Recently, I was talking with Jason Hale, our Nolensville Campus pastor, and he said, “Jeff, can’t you sense that God is doing something amazing right now at Rolling Hills?” And, I thought – Yes! I can. I feel it. Every week, there is someone giving their life to Christ, declaring their faith in Jesus through baptism, worship is powerful and miracles are happening. People have recently been moving here from other states just to be a part of this God’s Church. We are truly experiencing a movement of God.
Last week, I was watching the baptisms take place, and I was moved to tears. There was a 15-year-old student being baptized by his dad. An amazing family, and generational impact. Then, after his baptism, he was mobbed by a bunch of his guy friends from church and school. They were celebrating with him, and I loved it! Not just celebrating a touchdown or a soccer goal, but true joy in celebrating this step of faith and obedience. This eternal impact.
Then, a 17-year-old student was baptized by his small group leader at church and the friend who invited him. It was truly watching life change happen. There was one of his teachers from public school who goes to RH, and as she watched she thanked God. She taught this young man a few years ago, before he came to know Christ, and said she couldn’t believe the change. Only God! This young man is on fire for the Lord and posting on social media about what God is doing in his life and in the world.
Then, the next baptism was a lady in our church who led a co-worker to Christ. The lady shared the Gospel with her friend at work, she responded and gave her life to Christ, and then asked her to baptize her. God moving and transforming lives for His glory. Like the Early Church, “…and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:47.
Then there’s Kennedy. Kennedy accepted Christ this year after babysitting for one of our Community Groups in Nolensville. She shared her story about depression and experiencing anxiety after her brother died last year. Yet, through it all, she was given a Bible and began to read. She gave her life to Jesus and was baptized. Praise God for healing and life change.
God moves even in spite of challenges. Through it all, our God is greater. At our All-Staff meeting recently, Pastor Khem Sam, our Cambodian church campus pastor, thanked everyone for praying for his family after the passing of his wife. Pastor Khem and his wife had fled Cambodia during the Killing Fields and spent 5 years in a Refugee Camp before being relocated to the States. He has been a pastor ever since. His joy and faithfulness inspires me.
Someone recently told me, “The best decision of my life and my family was coming to Rolling Hills.” I thought, this is awesome. Only God. There is something special happening right now. I pray we can all keep praying, loving, sharing, giving, serving and staying in the center of God’s will. May He find each of us following Him and a part of His movement. May He see our joy and faithfulness as well. I love being on this journey with each of you. Know how much you are loved and appreciated today. All glory to our great God!