July 2023

About Us

WRITERS

Dr. Alan Hix

Alison Nichols

Angie Bishop Forsyth

Brenda Dedmon

Chad Penny

Chuck Cleveland

Deborah Shaw Lewis

Erin Clay

Granger Hughes

Jamey Hunt

Jessica Mathis

Jimmy Bryant

Phil Wade

Dr. Ralph Jenkins

SALES

Matthew Ruckman

423-503-1410

Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com

DESIGN

Caleb Prytherch

Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

Melanie Abney

706-844-3818

FACEBOOK

GoodNews Rome

EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR

Sandra Gilmore

Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com

PUBLISHER

Matthew and Bethany Ruckman

Cell: 423-503-1410

E-mail: goodnewstn@gmail.com

OFFICE

423-790-5378

WEBSITE goodnewscm.com

issuu.com/goodnewsrome

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 started GoodNews Christian Magazine in 2012 because we felt that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed.

This month marks our eleventh year providing GoodNews Christian Magazine as a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the doors for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising.

Since 2012, more than 400 GoodNews Christian Magazine writers -- your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors who love and serve the Lord – have provided insight and encouragement. Enjoy this sampling of their work from the last eleven years.

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.

For Jesus

by Jamey Hunt

On most Mondays of the school year, I have the privilege to share an invitation with the Good News Club members at Sonoraville Elementary School as part of our church’s ministry there. This past week, I talked to them about a verse that God has brought to my mind frequently in recent weeks. Galatians 5:25 says, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” All of the power and transformation that we see around us in the lives of people comes from God as we trust Jesus through the ministry of the Holy Spirit! The result of this ministry is referred to as the “Fruit of the Spirit.” God works in us and through us to show His change in our lives.

What, then, is our role? We are not the cause of the change, but we are the conduit. To see this Fruit of the Spirit produced in our lives, we must keep in step with God’s Holy Spirit. At the Good News Club, I asked three children to volunteer and to join me on the stage. We lined up together, and I asked them to show us how to march. I didn’t give them any commands or instruction; I just told them to start marching. Can you imagine what they did? They simply stomped around individually with no common rhythm or purpose. Later, we added the entire group of remaining students to the chaos. It wasn’t marching. It was group stomping. I asked them, what was wrong with what we were doing? One little girl said, “We don’t know what to do!” An older boy said, “We need someone to show us how!” Never have truer words been spoken.

In order to march, one must keep in step with the others in a group by listening and looking. Direction must be given, heard, and obeyed. Signs must be seen and reacted to. When all of this happens, a parade can occur,

and orchestrated beauty and order can be witnessed! In order to successfully march in formation, a military squad has a drill sergeant to bark commands and a flag bearer to “guide on.” Without the sound of a cadence, orders, and visible guidance, there can be no organized march. The same is true of a marching band: the music, uniforms, instruments, and students only come alive under the leadership of the drum major.

A church is not just a random group of individuals stomping around for Jesus. We are an army under the command of Christ! His Spirit communicates the directions to us! Let’s keep in step with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. When we do, we also get in step with one another. Decide today to listen for the Spirit’s voice in Scripture and prayer. Reaffirm your readiness to obey His orders. Look for Him to show you what to do! God is at work around you and in you. “Ready, march!”

God is good all the time!

Jamey Hunt lives on the family farm in Red Bud, Georgia, where his wife, Leigh-Ann and him have raised their two sons, Noah, and Cooper. They have done so with the help of their dog, Bit, and the loving support of their families! He also enjoys serving as the Pastor of Sonoraville Baptist Church! About The

Surprises! Surprises!

by Brenda Dedmon

Do you like surprises? I like surprises that are fun and make me happy! One day, my friends had a surprise birthday party for me and I was really surprised—especially when some friends from out of town came! Have your parents ever planned a surprise trip for your family? Do you remember how excited you were when they told you? As the day got closer, did your mother begin to help you pack what you would need and talk about all the things you would do? I am sure you were getting excited! It is always fun to go and discover new places and do different things.

There were some children we read about in the Bible who had a big surprise when their parents told them they were going to see Jesus. They had heard about this man named Jesus who had healed sick people, healed blind people, and helped crippled people to walk. This story is in the Bible in Mark 10:13-16. Read the following story as it might have happened:

One day, there was an excitement in the city when people heard Jesus was there teaching. There were a group of parents who heard this news and they thought how fun it would be for Jesus to meet their children and give them a blessing. They hurried home and gathered their children and told them they were going to meet Jesus. The children were so happy they put on their best clothes to go. As they were walking down the dusty road, they were laughing and chanting— “we are going to see Jesus!” Some gathered flowers on the roadside and some picked up rocks to take to Him. They were a noisy group walking down the road because they were so excited.

Jesus’ disciples heard the group before they could even see them. They gathered and determined that Jesus would not want to be bothered with the children. They decided to turn them away. As soon as they saw them, they told them they had to leave. The children were so disappointed. However, Jesus saw what was happening and said, “No, don’t stop them, let them come and see

me.” The children began to run to Jesus, and He took them on His lap and talked to them. They shared the flowers and rocks with Him.

The disciples were surprised that Jesus would spend time with children. Jesus said to them, “Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in” (Mark 10:13-16). He then gathered the children around Him and prayed a blessing over them.

As the parents were returning home, they were so happy that Jesus told their children He loved them and that they were an important part of His ministry. The children all agreed this was the best surprise ever!

Gather with your family and discuss ways you know Jesus loves you. How do you think you can show Jesus you love Him? Some things may even surprise you!

Rev. Brenda Dedmon is the retired director of the Children’s Learning Center, First Baptist of Dalton and an avid Roll Tide fan.

An investment advisory fiduciary is a financial professional or entity that provides investment advice to clients and is legally bound to act in the best interests of those clients. This fiduciary duty requires the advisor to prioritize the client's interests above their own and to provide advice that is prudent and aligned with the client's goals and risk tolerance.

The fiduciary duty is a higher standard of care compared to the typical "suitability standard" followed by some financial professionals. Under the suitability standard, advisors are only required to recommend investments that are suitable for their clients, which may not necessarily be in the clients' best interests.

In contrast, an investment advisory fiduciary must act in a manner that is loyal, diligent, and free from conflicts of interest. They have a legal obligation to provide advice that is based on thorough analysis, professional expertise, and a genuine understanding of their clients' financial situation. This includes disclosing any potential conflicts of interest and ensuring that the advice provided is in the best interest of the client.

Ensuring that your financial advisor is a fiduciary is important for several reasons:

1. Duty of Loyalty: A fiduciary is legally obligated to prioritize your best interests above their own. This means they must act with loyalty and avoid conflicts of interest that could compromise the advice they provide. By working with a fiduciary, you have greater assurance that the recommendations and decisions made are solely in your best interest.

2. Higher Standard of Care: Fiduciaries are held to a higher standard of care compared to advisors who operate under the suitability standard. Fiduciaries are required to provide advice that is diligent, thorough, and based on a deep understanding of your financial situation, goals, and risk

What is a Fiduciary and why does it matter to my investments?

Money Matters Granger Hughes with

tolerance. This higher standard ensures that the advice you receive is well-researched, well-informed, and tailored to your specific needs.

3. Disclosure of Conflicts: Fiduciaries are required to disclose any conflicts of interest that could influence their recommendations. This transparency allows you to make informed decisions and understand any potential biases or incentives that may exist. It helps you evaluate whether the advice being provided is truly in your best interest or influenced by external factors.

4. Minimization of Financial Exploitation: Fiduciaries are bound by their fiduciary duty to act in a manner that prevents financial exploitation. This is particularly important for vulnerable individuals such as the elderly or those with diminished capacity. Fiduciaries must prioritize the protection and preservation of your financial assets, reducing the risk of abuse or undue influence.

5. Trust and Confidence: Working with a fiduciary can instill a greater sense of trust and confidence in your financial advisor-client relationship. Knowing that your advisor is legally obligated to act in your best interest can provide peace of mind and enhance the trust you place in their guidance.

The fiduciary duty is typically associated with Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs) in the United States who are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or state securities regulators. These advisors are required to register with the appropriate regulatory body and adhere to specific rules and regulations governing their conduct.

Choosing an investment advisor who acts as a fiduciary can provide investors with an additional layer of protection and confidence, as it ensures that their advisor is obligated to act in their best interests.

Driven by a passion to educate, inform and prepare future retirees, Mr. Hughes works with his father to help provide educational opportunities for clients as well as others in the community. He feels a responsibility to help inform those who may otherwise not be aware of strategies, changes, and opportunities available to them when it comes to their financial well-being.

A Man and His Family

by Dr. Ralph Jenkins

“How blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways” (Psalms 128:1). The verse could literally read like this: “How blessed and fortunate, someone to be envied; who fears, reveres, is in awe of, and worships the Lord; the man who walks, lives, and is faithful according to the commands and ways of God.” A real man is a man who has a personal walk with God and represents the Almighty God in the home before his wife and children. A real man reads, studies, and applies God’s Word to his life so his wife and children see it. He walks out his faith in front of them.

When Jesus taught us how to pray, He said, “Pray then in this way ‘Our Father’” and in Romans 8:15 Paul says, “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’” A godly man reverently and earnestly prays with his family. My pastor used to say, “More is caught than taught”. Men, don’t just tell or teach your family how to pray, pray with them. Give them an example to follow.

In Ephesians 5:22-32, we are taught that the Christian husband represents Christ in the marriage. In marriage counseling I used to ask if the groom was willing to die for his bride. The answer was always yes. I still ask that question, but I add a second question after it. “Sir, are you willing to live for your wife?” You see Jesus did die for His bride, but He also rose from the grave and now sits at the right hand of the Father interceding for her. Jesus literally lives His life for His bride. Nothing is more important to Him than His bride. That is exactly how we should love our wives.

One study showed that Christian homes with a nominal faith are 20% more likely to divorce than those

with no faith. Christian conservatives were 10% more likely to stay married and Christian Conservatives who were active in their faith were 35% more likely to stay married.

Listen to this: 25% of the children in America are living in a home without their fathers and many more homes who have fathers and husbands don’t have men who lead the way in matters of faith. America’s homes today need men who love the Lord with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength.

Listen, my wife is an equal with me in the home. I take nothing from women; we men wouldn’t be here without them. But we, men, are called to represent God the Father in the home, and Christ in the marriage. And that is something we, Christian men, should take seriously. I challenge you men to be the men God called you to be. Be a real man of faith and love and lead your family in their faith.

Dr. Ralph W. Jenkins and his wife Tammy have served the Lord in ministry for over 27 years and has pastored several churches. He loves to win souls, preach the gospel, shepherd God’s people, and work on the farm. www.jehovahjirehministries.com.

The Mantle

by Angie Bishop Forsyth

Who out there loves a good project? I do, that’s a fact! Yesterday, I was prepping my fireplace to do a technique called German Shmear. I thought to myself, before I jump right in and do the fireplace, the mantle could use a nice fresh coat of white paint. It had dulled from all the years it has been there and the soot that settled on it from the natural gas logs.

My mantle has a purpose and by keeping it cared for, it will serve its purpose for years to come. If I let it go, it will not only age but lose its luster, getting ragged and worn out. This is how our spiritual lives are as well. We have purpose and God certainly cares for us!

The difference between these two things is, we must be intentional with God to get from Him what we need. Trust me when I say life will break you down. We get worn out, ragged, and lose our luster. Circumstances in life do that, but if we go to God, He will clean us up! If you are lost, He will give you life! If you are saved and beat down by life or choices, God will restore you too if you just run to Him! Our never-changing, sweet God wants to apply fresh strokes of restoration back into your life! I hope you will let Him.

I grabbed my paintbrush, cracked open the can of paint, and began brushing on that fresh white paint. Wow! I did not realize it was needed that bad until I saw the new fresh strokes being applied. As I was painting, I heard the sweet whisper of the Holy Spirit say to me, “Much like this mantle, this is what God does for you.” I just smiled from ear to ear after that.

I was made aware that like that mantle, time takes its toll on us as people. We may appear to be okay to the eyes of everyone else, but we need restoring from time to time. We need a fresh coat of paint! We often do not realize that we have wear and tear in our lives and that we need rejuvenating. Who better to do that than God!

My mantle turned out beautifully. I am so pleased with how fresh and clean it looks! If I can do that with just a can of paint and a paintbrush, then can you imagine the transformation God can make in you when you cry out to Him in need of restorative care. We serve the sweetest Creator, who did, who does, and who will. He tells us, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Won’t you trust in His everlasting promise to care for you?

“Father God, you who makes all things new and brings beauty from our ashes: bind up my broken heart, proclaim freedom over my life, and restore my soul!”

My name is Angie Bishop Forsyth. I’m just a simple lady with a heart that chases after God! I love to share about Him anywhere I can. To me, there’s no one or no thing on this earth greater to talk about! God has blessed me in tremendous ways and I not only love to tell about it, but I live to tell about it!

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

706-235-5892

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 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 30104

706-232-8121

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

Catholic

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

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

706-234-4923

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

South Broad UMC

546 S Broad St

Rome, Ga 30161

706-232-5230

Trinity UMC

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

Methodist

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

Livingston UMC

21 E Lakeshore Dr SE

Rome, Ga 30161

Metropolitan UMC

700 Broad St

Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-8660

Mt Pleasant UMC

4782 Alabama Hwy

Rome, Ga 30165

706-232-4350

New Bethel Methodist Church

Reeceburg Rd

Rome, Ga 30161

706-235-9700

North Rome UMC

706-291-6704

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

Shannon UMC

600 First Street

Shannon, GA 30172

706-491-7112

Silver Creek UMC

36 Reeceburg Rd SE

Silver Creek, GA 30173

706-234-2518

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

Beech Creek Church

2972 Alabama Hwy, Rome, Ga 30165

706-346-1018

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

Solid Holy Rock Deliverance Tabernacle

700 Kingston Ave

Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-8948

The Church at Rome

246 North 5th Avenue

Rome, Ga 30165

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

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

Cedar Creek Baptist Church

5440 Black Buff Rd

Rome, Ga 30161

706-777-8360

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

Raising Saints in A Sinner’s World

by Jessica Mathis

In the modern world, we wake up, day after day to the news that makes us sad and griefstricken. As mothers and fathers, we want our children to live in a world where there is always peace and happiness. We try to hide the sadness of the world from them. Our children are our everything and we are so blessed to be their parents… but is it wrong to want to bring life into this sinful world…a world full of heartache?

Godliness begins in our homes. It is important for parents to join together in the task of raising “tiny disciples.” It is no secret that society is out to put its own stamp on our children. We need to prepare them to stand up for the Lord and not fall into society’s hands.

I read something the other day that has been heavy on my mind. “Why would you bring a child into such a cruel world? Imagine the things they will face.” The world became cruel when sin was introduced. From the beginning, trials and tribulations have been a part of day-to-day life. Our children were handpicked by God for this exact time.

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go. And when he is old, he will

not depart from it.” Living by the Biblical truth in our homes, attending and being involved in a church, showing our children how to serve others, and showing love to a world that is not like us, are ways to prepare our babies for the world. Will

they be tempted? Yes. Will they fail? Yes, but they will be rooted in the Word and well-equipped to handle what is thrown at them.

As parents, let us pray for our children daily. Let us be there for them when they do fail. Let us give them the knowledge they need and pray their relationship with Christ is strong in their hearts— so they can be strong against the world.

My name is Jessica Mathis and I am from Rome, Georgia. I am a blessed Christian, wife, stay-at-home mama, and part-time women’s advocate. I am just trying to raise a tiny human, one day at a time.

• Call ahead to pick your fresh, hot meal at our convenient pick-up window located just inside the front door before you enter the restaurant. Or enjoy delivery through Door Dash or Dinner Delivered!

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595 Riverside Parkway | Rome, GA | 706.204.8321

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Pick O’ Deli Cafeteria

Any traveler knows to go to a restaurant in town where the parking lot is full. Pick O’ Deli is just such a place. Rooted deeply – we’ll get to more about that – in Rome, GA, this award-winning restaurant proudly serves up southern-style home cooking with service and hospitality. Pick O’ Deli has had not one, not two, but three recommendations from Restaurant Guru since 2019. Their commitment to excellence is also reflected in the Best of Rome for Southern Cooking award every year since 2012. This past year brought another accolade when patrons voted Pick O’ Deli the “Best Southern Restaurant in Georgia” through the Best of Georgia Ribbon contest.

A customer recently gave this review: “This place is out of this world. Best home cooking restaurant anywhere around North GA area.” And that’s not an isolated opinion. Just check out Pick O’ Deli’s Facebook page with 3,600+ likes and 3,700+ followers.

What can you find at Pick O’ Deli? Just to note a sampling of what they serve: meats, vegetables, salads including pasta salad among others, desserts, drinks, a variety of breads, and specialty sides such as deviled eggs and broccoli salad. Plus, all this and more is available when you order catering, especially their whole pies and cakes!

In addition to their daily servings, Pick O’ Deli also offers catering with many delicious options to choose from delivered to your location, available for pick up, or served at the restaurant. At certain times of the year, they offer holiday meal packages that make holiday planning a breeze. Don’t just take their word for it, hear what their customers say:

Our family Thanksgiving gathering was on Sunday, and I just want to thank you for making our meal so delicious and easy. We used your Thanksgiving Special as the core of our lunch, and added family favorites to the table. We got so many compliments on how great the food was! And what is sometimes a difficult and tiring several days for the hostess became fun and less stressful! Again, the turkey and dressing, sweet potato casserole, green beans, gravy, rolls and pie were delicious! Thank you again, and Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

What makes an award-winning restaurant even better?

Deeply-rooted traditions of excellence and enthusiasm for both what is served and to whom it is served. Denise Turner explains, “We are a family-owned cafeteria featuring southern-style home cooking. We have been serving Rome, GA since 1982.” She shares further, “Our mission is to consistently serve fresh quality food while providing

professional friendly service and to make the world a better place to live.”

Indeed, the Pick O’ Deli team is making the world a better place to live. They are involved with local schools, Yaarab Shrine, Shriner’s Hospital, and even offer discounts on meals to veterans (see the staff for details).

Their enthusiasm to serve the local community reaches way back to when Jimmy’s father started the Gravy Boat restaurant up the road on Rockmart Highway as a distribution center. After producing and distributing frozen foods such as pizza pockets and BBQ, James P. Turner, Sr. decided to start serving fresh food and rented a building in 1981 that they still have now. It soon became the go-to biscuit place for fresh, made-from-scratch biscuits and homemade meats prepared by the staff in the store.

He then decided to buy the building next door which was an old convenience store. Mr. Turner gutted and refurbished the place into a sandwich shop that served sandwiches, and offered some groceries and other convenience items. Several ideas were implemented until 1985 when country meat and vegetable plates took off! People loved the homemade country food and the family atmosphere the fine folks at Pick O’ Deli created.

The owner Jimmy Turner, Jr came to work with his father in 1983 and sought to help make his father’s business successful as it was taking off. After some years, Jimmy bought the corporation from his dad. Turner Food Systems was comprised of the businesses of Pick O’ Deli Cafeteria and Gravy Boat Restaurant. There’s a saying in the Turner family: you can always get your breakfast at one place and stick around long enough to get lunch at the next place!

Jimmy’s two daughters followed along in his footsteps, becoming the third generation to work in the business. They spent their childhood helping their dad grind sausage while standing on milk crates and later joined the staff, working

there until they finished their college educations. After James Turner, Sr passed away in 2014, Jimmy purchased the Pick O’ Deli building and property from his sisters and Debbie Turner White purchased the Gravy Boat Restaurant.

Last Fall, Pick O’ Deli celebrated 40 years of service with an anniversary bash. The festivities included a band on-site along with merchandise and food specials to commemorate their four decades of serving Rome, GA with excellent comfort food in a comfortable atmosphere.

Whether you are looking for a good, quick meal of comfort food or a catered event for weddings (They do beautiful, delicious wedding cakes!) or corporate events, you can find menus and ordering information easily on their website www. pickodelicafeteria.com. Or visit these fine folks at 595 Riverside Parkway, Rome, GA 30161, or call (706) 204-8321. Tell them the folks at GoodNews Christian Magazine sent you!

Your Home—The Sand Or The Rock?

by Jimmy Bryant

It was 50 years ago when we met Lee and Judith. The Lord had called me to preach, and we moved back to my hometown to enroll in the local junior college. We bought a house just a few houses down from them.

Lee and Judith had just lost their only child, a little boy. They said it was Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. As you can imagine, they were still grieving. Neither of them had ever trusted Christ as Savior. They occasionally attended the church we joined. The pastor and other members of the congregation witnessed to them time and time again, all to no avail. They were living with a certain kind of bitterness that words could not touch. However, what men could not do, God did. In time, they both came under deep conviction and accepted Christ as their Savior. They became one of the happiest, loving couples in the church. The bitterness was gone because it was replaced with heavenly joy. Instead of being angry with God, they began to understand that one day, they would see their little boy again.

Couples go through all kinds of hurt, disappointment, and anger. Sometimes it is how the finances are handled, or a lack of communication, or even becoming too familiar with someone from the opposite sex. But it is always there like an elephant in the room. And it will always be there until things are made right. Things will never be right until Christ, instead of the problem, is the center of the home. Oh, you may already be a Christian. But Christ is not preeminent in the lives of one or both. You see, a home that is built upon the sand cannot stand the storms of life. However, the home that is built upon the rock will withstand any storm that may arise.

Now, I have a question for you. What is your home built upon? The shifting sands of troubles or the solid foundation of the Rock? As long as the problem or problems are the elephants in the room, there will never be the love, peace, and joy that a couple should have. However, when Christ is the center of the home, that home will be the epitome of happiness. Yes, there will always be problems, but when those problems are committed to the

Prince of Peace, He will give you the wisdom, compassion, and insight to handle those problems in a godly way. I do not know what kind of stress you are living under, but there is one who does: He is one who sticks closer than a brother. His desire for you is to find Christ as Savior if you have not already done so. If you have, His desire is for you to live like it. When He is the center of your life and your home, the church will become a vital part of your life. Why not show up to church this Sunday? It will thrill the church and bring peace and joy to your life and your home. And when you leave the church, leave those fears and frustrations at the foot of the cross.

Since 1985, Bannister Roofing has been helping people with there roofing needs from leaks, full replacement, hail or tornado damage. Covering both commercial and residential roofs. We have maintained our commitment to our clients to provide quality roofing and the best customer service at reasonable prices. We

Do You Need a Rest from Your Vacation?

by Dr. Alan D. Hix

The first week of July is a time when more Americans take their summer vacations than any other time. Families will book their vacations a year in advance, and when it arrives, they try to cram in as many activities as possible. They arrive home Sunday night exhausted, and then they have to drag themselves back to work on Monday. More than once, I have heard people complain that they need a vacation from their vacation!

If the purpose of a vacation is to “rest” from our work, why do we work so hard to make our vacation an “amazing getaway,” only to get home never really having “rested”?

In the movie Christopher Robin, Winnie-the-Pooh declares that “Doing nothing often leads to the very best something.” Christopher Robin desperately needs to hear this, because he gets so wrapped up in life and work that he forgets to have fun. He never does “nothing” because he is running from one responsibility to another. Does this sound familiar?

From the beginning, God designated a day of rest.

“And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation” (Genesis 2:2-3).

This time of resting was so important to God that he included the command “to honor the Sabbath Day and keep it holy” in the Ten Commandments. Later in Deuteronomy, when Moses is reminding the people of this, he gave them a reminder to “remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore, the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day” (Deuteronomy 5:15).

While we may not have the luxury of ceasing all activity, we can approach our lives with the practice of taking time to appreciate the moment. Christopher Robin is so busy trying to be successful at work to get ahead, that his wife Evelyn chides him with “Your life is happening now, right in front of you.”

The Israelites had been slaves for over 400 years, working endlessly, day after day. Now that they were free to build their own society, God blessed them by declaring a day of rest. Like Christopher Robin, people spend too much time trying to get to the next moment that they miss the present moment.

We should take time to really listen to people without working on how we will respond. We need to stop and really look at the world around us and marvel at its beauty and complexity. Now that we are on the other side of the pandemic, we can touch again. Take the time to shake hands, hug, and put your arm around those closest to you.

And when you go to church, take time to really listen to the prayers that are offered. Give your heart to singing the praises of God regardless of whether you are on pitch or not. Engage your mind fully as the Scripture is read and wait with expectation for God to speak to you as His Word is proclaimed.

Take time to engage in wonder that God loves us so much that he gave us his most precious gift, at great cost to himself. Take the time to do “nothing,” and see if you don’t discover “the very best something.”

Dr. Alan Hix is Professor of Christian Studies at Shorter University. In addition to being and educator, he has served churches as a pastor, been involved in mission trips to Africa, Canada, and Alaska, and participated in archaeological excavations in Israel for several years.

A New Life is Here for You!

Let Go

by Erin Clay

Life is hard, messy, and sometimes discouraging. Many times, it is of my own doing, but I couldn’t imagine going through life without being able to pray and ask God for guidance, help, and comfort. I constantly pray that I am in God’s will and that I am doing what He wants me to. I don’t always understand why He has me in places at times, but He sees the big picture, while I can only see what He allows me to. I also know that when I am discouraged, He encourages me.

I think we all get discouraged at times in our lives. As a wife, mother, daughter, and human being, I get discouraged. I get discouraged by little things and big things alike. It seems like it never fails that when I get discouraged, God sends someone (unaware) to encourage me. I know it is the work of God because it is always the most random encounter. It can be from someone I know or someone I have never met before. Many times when I feel like giving up on my dreams and goals, someone will come along and lift me up. On the flip side, it is also important to lift others up. In Hebrews 10:24-25, the writer says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” We all need encouragement.

I think that many times when I get discouraged, it is my own lack of trust in God. You see, God wants good things for us. Jesus said in John 10:10, “A thief

comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” This is a great Scripture to remember. When things are going so badly in life, you can remember that God wants you to have good things, and sometimes, that means painful changes.

Over the years, I have learned that when I completely give myself over to God’s will, He can do remarkable things in my life. He has removed friends from my life, helped me through a divorce, and brought my husband into my life. Letting go and letting God work has been one of the hardest lessons to learn and one of the biggest rewards. God wants good things for us, but we have to be willing to turn loose and acknowledge that He is in control.

My name is Erin Clay, and I am a wife, mom, and stepmom. My husband and I are Sunday school teachers at Calvary Baptist Church. I’ve lived my whole life in Rome, Georgia, and I own the travel blog titled “When In Rome, Georgia.”

Play and Your Child’s Brain

When children play−and we are talking “rough and tumble” play and/or play without adult direction−they are providing their brains with essential nourishment and stimulation and are encouraging the development of new brain connections.

by Deborah Shaw Lewis

Iwas sitting in the hallway at PALS, the mothers’ morning out at Trinity United Methodist Church where I am the director, when a speech therapist walked by after working with one of our children.

“Mary,” I said, “PALS is buying some new equipment.” I waved at the new wooden rocking boat I was assembling. “Do you have any suggestions for other new equipment we might look for?”

Mary made several suggestions, and then added: “Get a “sit-n-spin” for each class. When children swing on a swing or turn on a sit-n-spin, they are activating the language learning areas of the brain.”

Play activates the learning areas of the brain? Well, of course it does! I’ve known that since grad school in child development decades ago at the Erikson Institute in Chicago. Specific types of play stimulate specific areas of the brain? That was a new idea for me.

That conversation started me on a search for what current research tells us about how active play affects a child’s brain and his or her process of learning.

And I have learned: "The experience of play changes the connections of the neurons at the front end of your brain," says Sergio Pellis, a researcher at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada. And for that to happen, the play should be free play: “No coaches, no umpires, no rule books” (npr.org - Scientists Say Child's Play Helps Build A Better Brain).

Playing with blocks improves a child’s math skills. Brain scans show that such play changes the way a child’s brain processes spatial information. And playing with Legos in preschool results in improved math scores in high school (Wolfgang et all 2001, 2003).

Play that involves moderate to vigorous movement feeds oxygen,

water, and glucose to the brain, optimizing its performance. That enhances and increases the number of neural pathways, the connections that send information through a brain (umkc. edu –The Importance of Outdoor-Play and Its Impact on Brain Development in Children).

Outdoor play and one-on-one engagement with infants’ exercises their brains develops their memory, and uses brain cells so that they are not discarded. That’s right, it is “use it or lose it” where your brain actually discards neurons that are rarely or never used. We experience “windows of opportunity”−times when children’s brains must be exercised so that they use and keep brain cells (umkc.edu).

Play (specifically “rough-and-tumble play”) increases levels of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), which is essential for brain growth (Huber et al 2007).

Nature determines how many neurons a baby is born with, but how the brain grows is the result of nurture (experience, i.e. play). At birth, a baby’s brain has 100 billion neurons (about twice as many as he needs) with 2,500 synapses per neuron. A child does not grow more neurons, but each neuron grows by developing more and more synapses (connections between neurons.) By age three, that child will have 15,000 synapses per neuron (Umaine.edu - Children and Brain Development: What We Know about How Children Learn).

Children learn through their senses. Outdoor play involves all five senses, enriching the brain development. When children use television/video games/computers to learn, only two senses are involved and may affect their perception of the world (umkc.edu).

Play truly plays a crucial role in a child’s brain development. So get your children out in the backyard and let them play.

Deborah Shaw Lewis is author of 20 plus books—including Motherhood Stress and Gifted Hands: the Ben Carson Story, kids’ edition−and director of PALS, the mothers morning-out at Trinity United Methodist Church in Rome, GA.

AdventHealth Medical Group

Cardiology Coming July 2023

The Cardiologists You Know in the Community You Love

Residents of Northwest Georgia can easily access expert heart care provided by AdventHealth Medical Group’s elite cardiology specialists that you know and love. AdventHealth Medical Group is pleased to announce the opening of three new locations:

Cardiology at Rome

7 John Maddox Drive NW Rome, GA 30165

Cardiac Electrophysiology at Rome

100 John Maddox Drive NW Rome, GA 30165

Cardiology at Calhoun

109 Hospital Drive Calhoun, GA 30701

Learn More: GeorgiaHeartExperts.com

Schedule an Appointment: 706-237-9451

Your Cardiology Team

Chris Merritt, MD

Robert Styperek, MD, FHRS, FACC

Himanshu Patel, MD

Spencer Maddox, MD

Charles F. Jackson, III, MD

Andrew McCue, MD

Kipp Slicker, DO, FACC

G. Hunter Myers, MD

G. Justin Tanner, MD J. Michael Ware, MD, FACC

A Single Christian

by Chad Penny

Being single is sometimes difficult. Many of us have found ourselves single again through a marriage breakdown or the death of a spouse. Sometimes we don’t find the one person God has planned for us until later in life. But again, not everybody on earth is meant to get married. Some will stay single all their lives. So, can a single person be truly content?

for my life? There will come a time in your life when we want something so bad to happen, but nothing happens. We pray, study the Bible, and even ask our family and friends to help us pray, and still nothing.

Then the questions start popping up. We blame ourselves, and then we blame God. The answer is simple, we seek advice, but we don’t wait for the answer. We have to have the courage and obedience to trust Him. It’s easier said than done, but “in all things seek God first,” (Matthew 6:33). You will know when you’re on the right path when you feel peace instead of frustration and hope instead of despair.

Contentment in Jesus is not paralyzing, it can be energizing. It may be good to point out the issue of contentment and satisfaction. Paul tells us in Philippians to be happy in our fellowship with Jesus. Philippians 4:11 says, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”

We wonder what we can do about our situation. We ask God all kinds of questions about our future. The biggest and probably most asked question is the, how do I continue to have faith in God’s plan

You may be single, but you are definitely not alone. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” You have the greatest champion on your side cheering you on. Times of loneliness is a given. We all hope for a perfect world, but that is just our human nature. The only perfection comes in Heaven.

What we sometimes fail to understand is that these moments of loneliness are actually a gift. It’s an opportunity to get to know yourself and learn how strong we really are. A little loneliness goes a long way in creating a richer, deeper, more vibrant, and colorful person.

The Only Thing That Counts

by Chuck Cleveland

The Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 5, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love,” and I concluded God wanted me to trust Him in all areas of my life and to demonstrate His love to all those with whom He gives me a relationship.

I wondered, however, what would constitute such a demonstration, and so I began to ask people, “When someone was a special friend to you, what exactly did that person do on your behalf?” Almost invariably, those people cited instances when someone came alongside them when they were confronted with a sick child, a dying parent, the loss of a job, a broken relationship, or some other calamity. When asked if that friend offered advice on how to resolve the conflict, most said no.

In other words, the most meaningful acts of friendship consisted of “being there” for them in their times of turmoil. Does it not logically follow, then, that we who claim we want to love others into the Kingdom would seek opportunities to validate our message by being there for non-believers during their struggles?

I think it does, and here is how that worked out with my former work associate Craig (not his real name). Shortly before an annual regional meeting, I sensed I was supposed to share my faith with Craig, but there was no opportunity. Several months later, however, Craig’s world came apart when his wife discovered the affair he was having and confronted him about it.

Craig admitted the extra-marital involvement but sought to minimize the damage by lying about the woman’s identity and location, saying she was an office secretary hundreds of miles away rather than a woman nearby. Unfortunately for him, Craig’s wife called the secretary and learned of his double deceit. Worse yet, almost everyone in the organization knew of Craig’s indiscretions.

Shortly thereafter, I spoke with Craig by telephone, telling him that if he needed a friend with whom to talk, I would listen. With much gratitude, he accepted the offer.

Though hundreds of miles apart, we began an exchange about why he had the affair, how his marriage could be restored, and how he could be forgiven by God. It took a lot of calls and correspondence (as well as him reading the Bible I sent), but Craig eventually became a Christian. Furthermore, primarily through guidance provided by another work associate, he was able to save his marriage.

Expressing God’s healing love to those I know has become a high priority, and here are three things I try to practice:

1. Since everyone has a story, I want to listen well.

2. Since everyone has a desire for love and acceptance, I want to provide them more frequently.

3. Since everyone needs to know of the Father’s offer of forgiveness, I want to be a more effective ambassador of reconciliation.

How about you?

Chuck Cleveland lives in Newnan, GA and has written for three area magazines, as well as the local newspaper. He has been a Christian for over 50 years.

The Waiting Place

by Alison Nichols

Alongtime friend of mine and I recently connected over coffee. As the coffee mugs warmed our hands, the conversation warmed our hearts. The topics ranged from work to the weather until we finally landed on the subject of waiting. We both agreed that no matter your age or season of life, we all find ourselves in places of waiting. Waiting is unavoidable, uncomfortable, and literally unending. Whether waiting for food at a restaurant, the perfect job, or that special someone to finally come knocking, each situation comes with its own ups and downs.

seemed like a black hole of waiting. Unwanted heartache would haunt her as she saw classmates and co-workers moving forward, getting married, and having children. She remarked with tears in her eyes, “I remember asking, why am I here?” She revealed raw parts of her past when she talked of hurt and frustration towards our Heavenly Father. She felt He had left her in an impossible situation.

My friend spoke of her circumstances, and how she allowed them to completely steal her joy. She commented, “I authorized that season of waiting to harden my heart, rather than embracing each moment of life.” I reminded her that our Father can see the entire picture of our lives. Knowing that He holds all the pieces to our stories in His hand gives us hope—hope that He will come through. It may not look exactly how we expected, but however it turns out, we can know it will be what’s best.

As the conversation continued, my friend referred to a season of waiting she had walked through. She shared, “Ever since I was young, I prayed for my future husband. A few years back, I began writing him letters. I would usually write one or two a week. The few letters I started with have now grown into a thick stack. While each letter contains no name at the top, each one is prayer-filled and heartfelt.”

Leaning in, I listened carefully to her words. She mentioned times in her life when she felt “stuck” in what

If you find yourself staring at the clock wondering when this season will be over, I encourage you to lean in. Welcome the place where you are. If we walk through life bitter and constantly wishing each storm or situation away, we may just miss out on God using it for us to learn something new. He may just be setting the stage for a blessing. In the words of my favorite author, Mark Batterson, “You can never always sometimes tell.”

Regardless of how long you’ve been waiting, remember He is always faithful. In His Word, He promises us a hope and future, and when God says something, He will do it. Even though we don’t know what tomorrow holds, we can rest easy because we know who holds all our tomorrows.

Alison Nichols is an active member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Rome, Georgia. She loves vintage clothing, antique cameras, and spending time with her family.

Relationships

by Phil Wade

Relationships are the thing we most desire. Yet we so often find ourselves running from them. Why? From the world’s perspective: to need somebody else is a sign of weakness. For a man to ask another man for help is emasculation in the worst sense of the word. Also, there is the trust we lose when we have placed our trust in people, only to have these people go and share everything we have asked them to hold with great confidentiality. Sometimes it seems that life would be much easier if we just left out the relationship component. However, we know that what is easy is not always what is best.

We were created for relationships. Primarily, we were made for a relationship with Jesus. Then we were made to be in relationships with others. Whether a child, a high school student, college student, single, married, middle-aged, or seasoned adult, we were all created for relationships.

Once I discovered my motivational gifts and began putting them to work in everyday life in serving others, I began experiencing the power of investing in others. One of the most valuable things I have learned in life is that investing in others brings far greater joy than self-indulgence. Investing in others brings far more opportunities for relationships with others than does spending all your time focused on yourself.

The Reward of Investment

Several years ago, God opened the door of opportunity for Keli and me to serve as character coaches for the men’s and women’s basketball teams at Berry College in Rome, Georgia. This opportunity overwhelmed me with excitement as I draw energy from being with like-minded people. Not that I knew much about basketball, but I loved sports, competition, and being with people. I was aware this opportunity to build relationships would cost us a great deal of time and energy. However, it would be a great investment for us personally and for the Kingdom. Never in a million years would we have imagined what God was preparing to do in and through our investment at the collegiate level.

One thing I discovered was that relationships are built via the ministry of presence. In order to build and grow relationships, time must be spent with the people you wish to reach. Time spent while serving builds trust that creates and strengthens relationships.

Prior to this opportunity to serve Berry athletics, we at Northside were reaching few college students, at best. Since this opportunity began, we have seen Bible studies launch with coaches, students, trainers, and student athletes. We have seen atheist come to faith in Christ; people who have been in church all their lives surrendering to God; students serving in ministry and internships; not to mention people from all denominations:

(1) becoming unified in the essentials—things of top priority; (2) finding freedom from the nonessentials—things of lesser priority; and (3) showing unconditional love in all things. We have baptized students. We have students leading other students to Christ. We are seeing more people who

are joining hands and building community than any other time in the life of our ministry. Sounds kind of like how Jesus describes the church, does not it?

• Is it hard, taxing, exhausting work? Without a doubt.

• Does it take a lot of time? Absolutely.

• Is that what God has called us to? You betcha.

• Does it bring about joy unspeakable? Certainly.

• Does it bring God glory? Heavens, yes!

The relationships we have built are far more valuable to us than anything we could bring to them. These are relationships that will not just last for a lifetime but for an eternity. I long for these relationships. I need these relationships. We all are richer as a result of these relationships.

Time

If you are like most people whom I talk to about going all in with relationship-building, then right about now you are asking yourself, “When in the world will I have time?” Great question! God has given every person the same amount of time: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. God also gave each person the power to choose how they would use this time.

My “life word” is intentional. My life verse is Matthew 6:33: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” My motivational gift is the gift of exhortation, teaching and leading. It is this life verse, life word, and my purpose statement which is, “To develop godly leaders, encouraging them to live life beyond themselves,” that set my daily agenda. I believe with every fiber of my being that when we identify how God created us and surrender to the purpose for which He wants to use us, we then become passionate about living out our purpose. Time is no longer as big an issue as I found it once to be. Do not get me wrong. My calendar is always full, and I often struggle to get it all in. However, the difference is my calendar is packed with building relationships while operating in my gifts.

Pastor Phil Wade and his wife Keli have two children and five grandchildren. His passion in returning to Rome is to give back to Rome the investment they made in him as he served as lead Pastor of Northside Church since 2012.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE, JUDE 1:22

Eradicating poverty involves an integrated approach, which Community Share Ministries is committed to providing for our local communities. It isn't enough to simply provide food and clothing to people during difficult times, but is essential to tackle all of the core issues impacting families. We believe in doing our part to make the world a better place for all within our community and the communities surrounding. We do this through feeding, clothing, and housing people in need. We exist to make a difference. helpcommunityshare.com

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Greenway Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Rome, Georgia, is enthusiastic