Having had a 2 week "quarantine" period at the wood cabin, which gave us some family time, and time to catch up with a few things, we were keen to get fellowshipping with people, and really getting stuck into good conversations, and interactions - the main reason we came to the USA.
We met with a couple of families during the 2 weeks at the cabin (who had already had chickenpox!) and it was such a blessing to get back into that kind of fellowship, such as we had with the Swanson's in Colorado - sharing similar ideas, passions, struggles, hopes and vision for our families, and our nations.
Then as we spent out first weekend at Christ the King Church here in Nunnelly, Tennessee - this fellowship continued in a similar way. We have been meeting so many people, and so many families (hard to remember all the names!).
Christ the King Church is under the leadership of elders Geoff Botkin, and Jonathan Tucker. On Sunday 4 Sept I attended CTKC (as that was towards end of Naomi's chickenpox) with 3 children. The church is very similar to our own, elder-led, age-integrated, with an emphasis on family discipleship and yet a heart to reach the lost. Jonathan gave a very encouraging message about....encouragement! What stood out was a phrase he shared that defined Biblical encouragement...
Taking the truth of Scripture in the context of meaningful and caring relationships to restore perspective, promote endurance, and inspire spiritual growth.
We met with a couple of families during the 2 weeks at the cabin (who had already had chickenpox!) and it was such a blessing to get back into that kind of fellowship, such as we had with the Swanson's in Colorado - sharing similar ideas, passions, struggles, hopes and vision for our families, and our nations.
Then as we spent out first weekend at Christ the King Church here in Nunnelly, Tennessee - this fellowship continued in a similar way. We have been meeting so many people, and so many families (hard to remember all the names!).
Christ the King Church is under the leadership of elders Geoff Botkin, and Jonathan Tucker. On Sunday 4 Sept I attended CTKC (as that was towards end of Naomi's chickenpox) with 3 children. The church is very similar to our own, elder-led, age-integrated, with an emphasis on family discipleship and yet a heart to reach the lost. Jonathan gave a very encouraging message about....encouragement! What stood out was a phrase he shared that defined Biblical encouragement...
Taking the truth of Scripture in the context of meaningful and caring relationships to restore perspective, promote endurance, and inspire spiritual growth.
On the following Sunday, 11 Sept we attended CTKC as a family. Before the sermon, the men of the church are invited to give an exhortation from Scripture they if they wish. This can sometimes last up to 1.5 hours, before even getting to the message! However, it didn't feel "long", as there was just a sense that this was what everyone was there for. You could take kids out for a break if needed, or grab a coffee or tea from the back - it was very laid back with no religious pretense, yet very purposeful and people were very committed to their local church.
During this service I was invited to give an exhortation. Fortunately, only one thing I said had to be "interpreted" from English to American! :-)
Following the 2.5 hour church gathering, there was a shared lunch (which they do every week) and then people stayed around and fellowshipped for most of the day until around 6pm.
We are staying the the guest room above the church, which means we have no excuse to be late!
During this service I was invited to give an exhortation. Fortunately, only one thing I said had to be "interpreted" from English to American! :-)
Following the 2.5 hour church gathering, there was a shared lunch (which they do every week) and then people stayed around and fellowshipped for most of the day until around 6pm.
We are staying the the guest room above the church, which means we have no excuse to be late!
Kris sharing with the church during the exhortation time (and video clip below).
The tail end of a last song following the gathering - singing "The Doxology". We love acappella singing!
Shared lunch following the church gathering.
There were a few "different" things we certainly don't see back home at Redemption Church - namely men (and women!) carrying guns to church, and the occasional after church shooting range activity - see video clips below!
Man's "apparel" for church in Tennessee!
After church "activity" :-)
The Botkin Family.
Our family have known Geoff, Victoria and their family for almost 14 years from when they used to live in Christchurch, NZ. Geoff has taught me so much about fatherhood, leadership, and what it means to have a godly vision for our families, rather than do things the way the world tells us to. It was upon meeting their family (Geoff, VIctoria and their 7 children) nearly 14 years ago that Becky and I decided to home-educate. They were the first family we met who had children with real character, personality, and who were very skilled and equipped in many areas for the purpose of serving God as a family. They have continued to be an encouragement over the years. 3 of their children are now married with children, and are beginning to form their own family vision, and ministry, whilst still working together on several projects as extended family.