Comments Off on A Night of Hope — Join Us for “Harvest Crusade: Hope for America”
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:
Comments Off on Making a Way: God’s Work Through Conversations in Milano
“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.
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.
Comments Off on God’s Delight and Our First Day of English Club
“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.
Comments Off on Hope in Milano: The Start of Our Mission Journey
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.
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.
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.
“From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done.” — Isaiah 43:13 (NLT)
In this verse, God reminds His people of His eternal power and sovereignty. From before time began and until long after it ends, He is unchanging. No one can thwart His purposes. At the same time, no one can undo His promises. For those of us who belong to Christ, this is the ultimate assurance. To put it simply, nothing and no one can separate us from His love.
Does life ever surprise you with the joys and sufferings that happen, sometimes simultaneously? There are so many encouraging things happening in and around our church. People are meeting Jesus. God is saving people as well as transforming lives.
At the exact same time, however, a brief review of my prayer journal reveals people are suffering through job loss, death, and grief. Along with that, there are hospitalizations, accidents, sicknesses, and several other challenging circumstances.
As a nation, we have endured many seasons marked by fear, uncertainty, and injustice. Yet, for us as a church, few moments have struck closer to home than the tragic and senseless murder of Charlie Kirk. His assassination has left us shaken. This is not only because of the deep loss we feel, but also because it happened so close to where we live and worship. This heartbreaking event has stirred fear, confusion, and sorrow in many of our hearts.
We wanted to share a few thoughts to help us respond as followers of Jesus:
1) Be people of prayer. Pray for the Kirk familyas they grieve. Pray for our country, for revival, and for those who are hurting will find the Lord in their pain. “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
2) Remember the sanctity of life. As Steele mentioned this past weekend, every human life is precious in God’s sight—full of value and worth. That’s part of what makes this so shocking and jarring. As Christians, we trust that God will judge all things and right every wrong. We rest in that hope. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
3) Rest in God’s sovereignty. We serve a God who is able to bring good even from terrible evil. Remind yourself again and again: God is sovereign and in complete control. We don’t understand all that is happening, but we can trust His faithfulness. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” (Romans 8:28)
4) Guard your heart and mind. As Bryan said this last weekend, there is wisdom in who we listen to and what we consume. Listening to foolish or inflammatory voices does our hearts no good. Ask: What fruit is this content producing in me—peace or agitation, love or enmity? Choose what leads you closer to Christ. “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
5) Be courageous—and loving—with the Truth. Share the Gospel. Stand for biblical Truth with humility and love. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life and spoke Truth in love. Be courageous. Share the Truth. Love your enemies. “Speak the truth in love.” (Ephesians 4:15)
If you need prayer (or someone to talk with), your pastors and church leaders are here for you.
