Stories

Work brought us from the Caribbean island of St. Martin to Nashville in the summer of 2012. Our first week here, Greg and Carol Engroff invited us to worship at Providence Church. Back then, the congregation met in the gym of West Wilson Middle School, and in many ways, it was a totally new experience for us. The type of worship space was new. The faces around us were new. The style of worship was new. Yes, it was a totally new experience for us, but from the get-go we knew that God’s Spirit was at work. For us, that was the clincher.

God was–and still is–at work at Providence. We see it in the individual people around us, as well as in the larger group on Sunday mornings. The pastors and staff continue to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and in so doing they lead the congregation to see a neighbor in everyone, and to serve those neighbors, both close by and around the world. This is truly the work of God, and we are happy to be a part of it.

Four years down the road, we are happy to be part of this family. As individuals and as a family unit, we continue to learn and grow. We continue to contribute to the ministries of the church of Christ in this specific area of the world. We continue to be thankful.

I’ve gone to church for as long as I can remember. Nice churches with nice people, nice pastors with nice sermons. But, I never felt like I belonged. My heart yearned to be connected. No matter how hard I tried I just didn’t feel it.

Before we left Baton Rouge, I told my husband, Frank, that I would love to find a church where the pastor preached the Bible and how to apply it to every day life. I was so tired of nice speeches. I wanted more.

Looking back I can see how God opened door after door, and closed some too. He brought us to Providence. The very first Sunday I walked into Stoner Creek changed me. This young man with an infectious smile spoke God’s words and they touched me deeply. His words woke up that longing I had given up. As I walked out of church, Jacob shook my hand and gave me a big smile. I told him I believed he had been listening in on my prayers and his message had been for me.

Eight years later, Jacob is still God’s messenger speaking His words into my heart. The crazy thing is there’s a church full of people who say the same thing! I’ve found the teaching I needed and a place where I’m encouraged to be all God made me to be.

I’m no longer searching for “the place.” I’ve found it! I’m where God has called me to be and my heart is full. I’m home.

Searching for a church home isn’t easy. It’s often in times of transition that people become discouraged or distracted, and simply give up on good habits they’ve held for a long time; like attending church. When our family was in such a transition, God (and friends!) led us to Providence Church. The climate and culture of the church, the mission you could feel in the building each Sunday morning, drew us in. The forthright preaching on what life with God looks like, the sincerity of the music, the growing strength of the ministry programs, all came together to give us the confidence that THIS was the place God wanted us to be.

There is momentum at Providence. And it’s not the momentum mustered from simply the efforts of people powering through things with the strength they can muster. It’s a momentum that is deeper than that. It’s a momentum pushed along and purposed by the Holy Spirit. It’s people, living from the strength of the Spirit in them, not their own strength, that continues to make Providence Church what it is.

Being a part of Providence Church has helped anchor our family. As the pushes and pulls and demands of life continue to affront us, we’ll continue to hold on to Jesus as we find Him and experience Him each day, thanks in large part to the ministry and worship we are a part of at Providence.

On Sunday around 8:00 we walk into West Wilson Middle School where we are greeted with sincere smiles, “good mornings,” and welcomes! We sit at a round table and have our donuts, coffee, and juice. About 5 minutes before the first service begins, I tell my guys, “Let’s go on in.” We walk into that middle school gym with faces who have become familiar and hugs from new friends. We sing and worship, and I cry. We listen to an amazing sermon by Pastor Jacob that fills our souls right up, and I feel like Jesus is standing next to me holding my hand. And, I cry some more. We then welcome our guys back from Providence KIDS and take the bread and drink juice. “Go in peace” we hear at the very end…. And, we do. Every single Sunday.

I would love for you to join us this Sunday. Or, next Sunday. Or, whenever you’re ready to say “Yes.” Please know YOU are always welcome to come sit next to us.

Providence Church has changed our life. In the most beautiful way. And, I know He would do the same in you.

Photo credit: By Shea Photography