jroelive

Today I Sabbath-ed (rested for spiritual and physical renewal/commandment #4) in the city of Nashville.
I woke up late—intentionally—got ready for the day and then simply began driving around my city—the city that God has called us to.

I was really unsure where my drive would take me. At first I was going to grab something to eat in East Nashville but turned around instead. I found myself back in the center of the city. I decided to grab an apple from the Farmer’s Market.

As I looked for a parking place for my Suburban, I drove past a homeless man who was drying himself out after yesterday’s rain. He was barefooted—socks and shoes were drying on the bench. I parked and grabbed the cash I had ($4) and a bottle of water. For some reason I knew that I was going to talk with this man. For some very strange reason I knew that I was to give him $4 and a bottle of water.

I walked over to him and he said “Hello.” He was just finishing up his lunch of saltine crackers and sardines. I said, “Hey, how are you?” He said, “I am ok.” I said, “Sir, I am to give you $4 and a bottle of water.” He looked me in the eyes and started singing—in a deep, passionate and clear African-American tone, “Jesus Christ you love me. Jesus Christ you take care of me. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.”

I was taken back a bit. He said, “Thank you sir.” I said, “Do you mind if I sit with you for a few minutes?” He said, “Please do.” I asked, “What’s your name?” He answered, “I am the 51 year old Edward Holmes. And you?” I said, “My name is Jeremy Rose.”

Come to find out he is from the Upstate of South Carolina. He moved to Nashville in 1984. He thought he was going to move to Washington, D.C. but upon purchasing the bus ticket he didn’t feel right about it so he asked the Greyhound employee where she thought he should go and she said, “Why not Nashville?” The rest is history.

He has been homeless for over 8 yrs now. At one time he had a home, two jobs and a car. Today he carries very little. I intended to share with him some joy and practical help—instead, Mr. Holmes served my soul. He preached the pure gospel to me, as I have never heard it. Mr. Holmes said, “Mr. Rose, God can handle your needs. He knows exactly what you are looking for. Do not be afraid. Even though the enemy encompasses around you, do not be afraid. Jesus loves you—what else do you need to know to do what it is that God has called you to do? Do not fear man. When their faces are in your nightmares and you are scared of what man can do, rejoice in Christ alone. He can handle it.”

He continued, “Sir, you do not have to feel sorry for me. I am homeless for the glory of God. My homelessness is a gift from God.”
I thought to myself, “Dang. This guy is a rock of the gospel.”
He said, “If I weren’t homeless I would not know that God could provide the way I have seen Him provide over these last eight years. If I weren’t homeless, how could I share about Jesus to the needy homeless people in Nashville? They all come to me to tell me their problems. They think I am crazy because I am always happy, but I’m not crazy in the head, I’m crazy in the heart. Jesus loves me and I just cant get over it. Job and Jeremiah are men that inspire me. They trusted Jesus. Hey, that’s a sermon, The JJ’s!
You know, I have seen Jesus as good both when I had anything and now when I have almost nothing.”

I do not have the words to say nor the time to say them to accurately give you a description of my soul after my hour and a half Mr. Edward Holmes. He blessed me. His BIG smile and genuine eyes, man…God sent him to minister to me today. On my Sabbath, God sent Mr. Holmes to teach me the gospel.

He said, “Mr. Rose, I have thoroughly enjoyed our time together today. You are a man who knows much and cares deeply. Thank you for ministering to me.” WHAT? Seriously? He ministered to me. I asked, “Is there anything I can do for you?” His answer, “You already have done so much. Thanks for asking.”

I hope that Mr. Holmes (or as he puts it, “just plain ‘Edward’”) gathers with us on Sunday as we gather as The Axis Church. I am sure that he would be the most honored guest in the gymnasium on Sunday if he can make it.

Take time to listen to those around you. You could be missing out on so much.

Now, time for me to finally eat my apple. 

admin All things for good, Christian Life, The Gospel, church planting fear, Germantown, Jesus, The Gospel, Truth

My heart is full this morning.
I just had to write to share with you all a tremendous victory that our young church experienced this week.

Two weeks ago as we were setting up for our gathering, I noticed a man sitting on the park picnic tables. Let me be very honest here and say that we are very white so far at The Axis (this is humbling to confess). We pray each week during our core training for other races to be drawn to The Axis and that they partner with us. In our urban context, we must have other races…MUST. This man was from west Africa. He has his undergrad degree and seemed to be very genuine. He wasn’t interested in showing up that night.

I prayed for him at least 5 times over these last 2weeks. I even shared with him our prayer and need for “other cultures” to gather with us to worship. He thought it was funny but he understood and appreciated my desire for that.

Last night this man showed up. His name is Gilbert. He took a Bible as his own and used it during our gathering. After our time together I was tracing the room for Gilbert. I wanted to connect with him before he left. After 15minutes, I assumed he had IMMEDIATELY slipped out—that wasn’t a good sign.

One of our Interim Leadership Team members (Jacob) asked me if I heard about Gilbert. I had not. He said, “Bro, Gilbert just got saved!” I was elated! Not only did God give us an African brother, He allowed our very first convert to be GILBERT! Gilbert told Jacob, “I want to be adopted by Christ.” DANG! I love it!!!

I hugged Gilbert like a bear (I know that is perhaps weird, but under the circumstances and my manly example of a bear, I consider it OK). I said, “What happened bro? I heard something about you.” He said, “I am owned by Jesus.” I said, “Yes you are my friend.” He said, “I want to be apart of your family here.” I said, “Gilbert, you are already apart of our family. We are going to eat together, drink together, watch UFC together, sing together—all sorts of things that families do, we will do together.” Tonight Jacob is picking him up and taking him to supper then on to our men’s Bible study at 8pm.

This is huge for us. We have been gathering for only 4 months but that is quite some time to go with no convert. I just knew it was going to happen soon…BUT GILBERT?!?! Last night?! Wow. I am so blessed.

That’s it. Thanks for your time.
Grace. Peace. Jeremy

admin Great Story, The Gospel church planting, Germantown, Jesus, Prayer, The Axis Church, The Gospel

There was a sweet spirit in the Morgan Park Community Center last night at The Axis Church—Gathered in the Germantown neighborhood of downtown Nashville.

I was so encouraged by the volume of the worshipers voices singing praises to our risen King Jesus. Their participation in song, in fellowship and in learning was so encouraging to me and I believe that it honored our Savior.

It is hard to believe that just six months ago none of the 30+ people who gathered together last night had ever worshiped together. God is doing a wonderful thing in the heart of Nashville for the hearts of Nashville.

Please continue to pray for The Axis Church as we seek the glory of God in Nashville and see the city find it’s satisfaction in Christ alone.

admin church planting church planting, Germantown, Prayer, The Axis Church

As I continued my jog through Germantown, I began noticing closed, empty church buildings. It was like a bone yard for dead church buildings. I had to have passed at least four dead churches. I stopped at one that looked a good bit better than the others and looked in the windows and the glass doors. Everything looked clean—just empty. I began to tear up as I prayed for God to allow the Axis Church to pick up where these other churches left off. Just at that moment I heard dogs—mean dogs—behind me. At least there was a fence between us. Nonetheless, I continued my walking and praying.

About two blocks away I noticed the Morgan Park and Gymnasium. It is at the center of Germantown. It is the place we would like to rent out for a season as The Axis Church begins to grow. I knew that a guy named Mike was in charge of the park, so I decided to try to meet him. I approached the stairs leading up to the entrance and I began to tear up again. I prayed, “God, please allow people to walk up these very stairs to hear your true gospel and may they be saved from hell—rescued to heaven.” The stairs were covered in leaves from last fall. The park itself is altering its hours because of lack of interest. This is very sad because it is an extremely nice facility and very clean. I entered and asked for Mike. I spoke with him about renting the building and he seemed interested in helping us out. A friend of mine has already been talking with Mike regarding the fees and such to rent the facility. It was great connecting with Mike.

I continued my jogging/walking until I realized I needed to use the restroom. I know this seems random but I believe it was ordained. Was I to return to Morgan Park that is two blocks away at this point or do I try to make to my room that is nearly a mile away? I decided to go back to Morgan Park. On my way I thought, “You know, it has been a while since I have played basketball or ran, but I need to connect with the men in this neighborhood. I am going to go into the gym and just see what happens.”

I walk into the gym. I noticed four men who were all in their mid-twenties…and all eyes follow the white guy who is already soaked with sweat. I made my way to the other end of the court and removed the stuff from my pockets. The moment I pick up a ball, one of the men calls out to me, “You wanna ball?“ I thought “NOPE! But thanks for asking”—but my mouth replied back, “Sure!” Why did I do that?

I walked over to the three guys and we all introduced ourselves. I met Rip, Wee, Derrick and one other guy I can’t remember. Then I said, “Now I want you guys to know—I am horrible.” They said that they were terrible to. Then I said, “Nah, see—I am white-terrible. There is a difference between black-terrible and white-terrible.” They all cackled. I felt better knowing that they laughed with me—or at me. We played a game of “36 straight-up” which is much like “21” except without the free throws. I knew I was going to be terrible.

What happened next I cannot describe, except by saying that God helped me play basketball—really well. I have never played so well in my life. I made four jumpers in a row twice! I made reverse layups that I couldn’t make in college much less with twenty-five pounds of extra baggage. I ended up losing which is no surprise to me. I did represent myself well—though I doubt I will ever play that good ever again. Out of the four of us (one guy didn’t play) Rip had 36, I had 30, another guy had 22 and Derrick had 12. Afterwards I exited with them and walked to their cars. We all laughed and talked smack about the game. They really enjoyed my company and laughed at me picking with them. I told them I was moving my family in from Charlotte, NC to live in the neighborhood to which Rip replied, “That’s what’s up.” I didn’t share with them my “plans” for The Axis Church…yet.

As I was walking away after chatting and joking for a couple minutes, Derrick yells out to me, “Hey, Jroe! You coming back tomorrow?” I told him I would do my best. That encouraged me more than words in a blog can tell. These guys come from much different backgrounds than I do. Their homes are much different than mine. They need Jesus and I have Jesus. I am experiencing the gospel and they need to experience the gospel. I am here to love these guys and God in His providence had me know the sport of basketball in order to connect with these particular men.

I left Morgan Park and Gymnasium with nothing less than a heart that was rejoicing. The very people I feared the most God has allowed me to connect with at the beginning. I was so very excited—still am!

I then talked a few minutes with Jordan, a valet attendant for The Germantown Café. I asked him for a pen so I could write the names of my new friends down before I forgot their names. I told him about The Axis Church and of my family moving in. It was a good conversation.

Then I finished my jog leading back to my room. In total I walked or jogged over 2½ miles and played basketball for 45 minutes. I met several people and I prayed a good bit for the Germantown inhabitants and for the gospel to manifest itself there and in all of downtown Nashville. I listed the names of the people I met so that you too could pray for them. Please do.

In closing, I realized yesterday that what this neighborhood needs is simply for us to love Jesus, the gospel and the people. It is quite simple. As my friend Joe said two days ago, “Remember, love God…love people…keep it simple.” Thanks Joe.

admin Prayer Walking, The Gospel, church planting Basketball, church planting, Germantown, Prayer Walking, The Axis Church, The Gospel

Today I was able to spend some time after working two separate jobs to go prayer-walking/jogging through the area we believe The Axis Church will “land”—Germantown (Downtown Nashville.)

As I begin I must confess that it has been a while since I have ran or jogged AT ALL. I am working on that, beginning today. As I walked and jogged down the road leading to the back of Germantown (Germantown is contained within the interstate and the Cumberland River) I felt such heaviness in my heart—no, it wasn’t a heart attack, though it felt possible! It was a burden for this area of Nashville like I had never experienced before. My heart broke over the poverty, the arrogance of the rich, the closed buildings that haven’t been used in over 20 years, and even the new buildings that are sitting vacant.

I was listening to conversations as I walked and jogged. I noticed a large group of men piling out of four or five cars—WITH A FOOTBALL! I was eager to here their story. They were using the large field behind the community center as their practice field. They are a semi-pro football team. I approached one of the men and asked if they were practicing full contact or simply helmets (that was the best I could come up with as a conversation starter). Then is when I met a man that goes by the name Immanuel (Immanuel Church is where I am worshiping as we begin The Axis). I ended up talking about The Axis moving into the area. He seemed pleased and even mentioned that some of the guys would be glad to hear that. As I left he shouted back at me, “Hey! You know my name means ‘God is with you’, right?” I was overwhelmed. I jogged away with tears welling up in my eyes.

As I continued my walking/jogging and praying I noticed a feeble, older lady with a huge gardening hat on. She was trimming her hedges. As I walked by I said, “You have a lot of work to do.” She replied back, “Oh, you are so right.” I continued my walking—but IMMEDIATELY I felt this conviction slam me in the heart. My thoughts were something like this, “Keep jogging…NO, go back and help her…NO, keep going…NO, you are a strong guy (though breathing as if I just finished a marathon), go back and help her—AFTER ALL, this is why you are here today.” Wow. I turned, removed my sunglasses and told her, “I have 5 good minutes. Do you need any help lifting anything or picking anything up?” She said, “Well, I have this cinderblock here that some kids threw on the sidewalk. Could you take this somewhere?” I placed it at the curb and waited for the next kid to ride his bike by and then I threw it at him. Just kidding. I told her I would come back by within a couple hours and take the block somewhere else—it’s still in my front floorboard of my car. I asked her for her name and she said, “Mrs. Jones.” I introduced myself and told her what I was planning for the neighborhood. This 80-year-old lady began to tear up as I was discussing The Axis. She has been praying for this. Thanks Mrs. Jones.

I continued my jog and a WHOLE lot more took place but I must retire for the night and send out the rest of the info on my day in Germantown tomorrow.

admin Prayer Walking, church planting church planting, Germantown, Prayer Walking, The Axis Church