The Rock Church

Archive: Oct 2025

  1. The Roads We Would Rather Avoid

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    In my previous posts, I have written about the passing of my father and my journey with Jesus through grief. This is my latest entry into that collection. Maybe one day you will find these posts a source of comfort, too.

    October 23 marked five years since the day my father went into cardiac arrest while driving us home from work. It was a moment that not only changed my life but also rerouted how my brain navigates grief, pain, and loss.

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  2. The Beauty in the Slow Work of God

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    It doesn’t matter whether you’re an artist with a canvas or a parent raising kids. Maybe you’re a teacher shaping young minds or simply someone trying to live faithfully day by day? No matter what scenario you’re in, creation takes time. Beauty rarely happens all at once. It’s slow. Also, it’s layered. Along with that, it takes shaping, waiting, and sometimes starting over.

    God models that same rhythm in Creation. In Genesis, He doesn’t rush. Each day always has a purpose. Light comes first. Then sky. And then land. Each stage builds upon the last. Finally, He steps back and calls it good. Without a doubt, there’s something profoundly intentional about that process. He shows us that the best work unfolds in time.

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  3. A Night of Hope — Join Us for “Harvest Crusade: Hope for America”

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    In today’s world, people are searching for peace and hope amid chaos and uncertainty. The tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk has left many in shock and searching for answers. But there is good news: God offers lasting hope and purpose in life.

    At the invitation of local pastors and leaders, Pastor Greg Laurie will bring a Harvest Crusade to Utah — specifically to Utah Valley University. Partnering with local churches, including The Rock Church, this free, one-night, live-streamed event is called:

    Harvest Crusade: Hope for America

    When: Sunday, November 16 @ 6:00 p.m. (MST)

    Where: The Rock Church — Official Host Site

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  4. Making a Way: God’s Work Through Conversations in Milano

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    “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” — Isaiah 43:19

    Our second day of English clubs went very well! We had both fun and meaningful conversations around the topic of music.

    Several students shared that they had never been asked about their favorite song or type of music before. Many expressed genuine gratitude simply for being asked a question and for being listened to with interest. One student in particular, Vlad, was especially thankful that we took time to hear his thoughts. That moment opened the door to deeper conversations about belonging and community.

    Conversations and Connection

    Elijah had the opportunity to share with Vlad and his older brother about our church—how it’s a family, why it’s called The Rock, and that Jesus is our foundation and everlasting rock.

    The skit we performed for the students was a huge hit—so much so that they wanted to take a photo with “George Washington” (a.k.a. Ryan)!

    Later that evening, we took five students out to dinner, where even more meaningful conversations unfolded. Abbi, Ava, and Kaylee spent time with Vittoria (who came last year and stayed in touch with Andrea and Abbi throughout the year) and a new student, Ilaria. They’ve been able to share their faith multiple times, and both girls have shown genuine curiosity and asked wonderful questions.

    We are so thankful that God has gone before us and prepared the way for these conversations.

    Tomorrow (Wednesday) brings more opportunities for connection—through a cooking class, games, and continued conversations.

    Please pray that our words will be led by the Holy Spirit, that we would continue to speak with boldness, gentleness, and truth, and that God would be glorified in everything we do.

    In Christ,
    The Italy Mission Team

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  5. Providence

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    Providence — a word by Pastor Billy Johnson from The Rock Church in Draper, UT. "God’s providence overwhelmed me. How incredibly detailed He must be to be truly providential in everything. "

    Lately, on my drive home from work, I’ve been intentionally quiet. Off goes the radio, and I sit in the silence. I think about how glorious God is and how near He is to me. I don’t ask anything in prayer, or even pray out loud. In the same way, my thoughts are about Him, and I quietly praise Him. Along with that, I enjoy the indwelling of His Spirit in me.

    More recently, on one of these quiet drives home, God’s providence overwhelmed me. How incredibly detailed He must be to be truly providential in everything. 

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  6. God’s Delight and Our First Day of English Club

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    The Italy Mission team with the first English club in Milano, Italy.

    “As for the saints who are on the earth, they are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.” — Psalm 16:3

    The night before our first English club meeting, Frank Apiza encouraged our team with these words. What a beautiful reminder that God’s delight in each one of us—even before our mission work begins.

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  7. Hope in Milano: The Start of Our Mission Journey

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    Hello Church Family!

    We arrived safely in Milano! Although a little bleary-eyed from travel, everyone is in great spirits.

    At the airport, we were greeted by Amanda and her two kids, Hannah and John. What a joy it was to see their familiar faces again! After some quick reunions and introductions for our new team members, we headed to their home.

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  8. Rocktoberfest 2025

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    Who wants to spend Halloween “just trick-or-treating” when you can have WAY more fun at Rocktoberfest! You’re not going to want to miss this action-packed evening! Join us and bring the whole family.

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  9. Lord, Have Mercy

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    Lord, Have Mercy — a word by Pastor Steve McInroy from The Rock Church in Draper, UT. "remember your mercy.” — Habakkuk 3:2 (NLT)  
My brothers and sisters, please join me in praying like Habakkuk did. Lord, have mercy!"

    At times, our world can certainly seem like an unending cloudy day. We long to catch a glimpse of the sun, or at the very least, a silver lining in the clouds. Evil lurks everywhere, and the news of it is like unwelcome rain. The world leaves us outside with no shelter in sight. Then comes the thunder and lightning, maybe even hail. Typically, we react in one of two ways to the evil around us. I think a couple of biblical examples will help me explain.

    The first is found in the Old Testament book of Habakkuk. The prophet Habakkuk sees confusion and suffering. Specifically, the problem of evil in the world around him. He grapples with why wicked people prosper while the righteous suffer. “Been there, done that” in my own walk of faith. So I appreciate how honest Habakkuk is with God.

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