14 Expanding Programs, Growing Career Opportunities
COMMUNITY
22 Improving Service Through Technology
28 Stockbridge Safe Driving Initiative
32 A Ministry Is Born
PROFILES
34 Hearing the Call to Coach
40 Call to Serve Others
42 ‘A Guiding Light’
ON THE COVER
PUBLISHER & PHOTOGRAPHER
Michie Turpin
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Michelle Nunnally
EDITOR
Monroe Roark
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Scott Tredeau
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Mike Boylan
Michelle Floyd
Nicola Kelly
Delaney T. Kirby
Rev. George P. Lanier
Erin Lopez
Monroe Roark
Savannah Schofield
JM Sylver
We Are Henry Magazine is published quarterly. All contents are copyrighted by We Are Henry, LLC. Reproduction, in whole or part, without permission is prohibited. We Are Henry, LLC. reserves liability in error to a printed correction. We want to hear from you—call or click today. 678-770-0731, michieturpin@gmail.com facebook.com/wearehenry instagram.com/wearehenry
As Spring breathes new life into the world, the sight of cardinals perched on budding branches reminds us of lives no longer here. The bird’s melodic calls, gentle and familiar, are whispers from past time, a comforting reminiscence of those who are no longer walking with us will always linger with us. Maybe we feel them through the sun’s rays kissing our face, or the wind tousling our hair, or a beautiful red cardinal sitting on a bird feeder. Spring, with its promise of renewal, feels like a perfect moment for such visits, as if nature itself is handing us a brief, joyful yet heartstring reminder of those we hold dear, even after they’ve passed.
EMBRACING THE WORLD
Creekside Christian Academy’s thriving international student program.
Now in its third year, Creekside’s International Student Program is thriving under the dedicated leadership of Rebecca Clark, the International Student Program Director. With over 20 years of experience working with international students, Clark brings both expertise and passion to the program, ensuring its continued success.
From its inception, the International Student Program at Creekside has been guided by a clear mission: to create a globally enriched environment while maintaining the core values and culture of the academy. The Great Commission serves as the guiding principle behind Creekside Christian Academy’s International Student Program. Rooted in Matthew 28:19, the program provides academic excellence while also equipping students with a strong biblical foundation.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19, ESV).
As students come to Creekside, they are immersed in an environment that fosters spiritual growth, allowing them to deepen their faith and understanding of God’s love. While some international students arrive with a firm Christian background, others may have only a foundational knowledge of Christianity. Creekside takes this opportunity to introduce them to the transformative power of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. By instilling these values, the academy empowers students to carry the message of God’s
grace back to their home countries, becoming beacons of faith and discipleship in their own communities. Through intentional mentorship, discipleship, and exposure to Christian teachings, Creekside is shaping the next generation of global leaders who will share the Gospel and impact lives beyond the classroom.
The growth of the program has been steady and intentional. Currently, nearly 20 international students are enrolled, and Creekside has welcomed students from nine different countries over the past three years. Prior to the establishment of the program at Creekside, Clark worked with students from 21 countries, demonstrating the breadth of her experience in global student engagement. What sets Creekside apart is its deliberate approach to fostering a diverse international community. Rather than concentrating students from a single country, the program ensures a balanced mix of nationalities, creating a dynamic learning environment that benefits everyone involved.
Equally important is Creekside’s commitment to maintaining a balanced school culture. The academy is intentional about keeping international student enrollment at no more than 10% of the total student body. This approach ensures Creekside students gain valuable global exposure while the fundamental identity of the school remains intact. The goal is to enhance the educational experience by providing a global perspective to both local and international students.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 28:19,
ESV
(L-R) BECKY CLARK (INTERNATIONAL
PROGRAM COORDINATOR),
HANI, SEOYOON, SERYEONG, HAEUN, OUNKHAM, YUNSEO, LAEYOON, MINH THU, JIHYUN, CHAERA, DR. RODNEY CLARK (CREEKSIDE HEAD OF SCHOOL), VI, JUWON, WOOJUN, MIA-ROSE, DOMINIK, MINCHAN, THAO, AN, HOST FAMILIES: KEN AND LISA STILL , CRYSTAL HILDRETH, JOANNA PRILLHART
Beyond the classroom, Creekside provides international students with enriching educational experiences that immerse them in American culture and history. Our international middle school students have the incredible opportunity to participate in the History Road Trip over spring break. This journey takes them to Washington, D.C., where they visit landmarks such as the Museum of the Bible, the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court, the Holocaust Museum, several of the Smithsonian Institutes, Ford’s Theatre, Mount Vernon, and many of the national monuments. Along the way, they explore Civil War and Revolutionary War battlegrounds and visit Monticello. Experiencing these historic sites firsthand deepens their understanding of the lessons they learn in the classroom and offers them a real-life experience of our nation’s history.
In addition to academic trips, Creekside ensures international students have opportunities for fun and recreation. In the fall, students embark on a trip to Disney World, allowing them to create lasting memories while enjoying thrilling rides and immersive attractions. Furthermore, many of our international students have taken part in local excursions, including attending an Atlanta Braves game, visiting the Georgia Aquarium, and hiking up Stone Mountain. These experiences help students build friendships and enrich their time in the United States.
Among our international students, several have distinguished themselves in their respective areas of interest. Dominic, a senior
from Slovakia, has demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial skills. As a result, he is collaborating with faculty members to engage in STEM and business-related initiatives to further his ambitions. This semester, Dominic, along with other Creekside students, will travel to Grand Canyon University to participate in an international STEM and business competition. Another student, Minchan, a junior in his second year at Creekside, has pursued his passion for music as a percussionist in the school band. His dedication to drumming has led him to participate in various band competitions and concerts. Additionally, Minchan has embraced athletics, joining both the soccer and football teams, which has greatly facilitated his integration into the Creekside community. Several of our international students also showcase remarkable artistic talent, excelling in drawing and other creative endeavors under the guidance of our art program.
A vital component of the International Student Program is the network of host families who welcome students into their homes and provide a nurturing, faith-based environment. These dedicated families, both from within the school community and the surrounding area, commit to hosting students for durations ranging from one year to multiple years, sometimes until graduation. While the idea of opening one’s home to a student from another country may initially seem daunting, the experience has proven to be deeply rewarding. Over 90% of families who complete their initial hosting commitment choose to host again.
Hosting an international student is more than providing a place to stay; it is an opportunity to build lasting relationships, share cultural experiences, and extend the love of Christ. Host families integrate students into their daily lives, including them in family traditions, school events, and church activities. Many students maintain close bonds with their host families long after graduation, often returning for visits, and in some cases, host families have traveled abroad to visit their former students and their families.
To support host families throughout this journey, Creekside has developed a thorough onboarding process led by Clark, ensuring that families are well-prepared for the experience. Additionally, Clark provides continuous support to host families and students, ensuring a smooth transition and a positive experience for all involved.
International students at Creekside do more than excel in academics - they actively participate in a variety of extracurricular activities and clubs. Many students take part in STEM programs, band, art classes and competitions, chess club, robotics, and school musicals.
Athletics also play a significant role in the international student experience at Creekside. Students who meet the requirements to join a team are encouraged to participate in sports. Some of the sports our students have been involved with
this year are football, basketball, soccer, track and field, and golf. These opportunities not only foster teamwork and discipline but also provide a platform for cultural exchange and camaraderie among students.
As Creekside Christian Academy’s International Student Program continues to flourish, it remains a testament to the power of education, faith, and community. By offering students from around the world a Christian-based education in a welcoming and supportive environment, Creekside is not only preparing them for academic success but also equipping them with a strong foundation of faith and cross-cultural understanding. The program exemplifies how a school can embrace global diversity while staying true to its mission, ultimately making a lasting impact on the lives of all students - both international and domestic.
DOMINIC KELLY BERA, CCA WEST CAMPUS ART TEACHER, INSTRUCTS THREE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS.
MINCHAN
EXPANDING PROGRAMS, GROWING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Southern Crescent Technical College prepares students for changing job market.
by MONROE ROARK
Southern Crescent Technical College’s Henry County campus in McDonough is seeing widespread growth in a variety of fields, Students who wish to further their education at SCTC have dozens of categories to choose from.
One area that is seeing increased interest is mechatronics and industrial systems technology. Students in that department learn math, inspection, safety, quality, electrical systems, automation, mechanical systems, fluid systems, rigging and welding.
“Mechatronics is a combination of electrical, mechanical, electronics and electrical control, electromechanical control systems that are used heavily in industrial equipment,” said Dr. Mahmood Azhar, who heads up the department. “People who are experts in this area of education can get jobs as mechatronics technicians, where they are able to identify and troubleshoot and fix equipment that is used for controlling the industry systems like robots and other things.”
The program in its present form is relatively new, although various aspects have been around for quite some time, according to Dr. Azhar, who has been at SCTC for four years.
“It is an area of education in which you can say the individual pieces were there, but the integration of all of these different types of technologies into a system as well as a component level is something which is recent.”
The mechatronics program has been in operation at SCTC for nearly a decade, and it is now offered at most technical colleges around the country.
“They realize that engineers and technicians who are familiar with the complete system are more important to employ rather than just individuals, because everything is now integrated into electrical, electronic systems, wireless communication, Wi-Fi, internet and everything is all together,” said Dr. Azhar.
DR. MAHMOOD AZHAR
“So, a person who is familiar with all these areas of technology is going to be a great asset for companies. Almost 90 percent of the colleges around the country now have this program.”
Students can choose from several options that include a small certification program up to a four-year degree. Once the course of study is complete, there is no shortage of Georgia companies looking to hire qualified applicants in this field.
“We are seeing many new companies coming into existence which are specifically in some ways dealing with transportation of a variety of different products. They have sorting stations,
they have conveyor belt systems, they have control stations where they sort and redirect the pieces of mail and equipment toward different directions in the country,” said Dr. Azhar. “So big trucks come in and out, and there are all sorts of automated equipment that works in sync – to collect and sort things that go into different trucks traveling in different directions.”
The demand for technicians who are proficient in electrical, mechanical and other areas is continuing to grow, especially as manufacturing plants upgrade their equipment and add newer technologies.
“Then they need a mechatronics expert,” said Dr. Azhar, who added that he expects the need to continue to grow as technology keeps improving, saving companies money in the long run.
Another department at SCTC that is gaining in popularity –and will be in demand as long as people drive vehicles – is automotive technology. Seth Massey is a full-time instructor at the Henry County campus, and a part-time instructor was added recently because of the need.
“It is growing so much,” Massey said of the program. “When I started here in October of 2023, I had eight students. Now there are 45 students here on campus.”
As one might expect, the automotive technology program covers virtually everything involving repair and maintenance of a vehicle.
“I tell everybody, ‘From bumper to bumper, sunroof to tires,’” said Massey. “Transmissions, electrical, air conditioning, brakes, steering and suspension, stuff like that.”
Students of all ages are training at the facility so they can get into this career field. Massey’s youngest student right now is a 16-year-old who is dual-enrolled while still in high school, and the oldest in the class is in his 50s.
There are six different certificate programs at SCTC in automotive technology, including an entry-level automotive fundamentals program and an associate’s degree program. A student can attend from two to five semesters depending on the kind of degree or certificate that is desired. The associate’s degree can be obtained in a year and a half.
“My job here is to get them in, get them trained, get them out, and get them a job,” said Massey.
The school helps with placement for these graduates, with contacts at large automotive dealerships and smaller momand-pop repair shops around the region. Currently there is an apprenticeship program in Henry County’s facilities maintenance and fleet department that only accepts SCTC students.
The automotive industry is constantly changing, especially with the implementation of computer technology, and instructors as well as students at SCTC have to stay on top of the latest developments. But they are keeping up to date on vehicles from all eras.
“We don’t just work on brand-new vehicles,” said Massey. “Right now, I have a 1967 Ford Ranger, a 1965 Chevrolet Nova, and a 1975 Chevrolet pickup truck out here. I teach them the old stuff and the new stuff.”
More information about mechatronics, automotive technology and any of the other fields of study at Southern Crescent Technical College can be found at sctech.edu.
“My job here is to get them in, get them trained, get them out, and get them a job.”
Seth Massey
SETH MASSEY
Dogs
The everyday heroes who make life better.
by PETO FALLAS
On my recent trip to Mazamitla, Mexico running into the universal behavior of the most loyal companionship was no exception, and I had my camera to record it.
Whenever I travel internationally, I always take the time to observe the behavior of dogs. It’s fascinating to see how they interact with people, and their surroundings. One stared at me through a balcony, another one protected the child outside the family business, and one waited patiently outside the restaurant hoping I had leftovers for him. No matter where I go, dogs always tell a unique story about the place and its people. Is there a bigger celebration than that of a dog when his master gets home?
No matter where you go, what kind of day you’re having, or how long you’ve been away, a dog will always be there, tail wagging, heart full of love.
Dogs don’t ask for much in return. A pat on the head, a warm place to sleep, a bit of food, and they will give you
everything. They will walk beside you on your best days and stay close when times are tough. Some say they can even sense when you’re sad, pressing their nose into your hand as if to say, I’m here.
History is filled with stories of dogs who never left their owner’s side, waiting for them even when they were long gone. And in everyday life, countless people wake up each morning to a loyal friend who greets them like they’ve been apart for years, even if they just stepped out for five minutes.
A dog’s love is simple but powerful. It’s a reminder that true friendship isn’t about words - it’s about presence, trust, and a bond that never breaks.
Dr. Jane Goodall, the world-renowned primatologist and conservationist, has stated that her favorite animal is the dog because of their loyalty and love towards humans while chimpanzees are too much like people, so some of them are not nice at all.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: PETO FALLAS
“Is there a bigger celebration than that of a dog when his master gets home?”
Peto Fallas
Improving Service through Technology
Henry County Fire Rescue launches two new programs to better serve the community.
by MONROE ROARK
A couple of big changes in recent months are expected to lead to great improvement in Henry County Fire Rescue’s service to local residents.
For several months, personnel in all ambulances and paramedic quick-response vehicles have been wearing body cameras similar to what local police officers wear in the field. Footage on the HCFR cameras is used strictly for review by officials to improve service.
“They are fairly new for us and new for the state,” said deputy chief Billy Petite. “We were the first in the state of Georgia to implement the system. We only use this video footage for our continuing quality improvement process.”
The setup consists of a cell phone that is connected to a cloud-based, HIPAA-protected app. By law the video is protected by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), the federal law which protects patients’ private medical information. The policy and protocol governing Henry County Fire Rescue’s use of the system is information that is always available to the public.
Another recent development is the department’s change to a new telemedicine provider, RightSite, which can help patients right where they are before they are transported to any kind of medical facility.
“This is huge for us. It is a game changer for the community,” said Petite. “We are making sure we get the right services to the right patient at the right time.”
The RightSite system allows a 911 dispatcher to connect a caller with a board-certified emergency room physician if so desired.
“Our dispatcher can forward the call to RightSite and they will speak with a doctor who can set them up with a prescription, an urgent care appointment or a primary care appointment,” said Petite. “Then they can have medications actually delivered to them, just like Uber Eats. If their baby needs Tylenol, they will send Tylenol to them.”
This service can also be utilized by emergency personnel on a call. “We can use either the patient’s mobile device or our own mobile device or even our laptops, and we will set up a telehealth visit for them,” according to Petite.
This comes in particularly handy for what officials call “low-acuity calls,” which are non-urgent types of calls for which most people would not call 911. But nearly 80 percent of EMS calls in Henry County are low-acuity calls.
A key component of the RightSite system is its availability to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. “It doesn’t matter whether they’re insured or uninsured,” said Petite.
“They will get treated the same.”
Henry County Fire Rescue will continue to look for cuttingedge technological options that can help its personnel provide better service.
“ We are making sure we get the right services to the right patient at the right time.”
Deputy Chief Billy Petite
SCULPTmed Aesthetics
Care for women - body and skin
At SCULPTmed Aesthetics you will find services ranging from cosmetic treatments to gynecological health procedures – all offered with the expertise of a physician’s office. SCULPTmed Aesthetics provides solutions for fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation (sunspots), skin laxity, loss of facial volume, laser hair removal, body toning/sculpting, pelvic floor issues and more.
“As gynecologists we understand women experience changes due to pregnancy, menopause, aging and weight fluctuations,” explains Shobha Rao, M.D., FACOG, FPMRS, president and senior managing partner of Eagles Landing OB/GYN. “We want to empower women’s wellness.”
SCULPTmed Aesthetics is a growing addition to Eagles Landing OB/GYN where the women of Henry County and the surrounding community can receive the latest in non-surgical treatments for toning the body and pelvic floor treatments.
“As a dual board-certified gynecologist focusing on female pelvic floor issues related to changes associated with aging skin as well as vaginal aging and childbirth, I believe the majority of women could benefit from VTONE and MORPHEUS8V offered at SCULPTmed Aesthetics,” says Dr. Rao.
VTONE is a non-surgical, highly effective treatment that helps to tone and train muscles of the pelvic floor allowing women increased urinary control, reduced bladder leakage and improved sexual sensation. VTONE treatments are offered in-office over a series of six to eight 30-minute treatments during a three-month period. Most women will experience optimal strengthening one to two weeks after their final treatment. Maintenance treatments are recommended annually.
MORPHEUS8V is an easy, minimally invasive, in-office procedure that combines micro needling techniques and radiofrequency energy to help promote collagen and elastin to restore and rejuvenate vaginal tissue. Together with VTONE, many women can treat their urinary incontinence without needing a bladder mesh surgery.
SCULPTmed Aesthetics services are also available to persons who want to restore a more youthful look to their skin and body or remove unwanted hair.
With InMode Evolve, women can shrink areas of stubborn body fat, tighten skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
InMode Evolve is a non-surgical, non-invasive, body contouring device that offers women a slimmer, tighter, more youthful look that can be accomplished with zero downtime.
Patients seeking face and body contouring may be interested in MORPHEUS8 or MORPHEUS8BODY. MORPHEUS8 stimulates the production of collagen in the deep layers of the skin, improving skin laxity around the chin and neck, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, minimizing lines, as well as tightening sagging skin without surgery. MORPHEUS8BODY works great for patients seeking treatment for thigh dimpling, loose upper arm skin and sagging abdominal, back, and jaw tissue. If age spots, sun damage, vascular lesions, rosacea and freckles are areas of concern, SCULPTmed Aesthetics offers Lumecca. With Lumecca, patients can experience improvement in skin discoloration related to vascular and pigmented lesions. While Lumecca can be used to treat all areas of the body, common areas for treatment include the face, neck, legs, hands and arms.
At SCULPTmed Aesthetics women who no longer want to spend their time shaving, plucking, or waxing unwanted hair can undergo the quick, efficient laser hair removal treatment provided by the InMode Laser Diolaze. This advanced method of laser hair removal penetrates the root of the hair, heating it and preventing future hair from growing. Patients can target hair on underarms, back, lip, face, neck, legs, arms, stomach, and bikini area.
Conveniently located in one location, Eagles Landing OB/ GYN and SCULPTmed Aesthetics are committed to providing innovative health solutions to women. Our team is ready to help you achieve your desired wellness and beauty goals. Visit eagleslandingobgyn.com to learn more about all of our state-ofthe-art treatments offered at SCULPTmed Aesthetics.
Eagles Landing OB/GYN and SCUPLTmed Aesthetics
3333 Jodeco Road, Suite D McDonough, Ga 30253
770-474-1919
www.eagleslandingobgyn.com
Monday through Friday
8 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
“ We want to empower women’s wellness.”
Dr. Shobha Rao
(L TO R) SUSAN BAILEY CNP AND DR. SHOBHA RAO M.D, FACOG, URPS
STOCKBRIDGE
SAFE DRIVING INITIATIVE
Working together for a safer community.
by MICHELLE FLOYD
With the number of people injured in traffic collisions each year in Stockbridge in the hundreds, the Stockbridge Police Department hopes to continue to reduce traffic accidents. The department has launched a traffic safety campaign to target distracted driving, reckless driving, driving under the influence and speeding - the four leading causes of traffic accidents in Georgia.
“Our city has grown rapidly, and with that growth, we’ve seen a significant rise in traffic accidents, particularly along Interstate 75,” said Stockbridge Police Chief Frank Trammer, who helped launch the department in July 2022. “We are committed to reducing these numbers through a strategic, data-driven approach that prioritizes enforcement where it’s needed most while educating the public on safe driving practices.”
Team members from the department’s 86 employees, including 67 sworn officers, are conducting traffic studies, analyzing data and targeting locations where they see the most collisions in the city’s 14 square miles. They also are launching videos and flyers, holding educational sessions and building community relationships to help aid their plan.
“This isn’t about issuing citations indiscriminately,” emphasized Trammer, who previously worked in Atlanta and Sandy Springs and at the Georgia Institute of Technology over the last 25 years. “It’s about strategic enforcement—identifying problem areas and addressing the root causes of these accidents. The goal is to reduce, eliminate, or mitigate these risks, ultimately making our roads safer.”
They plan to hold safe driver town halls and have organized a 12-person advisory council representing different parts of the community to meet with the Chief each month.
“(The council) has exposed me to Chief Trammer’s established policies and procedures resulting in both qualified and respectful officers that interact with the public daily,” says member Judy Neal, who has helped distribute flyers and videos. “Also, serving has given me the opportunity, on behalf of the police department, to create a Safe Driving Movement.”
The department has implemented traffic cameras in school zones and continues to coordinate with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety on different initiatives and partnerships.
“We as a department want to partner with our community to keep it safe,” Trammer said, adding that it’s similar to how they look at crime rates and repeat issues. “It’s a community-wide effort — the more eyes we have out there, the better we can respond to situations.”
The department also is implementing a community feedback survey on its website and social media to respond to concerns of the community.
“While we rely on data and reports to identify trends and concerns, community input is essential in helping us address issues that may not always be reflected in the numbers,” said Trammer, adding that quality-of-life issues like traffic are something he and his team are addressing to keep the community safe. “We are committed to strengthening our feedback mechanisms to ensure residents have an easy way to share concerns with us.”
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“It’s about strategic enforcement—identifying problem areas and addressing the root causes of these accidents.”
Chief Frank Trammer
A
A MINISTRY IS BORN
“feeling of Christ in this place” turns into a decade of mission work.
by DELANEY T. KIRBY
In 2013 Pat Hembree took his son Chase to Uganda on a mission trip where the two would work at 15 orphanages. One orphanage in particular gave Pat the feeling that Christ was in this placeso much so he and Chase came home ready to focus their ministry on this specific area of Uganda.
Two years later, the Hembree family, including wife and mom Jennifer, returned to Uganda and immediately felt the need for a school and home for the children who were living and learning in mud huts.
Still, Jennifer was led to do more. She asked what the biggest struggle was for the children. The answer, overwhelmingly, was starvation. All the children ate was posho, which is ground up corn with some added water and even dirt. The children at the orphanage were so hungry, but the posho was all they had. The Lord used the Hembrees to change that.
The family started Legacies & Miracles, Inc., proclaiming the Gospel for God’s Purpose & Glory. As the Hembrees surpass a decade of this mission, there is an abundance to celebrate. The once mud hut orphanage now has school buildings and dorms for the students, creating safe havens for them to learn and live. The school just added a home for babies which brings the number of children, infant to 7th grade, to nearly 400. Most children live at the orphanage, but some do walk from their homes to attend school. The children, who once slept on dirt floors, now have beds. The ministry has built homes for the hard-working teachers as well as 11 churches in the surrounding areas.
When Jennifer turned her focus within the ministry to nutrition, she started with the parable of pumpkin. She told of how God created us and shared the Gospel with the people of Uganda.
She then helped plant pumpkin seeds. The school now has a garden of pumpkins, watermelons, potatoes, sweet potatoes, avocado, banana groves, and newly added carrots. The ministries that followed include agricultural, latrine, electricity (solar panel donation), pharmacy, worship (guitar, singing), library, and sewing. Not only do these ministries now exist for this Christian school and its surrounding area, other ministry volunteers travel to the area to share their skills, training the Uganda people to be “self-sustaining and develop a livelihood.” An example of this is nurses who train the women in the community how to assist with childbirth.
This is all done by faith, people hear of a need and are willing to give monetarily or physically. The Hembree family’s prayer has always been that “God would do something so great, only he would get the credit for it,” explains Jennifer.
The next trip to Uganda is in November. The goal is for Next Generation Discipleship.
“We love to develop leaders,” says Jennifer.
This mission work has transformed so many people in Uganda and here. It impacts those who go; people come back changed. Volunteers see what it takes to live everyday just to meet basic needs, such as getting water from the well.
As Jennifer and I were coming to the end of our interview, she mentioned the need for educational teacher resourcesteaching books, classroom wall decorations and children’s books for the school and library. As a teacher, I felt led to help make this happen for this Ugandan school, so I will be helping lead this effort.
Just another “God story” as Jennifer would say.
“God would do something so great, only he would get the credit for it.”
The Hembrees
COACH HEARING THE CALL TO
The inspiring story of Todd Raleigh,
Strong Rock’s
new assistant baseball coach.
by SAVANNAH SCHOFIELD
Strong Rock Christian School recently brought aboard an experienced coach, doting father, and husband, who has an incredibly inspiring story. Todd Raleigh, who previously coached at several institutions, including the University of Tennessee, has joined Strong Rock as its new Assistant Baseball Coach.
Throughout his entire life, Raleigh has been completely surrounded by the sport of baseball. As a child, Raleigh recalls accompanying his father to Little League games, where he coached his older brothers. Raleigh states that he “doesn’t know anything different;” baseball is an intrinsic part of who he is, and this passion runs in his blood.
The Raleigh family’s connection to baseball is quite wellknown; recently, a movie was made in honor of their influential lives. “The Home of Raleigh” was released in November of 2024, and this film was created in order to show the world the story of the Raleigh family, especially John and Cal Raleigh.
John Raleigh was an immensely impactful baseball player, setting records and winning state championships throughout his high school and college career. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his amazing accomplishments, and the passion and talent John Raleigh carried in life continues to inspire people to this day.
Driven by his passion for the sport, along with the passion of his family members, Raleigh began to coach baseball. His first assistant coaching position was in 1992, at the University of Vermont, where Raleigh set a record for the school’s most wins in a season. After several more years of experience, in 2007 Raleigh took on the role of Head Baseball Coach at the
University of Tennessee, where he remained until 2011. During his time in this position, Raleigh had a total of twelve players drafted into MLB, and “his teams finished third or better in their respective leagues twelve times.” In 2008, during Raleigh’s first full season as head coach, the team ranked as the fifth-highest number of home runs in the college’s history – they made 67 home runs in 58 games.
This experience, according to Raleigh, has provided him with a multitude of different perspectives. Being able to coach kids at both the high school and college levels allowed Raleigh to see the differences in the players’ experiences, and he could then adapt his coaching techniques to better suit each player. Throughout his extensive career, he has seen “over 100 players make it into professional baseball;” seeing players develop their talents with the assistance of his coaching makes a sense of accomplishment bloom.
Raleigh explained that his time coaching at previous institutions was quite dissimilar to what he has experienced so far at Strong Rock, but he loves being a part of this new family nonetheless. According to him, coaching at this level is different, but at the same time, it is still the same. The goal of coaching,
for Raleigh, has always been “to make the students better players, better students, and better people.” This can be said for both college students and high school students; both types of players must focus on balancing different aspects of their lives, which helps them get ready for the future. By improving their strength on the field and stressing the importance of balancing sports with schoolwork, Raleigh intends to prepare these players for life throughout college and even beyond. When asked about his goals for this baseball season, Raleigh said he would love to win a state championship, but much more important than that, his main goal is to help these students grow and improve as people. He states, “You can work hard and be godly and still be a good baseball player;” focusing on their classes and living a godly-life ties together to create an amazing athlete.
At the end of the day, Todd Raleigh says that it is his family that makes every moment worth it. He is incredibly proud of his children’s accomplishments, and he expresses that the legacy he wants to leave is about his family and his kids. His oldest son is Cal, a major league baseball player who was one of the focuses in “The Home of Raleigh”. Cal Raleigh has achieved many things within his career thus far; in the first four years of his
“[My goal as a coach] is to make the students better players, better students, and better people.”
Todd Raleigh
career, Cal broke the record for the most home runs from a catcher in MLB history. One of his daughters is in dental school, the other plays volleyball, and his youngest son is currently enrolled in Strong Rock, playing baseball and being coached by his dad. The people who know Raleigh personally are able to rely on his loyalty and dedication.
When I spoke to Todd Eubanks, the head baseball coach at Strong Rock, he spoke very highly about Raleigh and the experience he has had with the fellow coach so far. Eubanks and Raleigh have only been working together for a short time, but Eubanks explained that he has already seen great things from his assistant coach. During the off-season, Raleigh has been helping the players gain strength before the upcoming games. Eubanks states that he has witnessed a “significant improvement in the players’ arm strengths, and the players themselves are very excited about the improvements they have seen.” Their personalities also work together well; according to Eubanks, Raleigh has a great sense of humor, but at the same time, he knows when to focus and get things accomplished. By working together and learning from each other’s experiences in life and in coaching, Eubanks and Raleigh aim to make this season the greatest Strong Rock season yet.
“If I feel God leading me, I try to answer the call, whether praying for someone or figuring out how to help others.”
Caden Mirocha
Call to Serve Others
A mission to meet basic needs.
by DELANEY T. KIRBY
Last year Caden Mirocha, who is a senior and 2025 Class Chaplain at Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy, went with his church, Salem Baptist, to do mission work in Honduras. While there he realized that basic supplies are lacking in the towns, schools, and villages. He and others who were on this mission trip gave the people items they had brought with them for personal use, but the people of Honduras needed more. Mirocha came home from this mission trip with ideas and goals in mind.
Mirocha met with leaders at Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy, class officers, and his church and felt he was called to help get personal items to the people of Honduras. From this meeting “Hygiene for Honduras” was created.
“When I felt something in my heart in the past, I had put it off, but now if I feel God leading me, I try to answer the call, whether praying for someone or figuring out how to help others,” explains Mirocha.
In preparation for Mirocha’s church’s return to Honduras, he began collecting donations sent in from students and faculty at Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy.
Mirocha definitely has a servant’s heart.
“We were never promised an easy path when we are called to make disciples go out and serve with a heart that gives all glory to God,” reminds Mirocha.
I didn’t think I could do something like this, but I had the passion and support. He gives the credit to God, and he feels so many students and adults have helped him make this idea a reality.
Mirocha is a very humble young man who seems to be just getting started with his passion to serve.
Images that stick with him from Honduras are the kids are happy there - even though they lack so much of what we think is important. It made him appreciate even more what he has been given.
Upon his return to Honduras, in which his father joined him this year, he was able to distribute the items collected. In total, all the hygiene items filled 15 bags of luggage.
Mirocha will be attending the University of North Georgia in the fall with a major in business. His gift of stewardship is evident in his life. He also loves being outdoors and spending time with family and friends. As Amy Steele, a fellow church member who traveled with Mirocha to Honduras said, “He has a heart for others that inspires those around him, whether it be passing out hygiene bags, painting a ceiling in the school, or leading worship in the Honduran churches.”
‘A GUIDING LIGHT’
Henry County Schools Teacher of the Year inspires student success in the arts.
by NICOLA KELLY
Ms. Neal is “comforting,” “inspiring,” “wonderful,” “encouraging,” “caring,” “trustworthy,” “like a mother,” “brilliant.” Students in Brandi Neal’s choral class at McDonough High School (MHS) shared these heartfelt sentiments, underscoring her transformative and impactful teaching style.
Neal joined MHS in 2022 as director of choral and piano studies, quickly amassing an impressive list of accomplishments.
She was named Henry County Schools (HCS) 2024 Teacher of the Year last October for her achievements and efforts to
promote, strengthen, and expand fine arts programming at MHS, enrich the school culture, and ensure students have access to opportunities to develop their talents.
Under her guidance, MHS has garnered numerous accolades, including Superior and Excellent ratings at Georgia Music Educators Association Large Group Performance Evaluations.
The Warhawk Singers received straight golds at the 2024 Southern Star Music Festival and won MHS’s first Georgia High School Association Literary Regional Championship (Quartet). They were also selected as HCS’ first Governor’s Honors Program finalists in fine arts and have earned more than $300,000 in music scholarships.
Neal’s expertise and extraordinary talent for unlocking potential and cultivating excellence have resulted in her ensembles performing at prestigious local and national events.
“Miss Neal is a visionary teacher and leader whose impact resonates throughout the school community,” said MHS Principal Monica Blasingame. “Her ability to inspire a love for the fine arts goes beyond teaching technical skills to nurturing students’ confidence, creativity, and self-expression.”
Neal’s engaged learning and positive reinforcement techniques ensure students enjoy classes and appreciate the dedication required to excel. She believes in nurturing competencies such as leadership and collaboration through fine arts and emphasizes the role of the arts in developing well-rounded students.
“The arts are essential, not just as a subject but as a pathway to life skills.”
Brandi Neal
“The arts are essential, not just as a subject but as a pathway to life skills,” Neal said. “Watching my students grow into confident, capable individuals is the greatest reward I could ask for. Seeing them excel, secure scholarships, and realize their potential reaffirms the significance of our work as educators and is the driving force behind my dedication and passion.”
Neal is also MHS’s head swim coach, Fine Arts Department chair, Multi-Tiered System of Supports co-chair, literary coach, MHS Coaching Cohort member, and HCS High School Chorus lead. She is a member of the HCS Fine Arts Support Team and was recently selected for the district’s A.S.P.I.R.E. leadership development program. Last year, she received the Georgia Department of Education Certificate
of Recognition and Appreciation for Outstanding Commitment to Students.
Beyond the school district, Neal’s roles include chartering president of the South Atlanta Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity, church music director, and music director and performer with The Henry Players.
“I want to be like those teachers who pushed me, who did not accept OK or good enough,” Neal said. “I want to be that guiding light for my students.”
A timeless adage likens a good teacher to a candle, “It consumes itself to light the way for others,”— a fitting depiction of Neal, who selflessly and tirelessly gives of herself as she nurtures and inspires others to strive for exceptional.
FINE ARTS TAKES CENTER STAGE
Community Christian School showcases its fine arts programs.
by JM SYLVER
“Our name defines who we are,” says Amy Davis, director of Fine Arts K-12 at Community Christian School (CCS). That is evident in CCS’s mission statement: “Community Christian School’s mission is to introduce students to Christ, to develop Christian character through academically challenging programs, and to build the next generation of dynamic leaders who will make a difference for Christ.” Community Christian School takes its mission very seriously. “We stand behind our mission,” says Davis.
Fine Arts at CCS is just one way the school is helping young minds expand. “We really get them introduced to the elements and principles of art,” says Ashley Terrell, visual arts teacher K-12 at Community Christian School. “It helps them develop academically,” says Davis. Students aren’t just coloring in art class. “Fine Arts as a whole at Community is a huge focus,” says Davis. “They get the fundamentals, the foundations, to use their own creativity,” says Terrell. “Fine Arts as a whole is such a way to express worship to God,” says Davis.
“It’s a perfect time for our fine arts to shine,” says Terrell. Students not only get to create art in school for class and art shows, but they are also able to compete as well. “Last year we had several of our high school students, upper middle and high school students that did get to go to the state competition,” explains Terrell. And receiving an award for what they created. “The high school level, at regional, we got a trophy for runner up overall,” says Terrell. These students have taken pride in their work. “They’re so proud, they did that,” shares Terrell.
What does working for Community Christian School and teaching these kids mean to these educators? “That’s one of the things I love and why I’ve stayed in Christian education and private school education for so long, having that freedom to know my kids and to be able to teach them where they are and there’s no limit to how far we can grow,” says Davis.
The impact CCS has had on these educators and what the students mean to them is clear. “There are kids who now, they’re young adults, they’re in college, and they’re leading worship on Sunday with me and they’re kids I’ve taught in elementary school,” says Davis.
“I feel like our name really represents what we’re about and I think we’re really about our community,” says Davis.
(L-R)
“Fine Arts as a whole at Community is a huge focus.”
Amy Davis
ASHLEY TERRELL- K-12 ART TEACHER, AMY DAVIS- ELEMENTARY MUSIC, CHORUS AND FINE ART COORDINATOR K-12
Empowering Children Through Music
Henry For Music celebrates 10 years of growth.
by ERIN LOPEZ
Jerry Hesselink founded Henry For Music Inc. in 2015 with a vision to provide children with access to musical instruments and quality music education.
“He had a dream that music should be accessible to every child. So, he started collecting instruments to give to students at zero cost, and that was the foundation of Henry For Music,” said Kevina Love Franklin, president/CEO and teaching artist for Henry For Music.
Ten years later, Hesselink’s vision has more than come to life and continues to flourish.
Through generous donations, Henry For Music collects used instruments, restores them with the help of community partners, and gifts them to students with the greatest need and interest.
“All we ask is that students find joy in their instrument and their music education journey,” said Franklin.
Over the years, Henry For Music has provided more than 500 instruments to students, allowing them to participate in band and orchestra programs—opportunities they might not have had otherwise.
In addition to providing instruments to children, the organization also provides instruction to the students each week with their teaching staff and volunteers, working to prepare the children for two concerts a year and host a summer camp.
“We strive to offer and create performance opportunities for all of our students, and not just opportunities for them to perform as soloists or ensembles, but also to collaborate with professional artists as well,” said Franklin.
Henry For Music values professional partnerships in the music industry to provide the students additional mentorship and to be exposed to musical opportunities on a larger scale.
“One of our partners is a music producer who is volunteering with Henry For Music to help students explore music production and create a recorded song,” Franklin explained. “We’re also
“ We are intentionally building their self-esteem, their self-confidence, so that they can become leaders in their community.”
Kevina Love Franklin
(L-R) ADRYAN JOY (FRANKLIN) DAVIDSON, LEAD VISUAL ARTIST AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE KEVINA FRANKLIN
bringing in a songwriter to guide students in composing original music from the ground up.”
The organization also hosts after school enrichment programs in three Henry County Schools - Cotton Indian Elementary School, Fairview Elementary School, and Red Oak Elementary School. Students learn to play instruments at their respective schools before coming together as a cohort to perform as one unified ensemble.
Additionally, the organization runs the Youth Orchestra United program for K-12 students, using a teacher exchange model to share music education between the after-school enrichment program and the broader Youth Orchestra United initiative. Franklin states that Henry For Music empowers the children to become leaders in their band classrooms and grow in their confidence both as musicians and as young adults.
“We position our students to have a growth mindset and a focused mindset,” said Franklin. “We are intentionally building their self-esteem, their self-confidence, so they can become leaders in their community.”
As Henry For Music enters its next decade, the organization is committed to evolving and expanding professional development opportunities for its students.
“Our long-term goal is for our students to return to us—as mentors, educators, and professionals,” Franklin said. “We want them to make an impact on the world and say, ‘My foundation was with Henry For Music.’”
Henry for Music Inc. was recognized as Nonprofit of the Year in 2023 by the Henry County Chamber of Commerce and this year the organization received a Stockbridge Honors award.
Perfect Blend
BoJaynes combines a deli and a spicery with a gourmet specialty shop.
by MIKE BOYLAN
Tanya Jaynes, now Boatwright, grew up in New Haven, Connecticut in the 1970s and ‘80s and loved visiting the Italian, Jewish, and Polish delis in the area, as well as different bakeries, bodegas, and markets. Each one had their own feel, with unique menu items or certain products on sale. It encouraged a love of variety, as well as a love of food.
“I started cooking when I was 18 or 19 years old, but I didn’t understand the power of food until I saw it help my son after a medical issue,” Tanya said. “His nurses told me to keep doing what I was doing because it changed his whole demeanor.”
Tanya moved to Decatur in 1992 and moved to McDonough in 2001. She was encouraged by her husband, Kevin, to start a restaurant.
“He said, ‘The world needs to taste this food,’” Tanya recalled. “I first started selling food out of my kitchen with Kevin going to warehouses and workplaces to reach workers around lunchtime. After that was a food truck.”
The food truck indirectly led the Boatwrights to BoJaynes’ original location in McDonough.
“We just happened to break down near a Mexican grocery store that was going out of business. It had the layout and even some of the equipment we needed,” Tanya said. “We sold the
truck and moved into the location. We were there for eight years before we outgrew the location and had to move.”
Now located at 371 Keys Ferry Street in McDonough, BoJaynes Gourmet Market and Deli has been serving quality items for 18 years. Customers were coming in for the sandwiches, salads, coffees, and pastries, but several items became among the most beloved; the chicken salads, the Tribeca grinders.
“The chicken salad was an accident,” Tanya said. “One day, I had overcooked the chicken for the grinders (subs) but I couldn’t waste it. I grinded the meat, added an aioli, and put it out for people to sample. Thanks to word of mouth, it just grew from there. Now I have three kinds and each one has their fans.”
The fans may be coming for the unique tastes that come from Boatwright’s spices and seasoning. The dishes at BoJaynes are
flavorful because Tanya believes that comfort food doesn’t have to be bland. Among the spice blends that are for sale for individual use are the Nubian Blend, which is for Middle Eastern or Mediterranean dishes, the Collard Green blend, and the Lemon Pepper blend. Like nearly everything in the store, the ingredients are high-quality and all-natural.
“Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, or an omnivore, we have something for you,” Tanya said. “I come in every day and feel connected with the food and the community. I want our customers to enjoy that vibe as well.”
To learn more about BoJaynes Gourmet Market and Deli, visit bojaynesspecialtyfoods.com or call 770-914-1154.
“I come in every day and feel connected with the food and the community. I want our customers to enjoy that vibe as well.”
Tanya Jaynes
HOMETOWN AND HOMEMADE
Welcome Home celebrating third anniversary in Hampton.
by MIKE BOYLAN
Before he was a city councilman or mayor pro tem, Devlin Cleveland was in the landscaping business. When he decided to seek a new career, he went to school: ice cream school.
“We learned the whole business, learning how to use the machines and how to make our own ice cream. It was exciting because we learned that whatever we could imagine, we could make,” Cleveland said, adding that the Sour Cream and Onion ice cream that was made was surprisingly good. “There’s a science to it and it still may be an acquired taste.”
After ice cream school, Cleveland attended a similar coffee school and was soon ready to set up shop. Located at 22 E. Main St. in Hampton, Welcome Home Creamery and Coffee started making a name for itself quickly. Cleveland started making Banana Pudding ice cream on day one and seven months later took third place in a Flavor of the Year competition at an ice cream convention. The delectable delight has been a mainstay on the menu ever since. Other popular flavors include Key Lime Pie, Strawberry Cheesecake, Lemon Crunch, Coffee Crunch, and Cookie Monster.
Cleveland moved to Hampton in 2007 and decided to run for a seat on the Board of Commissioners in 2020. His campaign was unsuccessful, but he learned a lot. The following year he ran for Hampton City Council and won a seat. He currently serves as Mayor Pro Tem for Hampton and also serves as chair of the Hampton Development Authority.
“I saw the city evolving and wanted to help,” Cleveland said. “I believe we can keep the hometown feel, while also continuing to grow and support local businesses.”
In the three years since Welcome Home opened its doors, the business and its reputation has grown. Not only is it a great place for individuals and families to get out and enjoy a treat, but it is an economic engine as it provides jobs as well. There are six employees at Welcome Home and they are part of the Hampton High School work study program. The students do get paid and are learning valuable skills about collaboration and leadership that they can take to college and their careers.
The official anniversary of Welcome Home is April 1 but area residents can expect many more activities throughout the year including ice cream classes, game nights, and more.
Welcome Home does offer party packages and catering and can even bring an ice cream cart to your event.
Cleveland hopes to continue to watch his business and Hampton grow. The father of three and grandfather of four plans on continuing to grow as well, potentially running for other offices.
“I love this area and I see unity in community,” Cleveland said. “I live here and work here, so I think it is also important to invest here.”
For more information on Welcome Home Creamery and Coffee, call 404.272.3069 or find them on Facebook.
“I live here and work here, so I think it is also important to invest here.”
Devlin Cleveland
COMPASSION AND SKILLED HANDS
A beautiful combination for a child bitten by a dog.
A family pet looking for a place to lay down jumps on the bed only to be startled at finding 9-year-old Kase Henderson already in the bed. In an instant the dog reacts and Kase is bitten on the face, tearing his nose.
The family rushes to the emergency department at Piedmont Henry Hospital where Dr. Takintope Akinbiyi, Board-certified plastic surgeon with Advanced Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center, is called in to provide care to Kase.
Dr. Akinbiyi determined that Kase had suffered an extensive laceration to the left side of his nose that went through the nasal cavity extending into the cartilage and across to the right side of the nose.
“As a father of two young boys, I imagined myself in the parents’ shoes,” recalls Dr. Akinbiyi, “I wanted to go above and beyond to give Kase the best possible outsome aesthetic-wise and functionally.”
It was decided the best and most comfortable option for Kase was to have surgery in the operating room.
The surgery was a success. Kase is now home and healing well. It appears he will have minimal scarring.
“Dr. Akinbiyi was amazing. His patience and understanding of the situation and Kase being scared was completely phenomenal,”
“Dr.
says Heather Henderson, Kase’s mother. “We have so much love for Dr. Akinbiyi.”
Advanced Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center has three locations on the southside of Atlanta – Stockbridge, Fayetteville, and Newnan. Dr. Akinbiyi and his two partners are dedicated to providing the best care to all their patients. Dr. Akinbiyi is skilled in many areas of plastic surgery including breast cancer reconstruction, skin cancer reconstruction, trauma, and cosmetics - abdominoplasty, breast implants, facelifts, and more.
Stockbridge
Professional Bldg B 1000 Hospital Dr., Suite 1018 Stockbridge, GA 30281
Fayetteville
One Prestige Park 874 W. Lanier Ave., Suite 100 Fayetteville, GA 30214
Scoliosis is a lateral or sideways curvature of the spine greater than 10 degrees; it can make the spine look like an “s” or a “c” rather than a straight line viewed from the back. It happens to about three percent of children and can occur at any age but is often most noticeable between the ages of nine and 16, when kids are growing rapidly.
What should my child expect during a school scoliosis screening?
Scoliosis screenings are mandated in public schools across Georgia and will usually be conducted by a school nurse. The state mandates that children are screened twice between the ages of 10 and 15. Most districts in the state conduct screenings for students in the 6th and 8th grades, but it is up to the district to determine the specific grade levels that are screened. To prepare for the screening, your child should wear shoes that allow them to stand level on the ground and a shirt that is easy to remove. They may be asked to remove shoes with heels or heavy layers of clothes to expose their back. Girls will need to wear a sports bra or a swimsuit top under their shirt, and boys will remove their shirt for the screening.
During the screening, the screener will:
• Examine your child from the front, from the back and from the side.
• Observe your child’s posture: Where is the head in relation to the pelvis? Is the head centered over the spine or slightly to one side?
• Look for asymmetries: Is one shoulder or shoulder blade higher than the other? Are hips uneven? Is there more space between one arm and the torso than the other?
• Ask your child to lean forward and try to touch their toes.
What to do if my child has a positive screening?
Do not panic. There are many treatments for scoliosis especially when it is detected early, and most children will not have long-term effects.
• A letter will be sent home informing the family to schedule a follow-up with a provider.
• Your child’s primary care provider or pediatrician will order an x-ray to get a better look at the spine and will monitor to see if the curve progresses or improves over time.
How is scoliosis treated?
There is no cure for scoliosis, but most children will not have harmful long-term effects especially if it is detected early on.
Treatment options may include:
• Observation - only a small percentage of children will need orthopedic intervention such as spinal bracing or spinal surgery
• Spine bracing
• Spine surgery
To learn more about scoliosis and the screening process please visit www.choa.org/spine.
Insight above provided by Heather Prahl, Athletic Training in the Sports Medicine Program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Disclaimer: This content is general information and is not specific medical advice. Always consult with a doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about the health of a child. In case of an urgent concern or emergency, call 911.
GRACE & TRUTH
Where you at?
Now is the time to rebuild your relationship with God.
by REV. GEORGE P. LANIER, M.DIV., SENIOR PASTOR AT HAMPTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
“Where you at?” A phrase used in common slang it’s a question seeking someone’s physical location or someone’s position on an issue. It’s the first question put to every human beginning from God (Genesis 3:9). The Lord God called to the man and the woman and said to them, “Where are you?” They were hiding from God. We still do the same thing today in so many ways. We’ve eaten of the tree of knowledge of good and evil and we believe we know better than God. We use our knowledge to believe the church is no longer good and filled with evil. The Pew Research Center on Religion study shows from 2007 to 2025 U.S. adults who affiliate as Christian has gone down from 78% to 62%, and for adults “Nones”; those who are Religiously unaffiliated; has gone up from 16% to 29%.
These numbers are reflective of what’s been going on in the church over many years. For example: People who have been church hurt? They have been disgusted/hurt by the history of
abuses toward women, children and finances. Turned off by politics in the church and the mistrust of clergy; ministers, priests, rabbis, Imams, etc. But, now is not the time to throw out the baby with the bath water. Especially when it’s the baby Jesus. Where are you right now in your relationship with God? With the Church? With your community? With your family? There are so many reasons why a church can turn you off. But you only need one reason that makes all the difference to join a church. That reason is a working relationship with God in Jesus the Christ. With the recent season of Lent, now is a great time to move toward a working relationship with God.
Everyone should know that we already have a relationship with God our Creator. Just as God came looking for Adam and Eve each day for an afternoon walk. God seeks the same with each of us. So, the period of Lent, from Ash Wednesday through Holy Week ending with Easter, is a time for an about face to return to our church homes and begin rebuilding our relationship with our heavenly Father.
Our church home is not meant to be perfect; it’s meant to be possible. Filled with faith for all the impossibilities and the possibilities of God, with whom all things are possible. A home where we can discover where we’re at in feeding the hungry, serving the poor, healing the sick, supporting the current and formerly incarcerated, having a relationship with all of life, both animals and plants, where we are caring for every rock and dirt we live on, and each ounce of water we drink and enjoy.
God is always looking for us to be looking for Him and His goodness which can be found in all these things. For us to be living in relationship with Him. God wants to know - where you at?
“But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, ‘Where are you?’”
