Wow! What an incredible 20-year Anniversary Celebration we just shared together as a church at the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. All of our Rolling Hills campuses came together for two amazing worship experiences as we gave all the glory to our great God for what He has done in His Church and in all our lives in these first 20 years. I am still in awe and overwhelmed by His amazing goodness and grace.
There were so many highlights from Worship at the Ryman, but here are a few of mine:
1. Church at the “Mother Church” – The Ryman was originally built as a church. In the late 1800s, an evangelist named Sam Jones held a revival service in downtown Nashville off of 8th Avenue. A riverboat captain and wealthy businessman named Thomas Ryman attended the Revival one night and gave his life to Christ. He was so transformed by God’s goodness that he wanted to use the money God had given him to build something that would impact his city and generations. Together with some others, he built the Ryman and it was opened in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle. How awesome to gather in this church building that was constructed 130 years ago, and now the generations of being a Christ-follower and making a difference in our city come to us.
2. Something in the Water – One of my great friends from college wrote this song several years ago and it was a big hit on country radio. The song is all about life change in Christ. Brett singing this song, and then the artist who sang it on the radio joining him, while videos of people being baptized at Rolling Hills in the past years was so powerful. “I am changed,” and “you can’t wipe this smile off my face,” “there must be something in the water.” Thank You, Jesus!
3. Tudor – One of the young boys we met on one of our very first mission trips to Moldova was Tudor. I remember him at the orphanage in Baltsi, and he was at our Summer Camps until he had to leave the orphanage at the age of 15. Tudor had nowhere to go, but by the grace of God (literally a miracle), he ended up in our Justice & Mercy International Boys to Leaders program. We found him a place to sleep, and clothes, enrolled him in high school and then university. Tudor met Stela who was living in our Grace House Transitional Living Home in Moldova, and they were married 3 years ago. Tudor came out on stage at the Ryman and shared, in English, what God had done in his life through Rolling Hills and JMI. It was so powerful. Then Stela, his wife, and Celine, their 2-year-old daughter joined them. Only God!
4. How Great Thou Art – From an apartment clubhouse with 15 people to what God has done in His church today is truly a miracle and a testimony to the God we serve. No better song that sums this up than “How Great Thou Art” and no better person to sing it than someone who is truly gifted by God, Himself. I truly felt God’s presence in that moment and throughout the entire morning as well as through these first 20 years. Simply in awe of the greatness of our God!
5. Giving God all our praise for 20 incredible years with my family and all my church family. These are the people I love. Worshiping the Lord beside my amazing wife who has been my partner in this journey for all 20 years. She has more faith than me, and I truly love her. Standing by my kids have been at Rolling Hills all their life. I can think of no better place in the world for them to grow up and develop their spiritual foundation. Seeing them worship and serve as well as being surrounded by people they love and who love them. Locking arms with our entire Rolling Hills Staff Team who all worked so hard to make it happen. And, celebrating Jesus with my brothers and sisters in Christ from all our campuses. So special, and I am still overwhelmed.
There are so many more highlights from the celebration, but again, all I can say is all glory to our God for 20 awesome years. So many transformed lives both in Middle Tennessee and around the world. So many mission trips, summer camps, Sunday services, and growing disciples in Christ Jesus. Feeling God’s presence fill the Ryman is something I will never forget. After reflecting on all God has done in my life and in His Church in these 20 years my heart is overflowing with joy and gratitude. Only God!
Now, here we go to the next 20 years! I can’t wait to see what our God will do.
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