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Here for what helps you feel whole .
Kudzai’s childhood self would get a kick out of this. He finally put on the whistle and went from student to teacher, player to coach. He’s been training his whole life for today — his turn to take a shot at leading a team and achieving a dream.
About Us
WRITERS
Abdiel Medina
Ande Frazier
Bill Silvers
Charles Finney
Chris Mullis
Courtney Fox
Dorothy Teague
Douglas Baynes
Dr. Bobbye Jo Davidson
Dr. Jeff Dabbs
Filip Brunner
Garrett Nudd
Hayden Lanier
Karen Jeffery
SALES
Matthew Ruckman goodnewstn@gmail.com 423-503-1410
DESIGNER
Riley Evans art.goodnews@gmail.com
PHOTOGRAPHER
Kate Walton kate@studio-kate.com
EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR
Sandra Gilmore articles.goodnews@gmail.com
PUBLISHER
Matthew and Bethany Ruckman goodnewstn@gmail.com 423-503-1410
OFFICE
423-790-5378
WEBSITE goodnewscm.com issuu.com/goodnewsrome
SOCIAL MEDIA
f GoodNews Rome
Hello Friends,
We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed.
GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising.
GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!
Disclaimer
All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use. Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/ consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS” basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.
Faith and Finances
by Dr. Jeff Dabbs
One of the most uncomfortable topics to discuss in modern society is no doubt — money; and yet it is one of the most talked about. The topic of money is the catalyst for many family arguments and couples stress over it perhaps more than anything else. The one thing most people agree on is that most people feel they never have enough of it. Interestingly, Jesus spoke more about money than almost any other topic, not because He personally needed it, but because He acutely understood how deeply it grips our hearts.
Matthew 6:21 NASB reminds us, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” How we handle money says a lot about where our hearts are at with priorities.
The first step in approaching finances with faith is to remember who really owns everything. Psalm 24:1 NASB declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.”
That means our bank accounts, paychecks, and possessions are not ultimately ours — they are God’s. We are simply managers, or stewards, of what He has entrusted to us. This perspective changes the way we view money: from “What can I do with what I earned?” to “How can I honor God with what He has given me?”
We live in a culture that constantly tells us we need more: a bigger house, a nicer car, a better vacation. But Scripture teaches us to pursue contentment instead. Paul wrote, “If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:8 NASB).
Contentment doesn’t mean we stop working hard or planning wisely, It means we stop chasing satisfaction in material things. True contentment comes from Christ, not from credit cards.
One of the clearest ways we demonstrate faith with our money is through generosity. Proverbs 3:9 NASB says, “Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce.”
Giving is not about God needing our money; it’s about us needing to let go of greed. When we give –whether through tithing to our local church, supporting missionaries, or helping a neighbor in need – we remind ourselves that money is a tool for God’s kingdom, not a treasure to hoard.
And here’s the surprising part: generous people often experience more joy and freedom than those who cling tightly to every dollar. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35 NASB).
So, how can we apply this practically? Faith in finances doesn’t mean ignoring practical wisdom. The Bible gives clear guidance:
1. Avoid unnecessary debt. Proverbs 22:7 NASB warns, “The borrower becomes the lender’s slave.”
2. Plan ahead. Proverbs 21:5 NASB says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage.”
3. Save wisely. Joseph stored grain in Egypt during years of abundance to prepare for famine (Genesis 41). Savings can protect our families in hard times.
4. Live within your means. Don’t try to keep up with others. God calls us to faithfulness, not comparison.
Finances can cause stress, but they don’t have to. When we put God first, practice contentment, give generously and live with wisdom, money becomes a tool for blessing rather than a source of bondage.
Jesus summed it up best in Matthew 6:33 NASB: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Faith and finances aren’t separate subjects. They are deeply connected. And when handled God’s way, our money becomes a powerful means of glorifying Him.
Spring M. Fricks is a writer, speaker, teacher and content creator for Shield 33 Ministries, a ministry founded to disciple and equip believers to grow in an intimate relationship with Jesus. She lives in NW Georgia.
Photo by Philippe Gauthier on Unsplash
Knowledge Love
by Hayden Lanier
The year-long Bible-reading plan, “The Bible Recap,” encourages believers to engage with Scripture daily, reading several chapters and working through the Bible in chronological order. Each day’s Scripture reading is accompanied by short audio/video explanations from the plan’s host, Tara-Leigh Cobble.
One of my favorite parts of this plan is the five short prayers it encourages you to pray before you do your reading each day. The second prayer especially stands out to me: “Let any knowledge I gain help me love You and others more, and not puff me up.” The final verse of 2 Peter is an important reminder about this subject. It says this: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” (3:18 ESV).
This verse in 2 Peter has two parts: we are to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus, but He receives the glory now and always. We grow in knowledge. He gets the glory.
Some people have no shortage of knowledge about Jesus, but they are lacking in the humility department. They can tell you what the Bible says about different subjects and their opinions on every matter, but they do it in an arrogant manner. They gain knowledge, but they allow it to “puff them up,” and don’t use it to love the Lord and others more.
Let us think about Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13. He said that if he understands all mysteries, has all knowledge and faith, but doesn’t have love, he is nothing (v. 2). Our knowledge must lead us on to action. Our growth in the knowledge of Christ should lead to a growth in action for Christ. It does not matter how many seminary degrees you earn, how many Bible verses you memorize, or how many sermons you preach; we must do these things for the Lord, not for ourselves.
Now, please don’t misinterpret this. We absolutely need to stand firm on the truth. In a world of lies and false religion, the Word of God is our steady, unchanging anchor. We should take a bold stand on what the Bible says and share it with the world. However, we must do this not for our sake, but for the Lord’s. We should not share our knowledge about Him so that others will think we are intelligent or great, but so that they will know who our amazing God is and what He has done.
Any knowledge we gain about God is from Him. He graciously allows us to learn about His character, His ways, and how He loves His people. We must humbly recognize that everything—yes, everything!—is a gift from God, and that we cannot take any of the recognition or prestige from His good gifts. There is no room for pride when we kneel in humility at the foot of the cross.
So, as Christians, we should increase our knowledge of God! We need to be reading the Bible, studying it, and seeking to know the God we serve better. It is a blessed privilege that we have such rich access to the Bible and Biblical resources as 21st-century Christians. But we should be on guard against letting this knowledge puff us up. Instead, let us pray that the Lord will use what we read, learn, and grow in to love others with the truth.
See www.setyourmindabove.com for more from Hayden Lanier.
Photo by Philippe Gauthier on Unsplash
Hayden Lanier is a follower of Jesus, a graduate of Shorter University, and he works as an elementary school teacher.
Brother’s Place
As a transitional housing program, our mission is to empower, equip, and enrich the lives of men through the love of Jesus Christ.
The men in our program live at our facility, work full-time, and attend night classes/meetings that will help them on their path of reentry and stable living in society. Often they are are in recovery from addiction and many come from rehabs, prisons, jails, and other rehabilative programs.
"What I loved about Brothers Place is that they treated me like a grown man. I've been in a lot of programs, and they always made me feel like I was a kid who didn't know any better. Not Brothers Place. They made me feel like a man, like I was capable, and could do this. I really think that is why I made it"
- Jerry Rampley, Alumni
"It has saved my life. When I was out there on the streets, I didn't have structure. I was only focused on my addiction. It (Brothers Place) has helped me gain structure by being around positive men and improving my relationship with God"
-Isaac Sellers
Sponsor A Brother Today
Your donations will help o set the costs the men need to pay to stay here, which will help them as they save money and work to a nancially independent state.
When people think about financial emergencies, they usually picture losing a job, an unexpected medical bill, or a major market downturn.
But there's another financial emergency that quietly affects many successful families, and almost no one talks about it. It's called a liquidity crisis.
I've sat across the table from people with seven-figure investment portfolios, substantial retirement accounts, and homes that have appreciated significantly over the years. On paper, they're wealthy. Yet, when life throws them a curveball and they need access to cash, they find themselves in a surprisingly difficult position.
Their money is trapped.
It's tied up in retirement accounts that may trigger taxes or penalties if accessed at the wrong time. It's locked in real estate that can't be sold overnight. It's invested in assets that might have to be liquidated during a market downturn, turning a temporary decline into a permanent loss. In other words, they have plenty of wealth but very little true liquidity. And that distinction matters.
Think about the last time life didn't go according to plan. Maybe it was an unexpected health issue, an opportunity to help an adult child, a chance to buy a business, or a home renovation that couldn't wait. Life rarely gives us the courtesy of scheduling surprises. When those moments arrive, having access to cash can be just as important as having accumulated wealth. This is why I encourage clients to think differently about diversification.
Most people hear that word and immediately think about stocks and bonds. But diversification should extend beyond your investments. It should include your tax strategy, your income sources, and your liquidity. The question isn't just, "How much do I have?" It's, "How much can I actually access when I need it?" That's a very different conversation, and one most people have never had.
One of the biggest misconceptions I see is the belief that maximizing every available dollar into
Your Portfolio Is Diversified. Your Plan Isn’t Money Moves Ande Frazier with
retirement accounts is always the best strategy. Tax-deferred savings can be incredibly valuable, but an overconcentration in non-liquid assets can leave people feeling financially constrained despite a high net worth.
I've also seen retirees who worked decades to build a comfortable life become reluctant to actually spend it, because every withdrawal feels complicated, expensive, or poorly timed. Instead of enjoying the freedom they earned, they live cautiously, worried about making the wrong move.
Money should create freedom, not friction. That's why every financial plan should include a thoughtful conversation about liquidity. Not because we expect disaster, but because flexibility creates resilience. It allows you to respond to opportunities, weather unexpected events, and make decisions from a place of confidence rather than panic.
The goal isn't to keep everything in cash. Inflation makes that a losing proposition. And the goal isn't to avoid growth. The goal is balance. A well-designed financial strategy recognizes that different dollars have different jobs. Some are meant to grow for the future. Some are designed to generate income. And some should remain accessible, providing the flexibility to navigate life's inevitable twists and turns.
The families who feel the most financially secure aren't always the ones with the largest portfolios. They're the ones who know they have options. Because true wealth isn't measured only by what you own. It's measured by the freedom to use your resources when they matter most.
So here's a question worth sitting with: If an unexpected opportunity or an unexpected emergency showed up tomorrow, would you have access to the money you need without disrupting your long-term plan? If the answer is "I'm not sure," you're not alone. And that question is exactly where a good financial conversation starts. I'd love to have that conversation with you.
Ande Frazier is a nationally recognized author and financial expert specializing in behavioral finance. A frequent contributor to media outlets like CNBC, HuffPost, and Yahoo Finance, she writes about the emotional and psychological forces that shape our financial choices. Ande is the author of the Amazon best-seller Fin(anci)ally Free!, a guide to transforming your mindset around money and self-worth. She is based in Rome, Georgia, and works with clients across the U.S.
Adventures from Camp Rockmont: Leading My First Hike
by Abdiel Medina
I spent my summer as a counselor and outdoor survival skills instructor at Camp Rockmont in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Each day was a blessing and an adventure, pushing me out of my comfort zone and closer to God. On Day 18, I led my first hiking trip with a group of 12 campers. The boys ranged from elementary to middle schoolers. I was assisted by one of the staff members, “Zamp,” as we took the group to the John Rock Trail Loop, in the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina.
I was nervous; it was my responsibility to keep everyone safe and make the hike a fun experience, but I refused to allow fear to control me (2 Timothy 1:7). Instead, I focused on the excitement of getting to adventure in nature while growing as a leader. I was also encouraged to have Zamp assist me. He has experience with leading kids on hikes.
The hike to John’s Rock was no easy feat for the campers. The route I planned was over five miles and 1,000+ feet of elevation gain. I completed the route alongside some of the staff a few days prior to leading my group of boys. Although we were young men of vigor, even we were worn out!
As anticipated, the first couple miles were tough for the campers. There were occasional breaks for water and rest, but the guys were fighting an uphill battle… literally! They had to hike two miles uphill before we reached our lunch destination. With every step we took, they grew in frustration, hunger, and a desire to quit.
Like a football coach rallying his team’s spirits to victory, I gave a speech to hype up my campers’ spirits. I told my guys about the time I ran the Cleveland Half Marathon (13.1 miles) and how my endurance was tested. When I hit mile 10, I felt completely exhausted, but I stayed focused and kept pushing forward, one step at a time. I refused to quit, and completed the race much quicker than I expected.
I looked at my group and shouted, “Are we going to quit?!”
“NO!” The boys screamed.
After their shout of grit (and water and a snack to refuel) we kept pushing forward. They were rewarded with a beautiful mountain overlook. My campers learned a valuable lesson from the hike: how to stay positive and persevere amidst hardship.
The campers learned in one hike what God had been teaching me all summer as a camp counselor: It’s these moments of discomfort that allow for dependence on God, discovery of one’s potential, and deeper enjoyment and appreciation of the gift of life.
(Thessalonians 5:16-18).
The Christian Journey is filled with countless moments of discomfort and incredible mountaintop experiences. The question is, like the campers, will you choose to keep pushing forward when challenges come your way?
Philippians 3:13-14 ESV: “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Abdiel Medina is a servant of God. He enjoys reading, writing, and running. He is in the Chattanooga Fellows Program.
Reflections from Day 18: June 12th, 2025
The Power and Blessing of Prayer
by Karen D. Jeffery
Prayer is one of the greatest gifts God has given His people. Through prayer we speak with our Heavenly Father, seek His guidance, give thanks, and ask for His help. The Bible teaches that God hears the prayers of those who sincerely call upon Him.
The Lord invites us to come to Him in prayer. In the Bible, we read:
Matthew 7:7 KJV: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”
This verse reminds us that God wants His children to come to Him with their needs. Prayer is not complicated—it is simply talking to God with faith and trust.
Pray About Everything
God tells us that we should pray about every situation in our lives. Whether we are worried, thankful, or in need, we can bring it all to Him.
Philippians 4:6 KJV: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
When we pray with thanksgiving, we acknowledge that God is in control and that He cares deeply for us.
The Example Jesus Gave
Jesus Himself showed us how to pray. His disciples asked Him to teach them, and He gave them a beautiful pattern for prayer.
Matthew 6:9–13 KJV:
“After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”
This prayer teaches us to honor God, ask for His will, seek daily provision, ask forgiveness, and ask for His protection
God Hears the Prayers of the Righteous
The Bible assures us that God listens to those who seek Him sincerely.
James 5:16 KJV: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
This verse reminds us that heartfelt prayer is powerful and meaningful in the eyes of God.
Pray Without Ceasing
Prayer should not be something we do only occasionally. God desires that we live in continual fellowship with Him.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV: “Pray without ceasing.”
This means we should keep our hearts open to God throughout the day, speaking to Him, thanking Him, and trusting Him in every moment.
Prayer strengthens our relationship with God and brings peace to our hearts. When we pray, we place our trust in the Lord who loves us and cares for every detail of our lives. No matter what we face, we can always turn to Him in prayer.
Jeremiah 33:3 KJV: “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”
May we always remember that prayer is a blessing, a privilege, and a powerful connection with our Heavenly Father.
Karen Jeffery attends Gospel Light Tabernacle on Sheridan Ave, Dalton, Georgia. She declares, “I’m glad I can say I am a child of the Most High King!”
Rome Church Directory
African Methodist Episcopal
Bethel AME Church
22 Nichols Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-0019
St. James AME Zion Church
3 Maxwell Lane Rome, GA 30165
404-307-7396
Summer Hill AME Church
1981 Kingston Hwy NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-7113
Anglican
St. Andrew’s Anglican Church 42 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161
Apostolic
First Apostolic Church of Rome
3213 Cave Spring Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-9551
Assembly of God
Redemption Church
105 Broadus Road NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-0277
Baptist
Antioch Baptist Church
4526 Big Texas Valley Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-7248
Armuchee Baptist Church
6648 Big Texas Valley Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-3169
Berean Baptist Church
8 Skyline Dr Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-9832
Blue Pond Baptist Church
1291 Morrison Campground Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-3296
Bryant Chapel Baptist Church 24 Shady Lane Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-9768
Bush Arbor Baptist Church
3290 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga. 30161
770-885-0779
Calhoun Avenue Baptist Church 1021 Calhoun Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-4431
Calvary Baptist Church 101 Broadus Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-1461
Cedar Creek Baptist Church
3219 Fosters Mill Rd SW Rome, GA 30161
Cedar Valley Baptist Church 3024 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-0978
Community Chapel Baptist Church
3733 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-4070
Desoto Park Baptist Church
1107 Cave Spring Rd. Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-6207
Dykes Creek Baptist Church
3181 Kingston Hwy NE Rome Ga, 30161
706-291-7790
East Rome Baptist Church
601 Cedar Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-8553
East View Baptist Church
901 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8250
Eden Valley Baptist Church
348 Eden Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161
770-608-8168
Emmanuel Baptist Church 1414 Old Dalton Rd Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-3939
Enon Baptist Church 3105 Turkey Mountain Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-5052
Fairview Baptist Church 2348 Old Cedartown Hwy SE Lindale, Ga 30147
Fellowship Rome Baptist Church 314 Burnett Ferry Rd Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-9416
First Baptist Church 100 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-6850
Flatrock Baptist Church 848 Cunningham Rd SW Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-9976
Flint Hill Baptist Church 3578 Wax Rd SE, Aragon, GA 706-232-812130104
Friendship Baptist Church 2283 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-4803
Garden Lakes Baptist Church 2200 Redmond Cir Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-6615
Greater Mount Calvary Baptist 445 East 14th St Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-5047
Hill Crest Baptist Church 2202 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8806
Hollywood Baptist Church 112 Lombardy Way Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-6642
In Focus Baptist Church 12 N Hughes Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-8963
Lakeview Baptist Church 80 Salem Dr Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-2149
Lovejoy Baptist Church 436 Branham Ave Rome, Ga 30171
706-232-1917
McFall Baptist Church 3011 Rockmart Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-5673
Mount Alto Church 1915 Huffaker Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-6222
Mount Carmel Baptist Church E 20th St Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-8777
Mount Olive Baptist Church
17 E Pennington Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-6413
New Antioch Baptist Church 4553 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-2248
New Bethel Baptist Church Weathington Dr Rome, Ga 30161
706, 291-8939
New Canaan Baptist Church 3 Excelsior St Rome, Ga 30165
706-291-1984
New Hope Baptist Church Hwy 156 Rome, Ga
706-235-0250
New Hope Baptist Church 399 Moran Lake Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-290-0507
North Broad Baptist Church 1309 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-2100
Northwood Missionary Baptist 4076 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161
Park Ave Baptist Church 531 Park Ave SE Lindale, GA 30147
Parkview Baptist Church 4 Wesley Drive Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-4431
PisGah Baptist Church Alabama Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-4431
Pleasant Hope Baptist Church 5935 Rockmart Road SE Silver Creek, Ga
706-235-2800
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 500 N Division St Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-0731
Pleasant Valley North Baptist 735 Old Summerville Road NW Rome, GA 30165
706-232-6426
Pleasant Valley South Baptist 702 Pleasant Valley Rd SE Silver Creek, Ga 30173
706-234-1841
Providence Baptist Church 17 Burnett Ferry Road SW Rome, Ga 30165
706-291-0689
Riverside Baptist Church 48 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8114
State Line Baptist Church 8536 Black Bluff Road Cave Spring, Ga 30124
678-988-0339
Saint Paul Baptist Church Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-5037
Second Avenue Baptist 823 E 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-3663
Shannon First Baptist Church 400 Fourth Street, PO Box 997, Shannon, GA 30172
Sherwood Forest Baptist Church 1 Goodman Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-6174
Shorter Avenue Baptist Church 1410 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-8266
South Broad Baptist Church
508 South Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
Spring Creek Baptist Church 2636 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-1220
Springfield Baptist Church 113 Smith St Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-7217
Thankful Baptist Church 935 Spider Webb Dr Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8132
Three Rivers Church 2960 New Calhoun Highway NE Rome, Ga
706-766-0942
Trinity Baptist Church 1728 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-3368
Turner Chapel Baptist Church 756 Turner Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-8682
Unity Baptist Church 2261 Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-2184
West End Baptist Church 107 Mississippi Dr Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-1971
West Rome Baptist Church 914 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-9722
Wilkerson Road Baptist Church Wilkerson Rd Rome, Ga 30161
Woodlawn Baptist Church 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-4171
Word & Way Baptist Church New Rocketmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-8729
Saint Mary Catholic Church 911 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-7014
Christian & Missionary Alliance
Missionary Alliance 306 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 20165
706-235-9190
Church of Christ
Church of Christ 108 E Callahan St Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-0675
Lindale Church of Christ
3035 Maple Road Lindale, Ga 30147
706-234-3027
Oak Hill Church of Christ 1500 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 20165
706-291-0351
Rome Church of Christ 121 Primrose Road
Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-4444
Church of God
Armuchee Church of God
4974 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-4414
Church of God of Prophecy 94 Huffaker Rd. Rome, GA 30165
706-528-4225
Lindale Church of God 585 Park Ave Lindale, Ga 30147
706-232-5676
New Life Church of God
210 E 18th St Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-0704
New Hope Overcoming Church of God 200 Nixon Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-4695
North Rome Church of God 1929 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-6687
Rome AOH Church of God 504 Decatur St Rome, Ga 30165
706-295-2999
West Rome Church of God UA 2827 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165
706-880-6895
Church of God in Christ
Great Joy Church of God in Christ
60 Shorter Industrial Blvd Rome, Ga 30161
706-766-6148
Disciples of Christ
First Christian Church
209 E. Second Ave, Rome, Ga 30161
Episcopal
Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church
101 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-9111
Foursquare
Rome Foursquare Church
308 Reservoir St NE Rome, Ga 30161
Full Gospel
Christ Gospel Church
619 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-7744
Independent Bible
Grace Bible Church 614 Dalton Rd NE Rome, Ga 30165
Interdenominational
Cornerstone Church 324 Mathis Dr Rome, Ga 30165
Ministerios El Vino Nuevo
4216 Alabama Hwy NW Rome, Ga 30165
706-291-0500
Renovation Church 13 Redmond Ct. Rome, Ga 30165
706-314-9084
Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
3300 Garden Lakes Pkwy Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-2281
Lutheran
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
3000 Garden Lakes Blvd Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-7257
Methodist
Beech Creek Methodist 2972 Alabama Hwy, Rome, Ga 30165
706-506-8980
GracePoint Rome 43 Chateau Court
Rome, Ga 30161
Holsey Sinai CME Church
1233 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-7265
Lindsay Chapel UMC
9 College Park Dr SW
Rome, Ga 30161
Metropolitan UMC 700 Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8660
Mt Pleasant Church
4782 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-4350
New Bethel Methodist Church Reeceburg Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-9700
Oostanaula UMC
74 Battey Farm Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-292-0084
Rome First UMC
202 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8590
Rush Chapel UMC 1225 Rush Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-7986
Scott Chapel UMC 3 Chambers St NE Rome, Ga 30161
Second Avenue UMC
801 E Second Ave SW Rome, GA 30161
Silver Creek UMC 36 Reeceburg Rd SE Silver Creek, GA 30173
706-234-2518
Trinity By The River, Global Methodist 606 Turner McCall Blvd SW
Rome, Ga 30165
706-291-0033
Wesley Chapel UMC
9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161
West Rome UMC
1003 Shorter Ave PO Box 2247 Rome, GA 30164
706-234-6214
Messianic
Congregation Hallelu HaShem 1869 Floyd Springs Rd NE, Armuchee, GA 3105
706-936-6711
Nazarene
Rome First Church of the Nazarene 20 Glenda Dr Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-5023
Non-Denominational
Access Church
1905 Calhoun Rd Rome, Ga 30161
705-584-7497
Christian Church at Rome 2417 Shorter Ave Rome, GA 30165
706-235-0501
Glorious New Jerusalem Church 537 W 12th St Rome, Ga 30165
706-295-2045
Glory Tabernacle Church
300 Watson St Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-0888
Gospel Harvester Church 1246 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-290-9858
Greater Refuge Ministries 1604 North Broad St Rome, GA 30161
706-622-2448
Legacy Church 524 Avenue A SW Rome, GA 30165
LIFE Church of Rome 19 John Davenport Drive Rome GA 30165
706-728-3166
Lighthouse Church of Rome Lighthouse Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-0864
New and Living Way Bible Church 59 Dykes Creek Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-233-9200
Northside Church
75 N. Floyd Park Rd. Rome, Ga 30165
706-233-9896
Rally Up International Ministries 2460 Shorter Avenue Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-8561
Shannon Community Church 600 First Street Shannon, GA 30172
706-491-7112
Solid Holy Rock Deliverance Tabernacle
700 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8948
The Church at Rome 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-346-2733
Trinity United Christian Church
6 Deer Run Trail Rome, Ga 30165
706-204-8270
We The Church 1818 Kingston Hwy Rome, Ga 30161
Wilderness Church Rome 2730 Martha Berry Highway NE Rome, Ga 30165
706-237-6395
Words of Faith Tabernacle 3134 Rockmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-314-9158
Orthodox
All Saints Church 615 Cleveland Ave Rome, Ga 30165
706-378-4474
Pentecostal
Cannon Temple Holiness Church 308 Porter St Rome, Ga 20161
706-233-9001
Christ Temple Holiness Church 1321 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-3787
Victory Temple Of Joy 118 Williamson St. Rome, Ga 30165
706-766-3865
Presbyterian
First Presbyterian Church EPC 101 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-6033
Seven Hills Fellowship 530 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161
706-530-1630
Silver Creek Presbyterian Church 6 Old Rockmart Road Silver Creek, Ga 30173
706-234-6862
Westminster Presbyterian Church 1941 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-8561
Seventh-Day Adventist
Rome Bethany Seventh-Day Adventist Church 307 E 14th St SW Rome, Ga 30161
706-292-0067
Seventh-Day Adventist Church 2526 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-4117
Cave Spring Church Directory
Cave Spring Church of God 19 Mill Street
Cave Spring, GA 30124
706-777-8348
Grace Fellowship Baptist Church
6635 Blacks Bluff Rd SW Cave Spring Ga 30124
706-346-9786
Live Oak Baptist Church 5506 GA-100 Cave Spring, GA 30124
706-777-8566
The Empty Tomb 5630 Fosters Mill Rd SW
Cave Spring, GA 30124
Rehoboth Missionary Baptist
6 Rehoboth Rd SW Cave Spring, GA 30124
706-777-3313
First Baptist Church 4 Old Cedartown Rd. Cave Spring, GA 30124
706-777-3566
Cave Spring UMC
30 Alabama Street Cave Spring, GA 30124
706-777-8624
Jackson Chapel UMC
301 Jackson Chapel Rd Cave Spring, GA 30125
706-777-3750
Compassion of A Common Man
by Douglas Baynes
During the Civil War in 1862, Union Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison’s Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of a narrow strip of land. The night was dark. With no moon, not a shadow was cast. The mournful cry of a soldier mortally wounded cut through the night as he lay somewhere on the land between them. Not knowing if it was friend or foe, Captain Ellicombe decided to risk his life and bring the stricken soldier back to behind the Union lines for medical treatment. Crawling through the gunfire of the enemy, the Captain finally reached the wounded man and began to pull him to his encampment. Finally reaching his own lines, in the dim light of their camp, he discovered that it was actually a Confederate soldier, and that the soldier was dead.
Captain Ellicombe was moved by compassion. We can define and recognize compassion as an act of movement. Sympathy would have kept him in the camp, only to be sorrowfully spoken of later.
In the light of the tragedy that has befallen Jamaica from Category 5 level Hurricane Melissa, the story of Captain Ellicombe came to my mind. Every night we are shown the faces of ordinary people doing extraordinary, selfless feats of heroism for those in need. I, for one, am tired, and at times sickened, by the constant stories played out by our local news of shootings or of couples who have taken the life of their own child.
I firmly believe that if we would turn our concerns away from our daily agendas and focus on the needs around us, our communities would become much better. I am by no means the patron saint of “do-gooders,” but I feel compelled to look for ways to be moved by compassion as Captain Ellicombe was. To put forth some action in my life as to make a difference would make an impact if only in small, everyday acts of kindness. It could be an unmerited act of kindness, if you would, such as these:
• I’ll try to find someone to cover with my umbrella on the next rainy day as I leave the grocery store and walk with them to their car.
• If someone needs to get over in my lane, I will slow to let them in. Am I really in that big of a hurry?
• I can push a cart back into WalMart.
• When I park, I park farther out from the door, so maybe the closest parking spaces can go to someone who cannot walk as well as I can.
It is wonderful to see how everyday folks put their own safety aside in a moment of crisis and put themselves in harm's way to aid others. I feel blessed to live in an area where tidal waves and hurricanes are not much of a real threat, but could the wave of everyday complacency be washing at our feet?
"The Battle of Gettysburg" by Paul Philippoteaux
Over and over, we see Jesus was not moved to sympathy, but to compassion. Sympathy is feeling pity for someone’s hardship, while compassion is a deeper feeling that includes a desire to act, to end that suffering. Jesus healed all the sick who were brought to him. When He taught them for a long afternoon, He fed them all, so they could make it home that night. Christ was compassion embodied.
Back to the Civil War account, Captain Ellicombe lit a lantern. Suddenly he caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he looked upon the face of the dead Confederate soldier. It was his very own son! The young man had moved South to study music. When the war broke out, he joined the Confederate Army, never writing home to tell his father.
The following morning, broken-hearted, the father asked his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was partially granted. The Captain asked if the Army band would play a funeral hymn, but that request was denied since he was a Confederate soldier. Out of respect for the father, they did give him one musician. The Captain chose a bugler. In his son’s pocket, the father found a piece of paper that had notes written on it that his son had been writing. He asked the bugler to play them at his son's grave.
This music was and is the haunting melody that we all know today as “Taps,” used at all military funerals.
Who is waiting for our compassion? Somebody’s mother? Somebody’s son? Someone is waiting for you.
Annie,
for Lunch: 1-2pm
Doug and
his wife of 43 years, attend First Baptist Church of Cleveland, TN. He is an author and Annie is a speaker and teacher at various women's meetings. Retired now, they spend their summer months traveling the USA in their RV
Are You Ready for Revival?
Personal revival is maintained through daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible meditation in conjunction with prayer, exaltation, thanksgiving, confession, and intercession while yielding to the Holy Spirit of God as modeled by Jesus in the Lord’s Prayer and the disciple’s prayer.
(See Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4.)
Once personal revival has taken hold and our walk with Jesus is established as the bedrock foundation of our agape love of Jesus, and for the people around us, then it might be possible for the spirit of revival to spread to others.
Most of us have a ready network of acquaintances, friends, and confidants. But who is to be entrusted with something as important as revival?
Someone once suggested: “Find the dirtiest, vilest sinner in town and get him converted. Then the fires of revival will ignite.” While I am reluctant to dismiss such methodology outright, unless the Holy Spirit draws you to that direction, it is the direction of the Holy Spirit who bears mentioning. Take time in prayer and fasting to see whom the Spirit will place on your heart. I would
by Chaplain Filip Brunner
not look for perfection. That is God’s department and none of us are perfect. God is looking for availability. Here is where we need to unpack a passage which we like to use in order to conjure up revivals. A point that needs to be made is that Biblical texts are not magical formulas. They are guidelines for us to follow.
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2nd Chronicles 7:14 KJV).
Pay special attention to the if. This is the most difficult for me because it brings into question my willingness not only to relinquish control of my life fully to God, but to go deeper in my relationship and fellowship with Him. “My People” refers specifically to Israel, but the New Testament has us grafted into the commonwealth of Israel. (See Romans 11.)
“which are called by my name” Christians, believers, disciples of Christ, etc.
“shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways;”
This is basically self-explanatory. Humbly approach the throne of God, deliberately look into the Father’s face, and turn from sin. The Holiness of God has that strange effect on us.
“Then will I hear from Heaven” From Heaven? Now that is interesting. God is in Heaven, isn’t He? Well, yes, and on Earth and in the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit. The whole Omnipresent thing, you understand.
At the time of the writing, the presence of God was in the Temple of God in Jerusalem. Presently, the Holy Spirit resides in the Temple of God which is not made with human hands, but is the creation of God. It is the Believer’s body which is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. He indwells us at the time of our conversion when we are born again. When we seek a revival, we rely on God to do the work. We act only when we, or more accurately, the Holy Spirit whom we house in our bodily Temple, hears from Heaven that He “will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
Genuine revival comes in God’s timing, in God’s way, not in mine. Stay out of God’s way, and yield to Him. Revival is what God wants to do, not what we conjure up.
Are you ready for revival?
Filip Brunner is married to his wife, Dr. Kim Brunner and together they have six children. He is a writer, author, and artist.
There’s a dusty dirt road off in some fields that looks like any other road of its kind in the South. But, it’s truly not the same. It’s not the length or the condition or the age of this road that makes the difference, it’s the destination. This road leads to hope. There’s hope along that dusty dirt road because Safe Haven Ranch for Boys is waiting at the end of it.
Jason Slaughter of Community Share Ministries describes the road building, “We are building roads to make room for what God’s got coming. We don’t know just who or just when but we know the children are coming. We know God’s got something He’s working on and we’re making room for it.”
The Safe Haven Boys Ranch is nestled in the former Corn family farm. The Corn family never raised children there. They raised animals and vegetables and eventually, they’ve raised hopes. The Corn family bestowed the farm into the care of Jason and Ginger Slaughter of Community Share Ministries who saw a vision for helping boys on a working farm throughout their childhood by providing a caring environment, a sound education both academic and practical, and a sense of true belonging in a community through a family both at home and a welcoming church family.
Jason continues, “We have been called by God to take care of the children who have known great suffering and
have no place to call home. Safe Haven Ranch is dedicated to demonstrating Christ's love by creating a nurturing environment for children who have known great suffering. Our mission is to address both the physical and spiritual needs of these children, providing them with the tools to overcome emotional and mental health challenges while sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“We aim to inspire and instill hope in the children we serve, empowering them to grow and heal despite their difficult circumstances. Our organization believes in building a strong sense of community and providing a safe haven for children in need. Through our efforts, we strive to make a positive change in the lives of the children and families we serve, embodying the love of Christ in all that we do.”
Making a Difference
The Safe Haven Boys Ranch has plans to provide a long-term home to more than 70 children over its course, not including nine children who have already found their forever homes.
What Role Do You Play in Making a Difference?
Are you ready to make room, make a way, and make a difference? When you take the journey down the dusty dirt road to Safe Haven Boys Ranch you are immediately impacting children and nurturing not only the lives of these young people but the life of the community as well.
Northwest Georgia Charter Academy:
Where Passion Meets Purpose
On August 3, 2026, a new public school opened its doors to serve 167 students in grades K-5, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for education in northwest Georgia. The first public charter school in northwest Georgia, NWGA Charter Academy, will serve students who live in the Polk County, Floyd County, and Rome City school districts.
The NWGA Charter Academy is located on the beautiful 460-acre gated campus of the Georgia School for the Deaf in Cave Spring. The school will offer transportation via pick-up/drop-off hub locations, food service, and other benefits. The board and staff encourage parent and community involvement and will establish a formal volunteer structure to support academic excellence and activities.
The academy recently revealed the Phoenix as the official school mascot. Representing resilience, transformation, and rising to new heights, the Phoenix embodies the spirit of academy students and staff. This powerful symbol will lead the school community into a year filled with pride, unity, and limitless potential.
NWGA Charter Academy offers an immersive, hands-on learning experience rooted in the nationally-acclaimed Expeditionary Learning (EL) approach. Through real-world projects, collaboration, and purposeful exploration, students engage deeply with their learning, building both academic skills and character. This model emphasizes learning by doing, allowing students to connect their studies to meaningful experiences beyond the classroom while fostering curiosity, independence, and a strong sense of community.
According to Judy Taylor, Founder and Board President, the school is part of a statewide network of over 100 public, tuition-free charter schools, all approved by the Georgia Department of Education. Taylor explains: “Parents want school choice, and public charter schools offer high-quality, innovative education options. The response has been overwhelming as evidenced by the fact that we have filled all grades and have students on waiting lists for all except kindergarten. We will add one grade level each year to meet the demand and reach K-12 with over 500 students at capacity. The vision of NWGA Charter Academy is to equip students to discover their passion and to be responsible, compassionate leaders in their communities.”
Taylor credits the founding board and Superintendent/Principal, Dr. Dawn Williams, with the development of a solid business plan for long-term growth and sustainability. Taylor explains: “The founding board was very strategic in its research and planning. We studied charter school best practices and determined that a slowgrowth model would allow us to establish a positive culture with a solid financial foundation while promoting high-quality work, mastery of knowledge and skills and character development based on the EL model.”
Georgia’s public charter schools receive state funding on a per-pupil basis through the Quality Basic Education (QBE) formula, along with a state-provided supplement which counters the fact that charter schools (unlike other public school districts) do not receive local tax revenue. They may also receive federal funds, grants, and private contributions. This funding structure ensures that state charter schools operate as public schools while maintaining independence, responsibility, and accountability.
Northwest Georgia Charter Academy’s mission is to encourage and inspire students to discover their unique worth and empower them to become life-long learners by providing a secure environment where caring and qualified staff will challenge, motivate, and coach students utilizing an immersive approach that will lead them to reach their full potential in school and in life.
www.nwgacharteracademy.org.
Changing Plans, Changing Me
by Dr. Bobbye Jo Davidson
The Lord not only changes our plans; He often changes us in the process. I vividly recall a spring quarter in college when I elected educational courses because two professors were outstanding in their field. Even though I enjoyed their classes, my plans were settled. In the ‘50s, the job opportunities for women were limited to secretary, teacher, employment at the mill, and marriage. Since I had done well in my business classes, I chose to be a secretary. I certainly would not become a teacher!
One day that spring quarter, the education professors asked me to stay after class. I could not think of anything I had done wrong, so I stayed. They asked if I had ever considered teaching. Very politely I responded with “No, ma’am.” They told me they both thought I would be a good teacher. It certainly was a compliment. By the next week, they had found an opening not far from Georgia State College for Women and set up an interview for me.
I was majoring in business with a minor in biology and headed to a position with the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta after graduation in August.
Arranging my schedule to be off work and absent from my classes, I would drive to the small town near Augusta. I remember it was a beautiful, sunny April day. I smiled as I drove the 75 miles to the teaching interview. Yes, the very one who had said she would never be a teacher!
Purposely arriving a little early, I drove around the town. It was very neat, clean, and similar to my hometown. I liked it instantly. The churches were important to me. People downtown seemed relaxed and friendly to each other. Subconsciously, I was impressed.
At the high school, I parked. The principal was watching for me and greeted me when I hit the first step to enter
the school. Teachers were very friendly as I met them going down the hall to his office. I liked that everyone was friendly and greeted me warmly. I was changing but didn’t realize it at the time.
The principal did a good job summarizing the reason why they were late getting a teacher. The current teacher had just found out she was pregnant and wanted to stay home once the baby arrived. She would just be finishing the year.
He gave me an ample description of what would be expected: six classes, hall duty, etc. One teacher, who had been there many years, interviewed me and approved. A couple of students “just happened by” and I met the co-captains of the football team. They were very polite. They gave their positive opinions to the principal.
By then, I was very interested as I learned about the teacherage, a two-story brick home on the edge of campus that was rent-free, except for utilities, for teachers. “SOLD,” I thought to myself.
I left town that afternoon with a contract explaining how I would have to go to night school and summer school to get certified for teaching. With that, I dismissed my pursuits of the CDC and the big city of Atlanta. God had changed my plans and His plans were better for me. He continued to open doors for me. I loved teaching.
Yes, now at 89 years young, I recall that beautiful, sunshiny April day and how I smiled as I drove the 75 miles to and from a teaching interview. It seems that God not only changed my plans, He changed me!
Dr. Bobbye Jo Davidson, known to most as Jo, lives in Rome, Georgia. She enjoys writing and sharing about Jesus. She became a teacher without intending to be. She’ll write about that adventure soon. Stay tuned for more in future issues!
Enrolling now for August 2026
C o r e B e l i e f s
S t e w a r d s h i p
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I n t e g r i t y a n d C o m m u n i t y
E n g a g e m e n t
H o l i s t i c D e v e l o p m e n t w w w . n w g a c h a r t e r a c a d e m y . o r g
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P o s i t i v e a n d S u p p o r t i v e
R e s p e c t a n d S u p p o r t i v e E n v i r o n m e n t
T u t i o n F r e e C h a r t e r S c h o o l
The New Telephone Book: Is Your Name Written?
by Charles Finney
Beloved, let us take a humorous but earnest journey together through a peculiar modern ritual—the arrival of the new telephone book! When that hefty volume is dropped on your doorstep, there is a strange excitement. You pick it up, flip its thin, crinkly pages, and begin the search. What for? Your own name, of course!
For some reason, seeing our name there, printed among thousands of others, fills us with a sense of importance. "Look!" we say to ourselves, "I exist! I am listed! My name is here for all to see!"
But, brethren, does not this mirror a far greater reality? In Revelation 20:12 KJV, we read, “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”
The Bible speaks of a celestial directory—the Book of Life. Unlike the telephone book, where a simple address grants us entry, this divine record lists only the redeemed, those washed in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14).
Now, imagine with me if the heavenly host delivered a fresh copy of the Book of Life to your doorstep. Would you nervously flip through its pages, searching for your name? Would you feel that familiar relief when you spot it there, shining brighter than the finest gold? Or would you tremble, unable to find your name, muttering, "Surely there must be a typo!"
Oh, the folly of our earthly pride! Seeing our name in a mundane directory makes us feel significant, but how fleeting is that glory? A new edition will come next year, and if you’ve moved, your name might vanish from its pages altogether. In contrast, the name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life is eternal. Jesus said in Luke 10:20 KJV, “Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”
Yet, dear friends, do not think this heavenly listing is earned by good credit or a clean driving record. Salvation is not a subscription service! It is by grace through faith, as Paul wrote, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest
any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV). You can’t dial up heaven and ask to be added to the list; instead, you must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31).
So the next time you receive that humble telephone book and eagerly look to find your name, let it remind you of a greater search. Rejoice if you know your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, and let that eternal listing humble you. And if perchance you doubt, remember this: the Savior is ever ready to inscribe your name with His own precious blood.
Now that’s a directory worth being listed in!
Charles Finney—minister of inspirational Good News, retired various positions and industries, management and operational, freelance writer, author of “GrandpaGood News From The Good Feel Cornfield.” Writings are a remembrance of family, farm life and church upbringing to be a blessing to all!
A Penny for God’s Thoughts
by Bill Silvers
My wonderful wife of 41 years, who was a nurse and is now retired, once brought home a penny with a cross in it that she had received from one of her patients at the hospital. She handed it to me, and although it was a thoughtful gift from the patient through her, I myself didn’t give it much thought at the time. I placed it on the kitchen island and walked away.
The next morning, I might have glanced at it as I passed by on my way to work. But then, as I walked past it again the following morning, something made me stop. I picked it up, and the moment it touched my hand, I knew that God had a plan and a purpose for me, and that this penny with the cross was somehow part of it.
I prayed to God for guidance and direction on the path He wanted me to take. With God leading the way, He first led me to Steve Petty, a retired Methodist minister who sold the pennies with the cross for just one penny each, believing it wasn’t right to profit from them.
In 2014, Steve sent 30,000 of these pennies to Green Berets Special Forces in Afghanistan. By 2019, he had punched out his nine-millionth penny, continuing to create millions more since then, all for God’s glory, not his own.
The next week, I ordered 500 pennies and was thrilled when they arrived. Throughout this journey, God placed people in my path to help me reach the purpose He had planned. The first person He sent was Pastor Tamlyn Collins from Chatsworth First Methodist Church – an amazing woman of faith. With God and her prayers, along with her guidance and support, we were on our way.
I was also blessed with a wonderful group of ladies from the church who took on the meticulous task of attaching each penny with a little cross to business cards with printed messages. Their quiet service and dedication reflected hearts willing to work behind the scenes, trusting that God would use even the smallest act for something greater.
We included messages such as:
• “I am the One Cent by Jesus to tell you that God loves you.”
• “Jesus is the One Cent by God to pay for our sins and mistakes by dying on the cross and rising again.”
• “It makes C-E-N-T-S to follow Jesus. Have a blessed day.”
We also included the poem by Vera Mae Thomas, entitled “I Carry a Cross in My Pocket.”
As the pennies were shared, I was reminded repeatedly that this wasn’t about me, or even about the penny. It was about obedience. It was about planting seeds and trusting God to do what only He can.
To date, we have shared over 20,000 pennies with the cross.
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” (1 Corinthians 3:6-7 NIV)
Bill Silvers from Ellijay, Georgia, began running competitively at age 81. He runs to the glory of God!
August in Appalachia:
GARDEN-FRESH TOMATO PIE
By August, the Smoky Mountains are lush with life. The fireflies are fewer, but the cicadas sing louder. The sun lingers just a little less each evening, and the garden— faithfully tended all summer long—starts to show off its full glory. That’s when the tomatoes finally reach their prime. Not just red, but ruby, juicy, warm from the vine. If you’ve ever tasted a tomato in August, you know: it’s not just food—it’s a gift.
In mountain kitchens, August tomatoes don’t go to waste. Sliced and salted on sandwiches, simmered into sauces, or eaten with nothing more than a sprinkle of pepper, they’re the stars of every meal. But one of the most beloved—and perhaps most underappreciated— ways to use them is in a Southern Tomato Pie.
This dish is pure Appalachian creativity: a buttery pie crust filled with layers of thick-sliced garden tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a cheesy, creamy topping that bakes into a savory custard. It’s humble and rich, rustic and refined all at once.
Tomato pie is best served fresh but can be eaten cold the next day—if there's any left. It’s a dish that tastes like sunshine and soil and Southern hospitality, all baked into one golden slice.
Whether it’s the centerpiece of a light supper or a side at a Sunday potluck, tomato pie is a delicious reminder to savor the gifts of the season—because just like summer in the mountains, ripe tomatoes don’t last forever.
Southern Tomato Pie
Ingredients:
1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought), pre-baked
4–5 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced ¼-inch thick
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup chopped sweet onion
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Lay the sliced tomatoes on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 20–30 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry.
In the pre-baked crust, layer tomatoes, onion, and basil. Repeat until filled.
In a small bowl, mix cheddar, mozzarella, mayonnaise, and mustard if using. Spread the mixture evenly over the top of the pie.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Let cool 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
These Are the Things
(A poetic letter to my younger selves)
by Rev. Chris Mullis
When I think back over the years… There are a few things I wish I’d known. So God whispered, “Write yourself a letter.”
These are the things I would write to me, When the road seemed long and I couldn’t see. Grace is stronger than regret, Love’s a gift—don’t forget. You’re never alone, even when you feel weak. These are the things I would write back to me.
Hey kid, you’re ten with your heart wide open, You think all God wants is rules unbroken. But it’s not about being perfect— It’s about learning to trust. Ride bikes, play ball, and climb trees But don’t forget quiet time down on your knees.
Now you’re 21, chasing dreams, life’s moving fast, Rushing toward tomorrow, forgetting the past. You don’t know you’re a leader or your worth, But God’s been guiding you since birth. You’re not lost—you’re learning to be free.
Just breathe. Just live. And just believe.
You’ve got a house full of children at 33, And you carry more than most people can see. You're building things more precious than gold— Even when you feel tired and old. Don’t trade peace for striving and stress, God loves you as you are—no more, no less.
At 40, you’re feeling the weight of those years, Wrestling joy and weariness, hopes and fears. But don’t you see? God’s still writing your story. It’s not about you—it’s about His glory. There’s more ahead than you’ve left behind, So live with grace, and take your time.
These are the things I would write to me, When the road seemed long and I couldn’t see. Grace is stronger than regret, Love’s a gift—don’t forget.
You’re never alone, even when you feel weak. These are the things I would write back to me.
Yes… these are the things I would write back to me.
Rev. Chris Mullis is an ordained minister in the Global Methodist Church with a Masters of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Pastor Chris’s ministry has spanned twenty years and four different churches in Georgia. Chris recently moved to Jackson, GA, to serve Stark Methodist Church.
Bartone Spine and Wellness: Meet Dr. Jared and Britney Bartone
Dr. Jared Bartone is a boardcertified and licensed Doctor of Chiropractic who graduated from Life University in 2013. His passion for chiropractic care began after personally experiencing its benefits while playing hockey in high school and college.
Dr. Bartone is certified in a variety of treatment modalities, including sports injury management, prenatal and postnatal care, and pediatric chiropractic. He also specializes in extremity adjusting and preand post-surgical care. His focus is on providing comprehensive care that supports optimal function, mobility, and overall wellness for patients of all ages.
Britney Bartone is a Licensed Massage Therapist who graduated from Gwinnett College in 2016, earning certifications in both Massage Therapy and Neuromuscular Therapy. She is also certified in Prenatal Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Hot Stone Therapy, and Cupping Therapy.
Britney takes the time to listen carefully to your areas of concern and thoughtfully customizes each session to meet your individual needs. By combining her training with a compassionate, clientcentered approach, she delivers effective treatment designed to relieve pain, reduce tension, and support your overall well-being.
Glowing Reviews for Bartone Spine and Wellness
"Dr. Bartone is hands down the best chiropractor I have ever seen. A true master of his craft. He is kind, compassionate, and highly skilled. He listens to every complaint i have at each visit and works his magic to get me feeling better before I leave. Incredibly, I have gone from a 8 out of 10 pain level to a 2 out of 10 under his care. I feel so blessed to have found someone who is so passionate about what they do and making sure I'm feeling my best."
"I have been suffering from bilateral peripheral neuropathy for years. I have tried quite a few physicians and chiropractors. I have also had back and neck issues for decades. After only two months under Dr. Bartone's care I feel like a new person. I am walking normally and am pain free. On a return visit to my neurologist, he retested me and said, "you do not have neuropathy" LOTS OF THUMBS UP!"
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Who You Know
by Garrett Nudd
We’ve all heard people say, “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” I used to find that concept offensive, but that was usually when I was on the outside looking in. Truth is; when it comes to faith, it’s not what you know; it’s who you know. Faith isn’t about knowledge and power, authority and confidence. Faith is about connection, trust, belief, and commitment. Are you connected where it matters? Are you connected to who matters?
In the early days of my career as a photographer, we lived in a small, 1950s bungalow in the old College Park neighborhood of Orlando. We met with clients in our home. We’d sit at the dining room table and talk about their wedding. We couldn’t afford a nice studio, and we didn’t have the wall space for lots of samples of our work, just a handful of modest 11x14s, nicely matted and framed. But that’s when I realized that more important than a beautiful studio with carefully appointed decor was the ability to listen to someone and genuinely do my best to connect and to understand their vision for their wedding. I learned what questions to ask that would help the bride realize I was the best choice to photograph her wedding. And I learned when to stay quiet (90 percent of the time) and when to speak (only 10 percent of the time).
Over the years I’ve been blessed to mentor other photographers. And most often I would spend the majority of their time listening to them tell me about all the great things they were doing. All the while, I would take mental notes of things to add or refine in my own business. And usually, they would leave thanking me for my time and input and being so generous with everything I had shared. And every time, I’d walk away shrugging my shoulders because all I had done was listen and affirm them.
Success in life doesn’t come from talking about how great you are. Success comes from talking about how great others are, encouraging them, cheering them on, and only when appropriate, making it clear how you fit into the picture. I hope I’m making it clear that you can help someone else be even more successful and still achieve MORE THAN yourself. Your MORE THAN is never limited by someone else’s MORE THAN. There is no ceiling!
Each of us has insecurities. We aren’t as smart, aren’t as talented, aren’t as tall, aren’t as good looking, aren’t as confident, aren’t as wealthy, aren’t as connected, aren’t as creative, aren’t as ________ (fill in the blank). There will always be someone who has something you don’t, but similarly, you have something unique that no one else has.
In my career as a photographer, I’ve worked with people of extreme material success and fortune. And more times than not, they were filled with so much love and graciousness and were true examples of MORE THAN. More often than not, they minimize or downplay their own successes and are eager to contribute to the success of others. Remember, when God gives you MORE THAN, He expects you to give MORE THAN so that others can experience MORE THAN too.
Yes, being a successful photographer is less about the photographs and more about enthusiasm and authenticity. But then, so is everything in life.
How is your enthusiasm level these days? Are you building a life that’s authentic to your dreams, desires, or callings? Are you listening more than speaking? If so, you are well on your way to MORE THAN!
This excerpt from Garrett’s book, MORE THAN Discovering How Your Story Reveals God’s Beautiful Truth About You, is adapted to our format and used with permission.
The Way Home
by Dorothy Teague
There’s a TV series that’s currently playing about a family who lives on a farm with a magical, teleporting pond. The granddaughter accidently falls into the pond and discovers that she can go back in time! Throughout the episodes, the granddaughter, along with her mother, discover family history, which explains how their present-day family came to be. But family secrets and past sins are also revealed. Often, it seems as though they will not be able to return to their own time because of being in a time and place where they don’t belong. This reminded me of the parable of The Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32.
A man had two sons and the younger one wanted his inheritance early. The father graciously gave it to him
and the son proceeded to go a long distance from home. There he squandered all the money by indulgent and sinful living. Soon, he had nothing and was forced to get a job feeding pigs. There was a famine in the land at the time and the young son was starving, to the point of hungering after the very food he was giving the pigs. Luke 15:17 KJV says: ” …and when he came to himself he said, ‘How many servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!’
How many times do each of us veer off the right path that God has set us on to go our own way in sin? But God patiently waits on us to come to our senses and return home. The prodigal goes on to say that he will go and tell his father that he realizes he has sinned against heaven and against his father. At that moment, his heart is in a place of humbleness and contrition, and he purposes in his heart to make it right with his father. As we move through the story, we find that as the son got close to home and the father saw him, the father ran to him and embraced him. Verse 21 records that he followed through on what he purposed in his heart to do and that was to ask the father for forgiveness. The father not only forgives him, but throws a party in his honor to welcome him back home into the fold.
The father in this parable is our Heavenly Father and the wayward son is all of us! We all stray away from God at times and go into a distant land of sin. But God, who is a God of unconditional love, is always waiting with open arms to welcome us back home!
However, we must come to ourselves, have a repentant heart and ask God to forgive us. Isaiah 53:6 KJV tells us that “ALL we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way…”
We are a lot like sheep. We aren’t too smart and we get lost and meander off the trail!
Yet, the Great Shepherd leads us back into the way we need to go to get back home. John 14:6 KJV reminds us that He is the ONLY way to get home. “I am the way, the truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” He IS our home and He is the ONLY way to get to our final Home in Heaven one day!
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their farm. After completing 31.5 years as a teacher in the Bradley County School System, she is active in her church at Eastanallee Baptist Church where she is a member of the choir and praise team.
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"The Return of the Prodigal Son" by Carl Johann Nepomuk Hemerlein
The Importance of Flossing on Heart Health
by Courtney Fox
What is a simple, quick habit you can do to help your overall health and especially your heart health? Train for a marathon? Add oatmeal to your mornings? Eat more broccoli? None of the above: it’s flossing!
If you’re a regular flosser, you probably do so because food gets stuck between your teeth or maybe you notice your gums are more sensitive when you go without flossing. There are also the benefits of having a cleanerfeeling mouth, less bad breath, and a better likelihood of a good report at your next dental cleaning.
Here are some encouraging, interesting, and lesserknown benefits that you’ll be glad to learn:
Adding flossing to your daily routine:
• Removes plaque and food particles that a toothbrush alone can’t reach. Without flossing, you might miss cleaning up to 40% of your tooth surfaces.
• Can help prevent cavities and tooth decay.
• Can lower your risk of stroke and irregular heart rhythms. Ongoing new research with American Heart Association and American Stroke Association has linked flossing with a reduced risk of these.
• Decreases inflammation and occurrence of gum disease.
• Lowers risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream.
• Decreases systemic inflammation, which can damage blood vessels. Bacteria associated with gum disease has been found in fatty deposits that clog arteries and lead to heart attacks.
Did you know?
• Shared risk factors in conditions like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity are more prevalent in people with periodontal disease, which is infection and inflammation of the tissue that supports the teeth.
• The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least one time per day, but on average only one-third of the population does so.
So why is this dental habit important to God? Well, honoring the body He blessed us with is in His Biblical instructions to us. We are to value and respect our bodies and treat them with care. He made each of us and formed us in the womb, on purpose with a purpose.
So how can something as simple and mundane as flossing be used to glorify the Lord? If we take care of what He has entrusted to us, our mouths in this instance, we have the potential to live longer, smile more, have significantly less chance of developing health problems and acquiring pain from oral infections, etc.
New research and evidence makes flossing an undeniable healthy habit. Flossing, together with other healthy habits, can prevent stroke or heart disease. It is very much worth incorporating this healthy habit into your lifestyle, no matter your age.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
Your smile has the ability to positively impact many people throughout your lifetime. With the confidence to smile more, because of healthy oral habits and routines, you are sure to see fruit from this labor.
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Memory Care at The Spires at Berry College has been intentionally designed to provide a specialized, secure and supportive environment for those with memory loss. Every day is full of opportunities for a more connected, more purposeful way of life — not to mention expert caregivers and a progressive care curriculum.
Discover the many ways your loved one can benefit from Memory Care at The Spires:
• Family-style dining featuring multiple entrée selections with fresh, wholesome ingredients
• Dedicated horticulture therapist–led gardening programs with hands-on activities in the courtyard
• Emphasis on individualized attention and family involvement
• Secure outdoor courtyard featuring winding paths, raised garden beds and inviting seating areas
• Purposeful programming that incorporates art, music and personal interaction
• Intuitive neighborhood design promoting safety, comfort and easy navigation