursue God's best for our church.
"Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained ..." [Proverbs 29:18a]
-1) An identity crisis can be fatal. Churches like people need to know who they are and who they are not. We must be both comfortable and clear about who God created us to be as a church. We are not trying to be any church but Rock Bridge Community Church. Our vision service reminds us exactly who we are (and who we are not!).
-2) Vision leaks. Over time vision becomes less clear, less apparent, and seemingly less important. Life and time are hard on visions. Interruptions, busyness, and urgent matters cause us to forget why we do what we do and what really matters most. Our vision service calls us back to the roots of why what we do is so eternally important.
-3) We've got lots of new people. There are hundreds of new people attending Rock Bridge compared to last year. They've gotten snapshots of the RBCC vision but never a full description, which they will hear during our vision service.
-4) The good is often the enemy of the best. A compelling vision gives focus and clarity, inspiring us to strive for the best instead of the good, the okay, or the "average". True vision comes from God as revelation and calls us to pursue God's best for our church.
"Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained ..." [Proverbs 29:18a]
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Weekly Rundown (3.7.2010)
- I'm loving preaching through Jonah!! What a story ... it gets even more intense the next 2 weeks!!
- I saw a few "communication cards" from today ... SALVATIONS!! ... people deciding to let God love them and then love Him back!!!
- Next weekend is Disciple Now for our students. I made some very important decisions at events like these when I was a teenager. I'm praying for God to really speak and manifest Himself to young people. Can't wait to worship with them! Click here for more information.
- March 18 & 21 is VISION WEEK at RBCC. Great time to invite a guest as we reaffirm God's vision for our church ... absolutely LOVE preaching this particular message!!
- Had a great lunch with some church planters from around our area (Hixon, Ringgold, LFO, Elijah, and beyond). Blessing for me to be around these guys. New churches are the one of the most effective ways to reach new people for Christ ... we need new churches to be planted!!
- The "vibe" in the Thursday night service rocks!
- Finally getting some practical, nuts & bolts clarity about global missions.
- Our first "advance" team goes to Haiti next month!!
- Hope to take a trip with Living Water International in 2011 to help provide clean water for a community.
- Could be working with an orphanage in Zimbabwe (Africa) to sponsor children and help upgrade their facility.
- I'm a new dad :)
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Legally Parents!!!
Our adoption agency just called ... our court case was heard on Tuesday and we passed!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are now the legal parents of Eyasu-3 years, (uh-ya-sue) and Abreham-5 months!!!!!
We are now the legal parents of Eyasu-3 years, (uh-ya-sue) and Abreham-5 months!!!!!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Adoption Update
We received news today that our court case was once again not heard as scheduled. Apparently, the government agency in charge of the adoption process in Ethiopia had other priorities that day and so court cases were postponed until later dates. At this time we do not know when our case will be rescheduled.
This news is of course very disappointing as we felt like the light at the end of a year+ long tunnel was approaching. While we know the theological answers (ie. God is in control, In God's time, etc. etc.) for this situation, the emotional ones are harder to swallow. But we press on, praying all the more fervently for this process that God began in our hearts to be completed, knowing that He finishes what He starts (Phil. 1:6).
Beth & I continue to be overwhelmed by the prayers, support, and encouragement!! Thanks so much and we can only ask that you continue to pray with us, for us and for these two brothers.
"He is father to the fatherless ... He sets the lonely in families." Psalm 68:5, 6
This news is of course very disappointing as we felt like the light at the end of a year+ long tunnel was approaching. While we know the theological answers (ie. God is in control, In God's time, etc. etc.) for this situation, the emotional ones are harder to swallow. But we press on, praying all the more fervently for this process that God began in our hearts to be completed, knowing that He finishes what He starts (Phil. 1:6).
Beth & I continue to be overwhelmed by the prayers, support, and encouragement!! Thanks so much and we can only ask that you continue to pray with us, for us and for these two brothers.
"He is father to the fatherless ... He sets the lonely in families." Psalm 68:5, 6
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