One Year Anniversary

that we have for the friendships, and and just the love that you share us with us. Lord, I just pray that your hand be in this place. It is good for us to rejoice and to have joy and to worship you in song, and >> [music] >> and I just pray that now in Jesus' name. Amen.

Amen. [music] Let's stand to our feet and let's worship our king. >> [music] >> Oh, thank you, Jesus. >> [music] >> Oh, we lift you on our hearts today, Father.

Oh, come on. Let's sing this together. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound [music] that saved a wretch like >> [music] >> me. I once was lost, >> [music] >> but now I'm found, was blind, but now I see.

We sing hallelujah. Hallelujah. There's no chains on >> [music] >> me. Thank you, Jesus.

You have set me free. You called me by name. I was dead in my sin. Now I'm dancing on that grave.

Hallelujah. Every day is amazing day. >> Oh, come on with every voice this morning. >> [music] >> Oh, we declare this, Lord.

I'll testify of what he did. He gave me life. I'm born again. My heart is free.

My soul is saved. It really is amazing grace. I'll testify of what he did. He gave me life.

I'm born again. life. I'm born again. My heart is free.

My soul is saved. It really is amazing grace. It really >> [music] >> is amazing grace. It saved my heart.

Yeah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. There's no chains on me.

Thank you Jesus. You have set me free. You welcomed me in, called me by name. I was dead in my sin.

Now I'm dancing on that grave. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. It really is amazing grace.

Grace. Grace. It really is amazing grace. Oh, we love you, Jesus.

It really is amazing grace. Oh, come on. Give him praise this morning. Thank you, Jesus.

No matter how far, I'll find you. No matter how close. No matter how far, you would feel >> [music] >> the love. You made me out of >> [music] >> my mistakes.

Nothing like I thought you were again. What a God. What a God. Oh, what a [music] God.

What a God. >> [music] >> What a God. What What a God. What a God.

I [music] thought you'd show up for What [music and singing] kind of God restores the lost? They say it's over for the sinner. But you say No, it's not. No, it's not.

>> [music] >> You say No, it's not. >> [music] >> No, it's not. What a God. >> [singing] >> What a God.

>> [music] >> What a God. What a God. Oh, what a God. >> [singing] >> What a God.

>> [music] >> What a God. What a God. Oh. If our highest place [music and singing] our reaches are you, then then I've done it all.

If the best thing [music] that I've seen is your glory, I have seen it all. Your love has changed my life forever satisfying. You are my >> [music] >> everything. If the world were the only thing that I had it all.

If I feel [music] your heart and I never see your hand, I still have it all. No treasure [music] of this life could ever satisfy. You [music] are my everything. You [music] are my everything.

>> [music] >> You are my everything. What a God. What a God. What a God.

[music and singing] What a God. What a God. [singing and music] What a God. Thank you, Jesus.

What a God. [singing] What a God. My highest place. [music] And if my highest place are riches, [music] I have then I've done it all.

If the best thing that I've seen is your glory, [music and singing] I have seen it all. Your love has changed my life [music and singing] forever satisfying. You [singing] are my >> [music] >> everything. If the world were [singing] if the only thing you speak then I have everything all.

[music] if I feel your heart and never see your hand I still have it all. No treasure of this life could ever satisfy >> [music] >> my >> [singing] >> heart. You are my everything. >> [music] >> You are my everything.

You >> [music] >> are my everything. What a God, what a God. What a God. What a God.

What a God. >> [music] >> Thank you guys. You can have a seat. All right.

All right. All right. All right. So, um today's going to be a little bit different.

You guys can have a seat for a minute. We're going to We're going to do some more songs later, but I'm kind of throwing it a curve ball in here. And we got to get Stephanie out of here so she can get ready for the for the event afterwards. Um really nice meal we got um coming at us.

So, um I just wanted a lot of people are newer, don't know the whole story um about how we started and all that. So, I just kind of want to Here we are 1 year. I just want to kind of go through that real quick and and just share it for those who don't know. So, uh I was living on Lake Lanier.

Um boat, jet skis, you know, Josh had the time of his life. >> [music] >> Um you know. And uh the first quarter of 2025, God slowed [music] my business a little. I What's up?

And and he he gave me the opportunity to go to a >> [music] >> a thing actually a Free Chapel. Um it they were hosting a pastor's conference, which I just got the invite because I was going there. And um so I go there, and during that conference I get told to start a church. God tells me to start a church.

And and uh first call I make is to Glenn, actually. And I'm like, "Glenn hey uh what do you do with your facility on on a Sunday morning?" He goes, "Nothing. Why?

You want to start a church?" And I'm like, "Whoa, that's exactly what I think God's telling me to do, right?" So, it was an affirmation. And so, that was March, um and and my goal [music] was kind of to launch it by July.

And uh towards the end of June, it's so bad. You can't find a music guy. It's so hard to find someone who who can do music. It's ridiculous.

>> [music] >> And um I'm just we Carrie Ann had a a struggle, and and through [music] that struggle, which she shared before, um I did come come across Gabriel, who then um you know, said he'd be on the lookout for for someone. And And uh so so a key day was um a Sunday night. I had asked uh some guy had Daniel, who's not here, had asked me over and over again to come to his church on Sunday night. And I decided to I told him I would go this time.

But that morning, I went to a a a satellite Free Chapel service. Everything was synchronized and beautiful. Everything flowed right into the message, and it was like And and [music] and right before that, my internet guy had told told me said, "I I I work on your website. I'm [music] too busy, you know.

So, so now I had no music guy, no website, no nothing. I'm supposed to start in a month. And I and I was just and then that message I'm like I'm thinking in my mind, what do they need a voice? Another voice like I mean, there's just there's no need, you know.

Um and that was the thought in my mind. So, I go to this thing that night and the preacher stops what he's doing and he points at me and he says you you in the blue shirt. I said, yeah. Um that's blue, right?

I said, yeah. He goes, what's your name? I said, Brian. He says, this is what [music] I see.

And I never met the guy before, didn't know him from Adam. I got licensed to preach in '05, which was 20 years prior, but I'd never the opportunity never came. So, he looks at me and he says, God's been pouring into you for 20 years. Why did he pick that time?

And it's time for you to pour it out. And you may think there's not a room for your voice, but there is. Now, the only person who knew that fear that was in my mind was God. So, truly I felt God was speaking directly to me.

>> [music] >> And then he said, you'll become a father to many. And um I mean, I I went home and I wrote those four things down and and whenever I get doubtful, [music] because it's it's not as easy as you think um to start a church. I thought it was just I'm just going to come up and you know, do a seminar every week. Uh it's so much different than that.

And so, I just uh I just cling to that. I cling to that first. I actually invited him to come today, but but he he never responded. So um somewhere out there that cat is uh he he was a part of this church, you know, no matter what.

And so, uh we launched um Gabriel comes to me after Colt turned me down. Um Gabriel came to me and said, I'll do it, you know. And um I love you though. I love you though.

It all works out. It all works out. And so, um we get launched, you know, and I mean, we didn't have the camera, we didn't have so many things and like Gabriel was key in that because like none of us knew how anything worked, you know. Um and so, we got up, we got going, then things changed and um and we'll talk about Juan and that growth and all that in a minute, but so she can get out, okay?

I'm going to go ahead and call Stephanie up to give a testimony. We're just going to do some testimonies today um interspersed by by discussions from me. Um Is it on? >> Yes.

>> Last week, I Is it on? I turned off mine. I turned this one on. Is it on?

Can you guys hear me? All right. I did it right. Why are you Why are you getting on me?

No, last week I messed up. I couldn't turn the microphone on. I couldn't turn the microphone on. All right, you ready?

>> So, when when Brian asked me if I would give a testimony, I I started thinking about what could I say different cuz I I testified, you know, earlier this year and I I wanted to say like what could I What could I say different? What did God want me to say? And I I'm a I have to write stuff down. So, I was writing stuff down and I was looking I was like, "Gosh, there's no flow here.

This is horrible." And so, I I started praying and the Lord gave me three three categories and it's not long, but he told me that I need to talk about how we got here. So, how I got here. And that and then how it's going and then what's next.

So, that's kind of what he gave me just immediately. Um so, how we got here was this this time last year, my mom and I were going through probably the darkest season of our life. Um we were standing in a pile of just death and destruction. And we were believing for healing and restoration and we we got death.

And it was like, now what? What God? What what are you What's your plan? Cuz we don't know.

But God was already working. And we buried my dad on a Monday, which was my mom's birthday, and 3 days later my mom I don't even want to say randomly cuz God's not random. She turned on the TV at the exact minute that Brian was on Atlanta Live. There was a 10-minute window for us to see that interview.

And she And that's And that's not random. Um she called me up and she said, "What do you think?" And I'm like, "Absolutely not." I said, "We cannot go to a startup church.

We've got to go somewhere established. We probably need to sit on the pew and heal." And but that wasn't God's plan. And so from that minute I started watching God just kept in my mind saying, "What if?

What if you miss what I'm trying to do because it doesn't look like what you want. What if you miss my plan and you get derailed and have to come back another way to get back on track?" And so I did. I I took that to heart cuz I I've done that before.

I've gotten off track and had to get back on on track. And um so we took a leap of faith and we came here. And it was probably the greatest act of obedience that we've ever done. Um didn't look like anything we thought.

And for the first 6 weeks I think every sermon was for me. Um I think I cried every week sitting in that chair. Um but God knew that we needed a new beginning. And every day when we would every week when we would park in pull in the you know, the parking lot somebody was running out to greet us and help us get in the door, help us get out of the door.

And I think we needed that and we didn't even know it. And so that's kind of how we got here. And it was a new beginning for us. And then kind of moving on from there is how it's going.

So like I said, we wanted to sit on the sidelines for a while and just kind of take it easy, heal, but God wanted to put us back in. He wanted us to go ahead and and start serving again and and do those things. So we came on November 3rd, November 2nd was our first Sunday here and I think that first Sunday Brian mentioned a small group. So first step we did, I joined a small group.

And I would encourage you to do that because in that time you are you're bonding together. You are you know, sharing burdens with each other. You're praying for each other >> [music] >> and you're growing and you're you're creating those bonds. And it's probably one of the best things that was so healing.

Is to have that that group that could pray for you. And then you know, my mom and I started doing the monthly fellowships >> [music] >> and that was almost therapeutic for her. She'd taken care of my dad his whole life and then when he's gone it's like now what? Once again, it was a now what?

And so um that became a new purpose and she wakes up in the middle of the night just with ideas. She'll call me sometimes on my way to work. I'm like, "Mom, I got to go to work." And she's got all these ideas and everything, but that's God pouring into her new ideas and creativity because her goal is to help us bond and and those fellowships are doing that.

And so um again, God was working. And then earlier this year in May I had knee surgery. And it was a surgery I didn't want to have and I tried not to have it, but God started lining things up for me to have it. And he even made it so much so that I didn't have to pay a penny for it.

My surgery was $140,000 and I didn't pay one penny. That was the Lord. Just showing me that yeah, I was supposed to have this surgery. Um but during that process, we felt so much love.

We had people coming to the house to bring meals and and visit. And we had phone calls and text messages and prayers and and people looking for ways to help me get out of the car, in the car, in the church, out of the church. Get a seat with a pillow on it, you know, all those things that you don't think of, but they're they're important and you know, that's what bonds you. And so and even having a pastor that would send me text messages all the time, how's therapy going?

I'm praying for you today. How's your knee going? You know, what's going on? The last church we were at, the pastor never even had a conversation with me.

Much less texted me to say I'm praying for you today. So God knew that we needed that. When my dad died, we didn't have a pastor. I did the funeral.

I did the eulogy and we just did it and um so that was, you know, so we knew we needed a church family again. And so God knew that we needed to be in in a place where there was love and you feel it from the second you walk in the door to to when you sit down. Everyone is welcome, everyone's accepted and they're happy to see you. And and and that's something that we need.

So this is home. And then the last thing is what's next? So you know, we don't know what's what's going to happen this next second year of of ministry. We know we had a year of first, we had a lot of first things that happened.

Um some things we were expecting like Easter and Christmas and some things you weren't expecting. You know, for first and so that's just part of it, but I do know one thing is that God is starting to reveal areas of ministry within our church body. Where we are it's not just you know, preaching the gospel only, it's also things popping up of areas that we we're having to [music] minister one to another. And the Lord gave me a passage in Isaiah that kind of speaks to where we're going.

And I hope I lost some of this So, Isaiah 61:1-3. Now, in one version it's it calls this passage the good news of salvation. In another translation, it says the year of the Lord's favor. And I think either one applies.

But in verse one, the spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has anointed me to preach the good news. So, that's Brian. God has anointed and appointed him to preach the good news. So, that's him.

He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God to comfort all who mourn. To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord that he may be glorified.

And I think if you look at that all those verses, somebody in this room is mourning today. I know that me and my mom and Natasha, we lost a loved one in the last 12 months. But some of you are mourning other things, other relationships, other situations. And then somebody in this room is looking for joy again.

Somebody is standing in ashes and wondering what next? Can God bring beauty of this? And so, the the most amazing thing is that as we have gone through these things, when God brings someone across our path, we're able to say, "I know where you are. I walked that road.

I know how you feel." And that is powerful. Because you you've been there and now you can say, "I was here and now this is what God is doing and this is where I am now." And that's a powerful ministry.

And so, I feel like that this church is going to be a place of healing and restoration and growing. And that that's what we're doing and that's what was started a year ago and God is building on that. So, we we love all of you and we are looking forward to the second year. >> That was so good.

That was so good. Um No, thank you. Um Yeah. She's going to go and get the um the lunch ready now.

Um we miss Donna, [clears throat] but um >> [laughter] >> Juan's there to help him. He's always there to help. >> [laughter] >> He's like the the everybody's favorite, you know. I'm second tier to Juan.

Um >> [laughter] >> But uh you know, I I'm very humbled um even hearing Stephanie share all that and and um [music] uh It it is a beautiful place. There is a lot of beauty here and and [music] um you know, I had something else I was going to say, but I forgot. Um oh, so >> [music] >> um No, forgot again. All right.

Um squirrel. Yeah, so anyway, um it it it it it has been a beautiful um journey to this to this first year. Um I remember one you know, cuz a A of churches start either they're they're birthed by a a bigger church or they're a small group that then becomes and decides [music] to do it. God told me to start this church and I had zero.

Like I wasn't in a small group. I didn't have a small huddle of people. I invited everybody I know. Just everybody I know.

Um I've probably invited over 150 people to this church if I you know, at least. And [music] um you know, the first one to actually sign up as a member was Lourdes. She came the first the first week. So, the first week we launched, there's like 70 people here.

I'm I'm thinking, you got something? She is the first. She filled in the you know, how do you become a member? You fill in this form in the back.

That's that's all you got to do is fill in the form say, "I want to be a member." She went ahead and did that the first week. So, we had like 78 people here. It was unbelievable.

And I'm thinking in my mind, yes. We're going to be hundreds, you know. This is going to be a a church week it goes down to 12 because all of those people were people that had church homes, you know. Some of them drove an hour and a half away just to just to kind of um cheer me on.

Um which was super sweet of them. But [music] uh but we did get one member um that first day. Uh Lourdes. And um and then and then it just began to grow.

It it um a lot of the people that come here they weren't in they were in between at the time. They weren't in a church home. Like we're not bringing a bunch of people from Twelve Stone that are coming over here instead of Twelve Stone. They were either you know, displaced or or just not there, which is awesome.

And I like that. I'd I'd rather I'd rather us bring people like that in. Um so, I mean, I invite everyone. Natasha and Justin, um I'm going to have you guys just share something.

So, so those guys, I I uh Justin was out fixing his his tire was always low, so he'd always have to go out and fill it with with air before he'd go anywhere, you know? And I'm sitting out front. We're we're next door neighbors. So, I move off the lake to move to to here and I'm in a little townhouse now or or the one I'm in now is a little bit bigger than the one I was in, but still it's a town home.

It's not the Taj Mahal uh and um and uh Justin and Natasha were my my next door neighbors. And so, I'm sitting out there getting some sun [music] in the afternoon, which I like to do. And uh I see him out blowing up the air in his tire. I always see him up there and this time I finally went out and started talking to him and I invited him to come in and and uh they came.

And now they're like a a a key piece of the puzzle, you know? Um Oh, and the thing with Stephanie and them doing the the stuff. So, they kept coming to me with ideas. Well, we should do a fellowship thing and and we should do this and they kept coming with ideas and I'm like, "You guys should head that up, you know?"

So, if you have a lot of good ideas, bring it, but be ready to be put in charge of that because I can't do it all, right? So, Natasha is going to be um coming and and with Caitlin, they're going to be uh getting [music] the the daycare the childcare going because we really need that. And we're hoping to launch that by Labor Day. Yeah.

That's a praise. So, so that's limiting us. So, why don't you guys just a smidge about something? It doesn't have to be as fancy as Stephanie's with a three-part plan.

But uh that was beautiful though, right? It humbled me. Here you go. I appreciate you.

>> Be pretty brief. Definitely can't follow Stephanie. I don't know if you guys can hear me on this. Um But yeah.

I'll try. As Brian mentioned, we were very fortunate to have him as our neighbor for one whole year up until April of this year. Yeah, until they raised his rent and he bailed. He's in a good place now, but we do miss him dearly.

But yeah, that's that's how we came across this church. I was out putting air in my car tire for usual cuz I had a slow leak in there that I just refused to get fixed and I would constantly put air in it. And so he came up to me one day and said, "You know, I started a church." And I said, "Really?"

I was like the church. And funny enough, you know, Natasha and I we don't really have a lot of family here or friends. We're pretty pretty much just us here. We have family and friends but in other states.

You know, I'm from Florida, she's from New York and so you know, by chance we met here and we have each other, but we didn't really have anybody else. And so when he invited us to church, funny enough, we had already been watching church on, you know, YouTube lives and things every Sunday morning, really kind of doing our own thing, but we didn't have a home. We just watched in our living room.

And I had been bringing it up to Natasha for a while that I wanted to go to a physical church, but it was really tough for us to kind of figure out where that would be. I had gone to a few mega churches down in South Florida when I lived there and though I appreciated them, it wasn't quite the vibe I was going for. I wanted something more intimate much like this and funny enough, God put Brian in my path for that one year, but it served a massive purpose because it brought me to this church family.

And not only that, but something that had been on my heart for very long was to get baptized and I had the pleasure of of Brian baptizing both of us one year after he lived lived next door to me, you know, so that was huge and I really truly think that God put him in our path for that reason and and and to be the father of many a father to us and to many here. So, we are very very fortunate to have this church be not only a church but a family.

We're thankful to Zach who runs our small group that's been huge for us. It's gotten us on a path to read the Bible every night and to really dig deeper into our faith. And so we just feel extremely blessed to be so connected to a wonderful group of people. Um I'll let Natasha speak as well >> I didn't prepare anything, so I'm just going to wing it.

Um Um I'm usually like a loner, um and then Justin's kind of the same, too. So, um but um like he said, we were looking for like a church family, um and I as I started getting older, I realized how important community is. And um when Brian invited us to the church, we said, "Let's let's go." And then when we came in, we felt so warm and welcomed by everybody.

Um I you know, I'm huge on energy, and I will say that everyone's really authentic here and genuine, and you know, um it grew from, you know, being acquaintances to actually feeling like we're coming every day to sit down with like family and stuff. So. Um and this past year has been been difficult for me losing my father, so coming in and feeling like a warm hug every time I come in, and being around people that I feel like genuinely actually care about how I'm feeling um today.

And I feel the same about everyone too that that is a part of this church. So, um I just want to say thank you for starting something so wonderful, and um I know I'm I'm very grateful for it, and um God doesn't make any accidents, no accidents, so I really do feel like you guys are all my family, and and I'm just looking forward to growing our relationship with everybody. >> You guys are great. >> [snorts] >> Love you, too, man.

So, they were my uh So, I've yet to do a funeral or a wedding. So, probably year two, the wedding. Maybe not hopefully not funeral, right? But, um But, our first baptism happened this past year.

You know, you expect Christmas and and Easter. You kind of know that's going to come, but um that was it was interesting, you know, uh And Justin really is the reason he kept he's like, "Man, I want to get baptized, you know?" And I kept putting them off cuz I wanted more people to do it and and then God got all over me and and Caitlyn wanted to do it as well. And so, I did I did baptize her first because um she was my final kid that I hadn't baptized yet.

So, that was just such a such a blessing that I baptized all my kids and and um someone in the bathtub at home, but still it was it was beautiful. And um and then uh Natasha and Justin were the next two. They were the first non-family people that that I'd ever baptized and and non-kids.

They weren't my kids, but um like they said, we're really becoming a I think a family [music] and um and it is beautiful and um actually, Carrie Ann, I would love for you to share a little bit about what this church you know, the the blessing for me is is I'm I'm building a church with my with my kids. You know, how cool is that?

And I get to preach and my kids, you know, when you're a dad, you tell them do this, do that, they they, you know, whether they listen to you or not is but they're coming to church and actually listening, right? So, then I get to preach at them. So, yes. Preaching.

So. Here you go, sweetheart. I'll let you share a little. >> All right.

Hey. >> Hey. >> Turn off your mic. Your mic.

I'm in All right. So, yes, I'm uh one of Pastor Brian's daughters. I'm also the producer. I'm back there every Sunday.

I'm also marketing manager of the Greater Awareness Church. So, even before that dad, when he tells the story of this church, he says that Gabriel was his first hire, but actually I was his first hire. Before Gabriel, I was so last year I went through a very um traumatic spiritual experience. I went into um based on my own sins, I went into a state of drug-induced psychosis, and it completely crippled me for a couple months.

Um was in the hospital for about a week, and then I came out, and I It was a very slow recovery. And one of the things I was freaking out about going back into the real world was a job. And so, I didn't want to go back to the job that kind of contributed to me getting to that low place, but I also was having a really hard time finding a job in Dahlonega. I was up in up at UNG.

And so, dad had He was like, "Hey, I need a marketing person for uh the church, and you're going to do it." So, before we started gathering in this place, before any of that, I um you know, was posting stuff on YouTube, making reels, you know, posting it on all the different social media. And even though I'm not a fan of doing social media in the business aspect, but I'm willing to do it for the church cuz it's important messages to get out. This church, I've seen the growth online and in person.

I've been here since before, since day one. And seeing everything that God has done is just such an amazing thing, bringing Zach Mason into it, too. And one of the small group people, like everything that God has brought together, all the little pieces of the puzzle. Like, yeah, we're doing child care, all this stuff, learning how to None of us did this before.

The first time being pastor, first time being a producer for me, first time doing marketing, social media, First time leading worship for Juan, first time, you know, the only person who had experience [laughter] before was Colt, but he just uh came on and he's been such a blessing too. Just all these different little pieces, all the kids helping, Dad's kids helping out in all the ways. It has been such a cool experience and something I've talked about recently is that this church is full, whether, you know, they're across the bridge members or not.

This church is full of very humble, gentle, and lowly people. People with such big hearts and big stories coming from all over the place and all these crazy different things, but God brought you guys here and we are just so thankful for each and every one of you coming here and contributing and just, you know, being a part of all of it cuz it is it is such a beautiful thing. And one of the things that I even stressed about, too, but Dad, too, at at one point we were like, both of us were thinking about like numbers.

Like, why aren't more people coming? Why aren't more people coming? Like, we're doing what we're supposed to, but why aren't more people coming? And then like, when Dad shared and I kind of realized too, like, God controls who who comes in.

God sends the people here. You know, we just have to be faithful with what we're given and what we um are told to do. So, we're just thankful for every single person. We notice whether someone's here or not.

So, when you're not here, we we miss you guys. We miss you. And we want you to come back because we love you all um in all the different ways and we're just very thankful for all of you guys. So, thank you for coming and being part of uh this little church family.

There's not many churches like it. It it it is very um different than most and yeah, that's pretty much it. >> Aw. You did so good, honey.

>> Turn it back on to whoever it is. >> Did you turn it off? >> I did. >> Bossy, I'm telling you.

Bossy. Um But anyway, it is a privilege. Hey, why don't you guys come up and play another song there, Colt, and uh Juan, and um and then we'll share a little bit about about that musical journey, too. Um But uh Yeah, so I was joking earlier about Colt.

So, what happened was I I offered the job to Colt. Somehow I he he came into our sphere, and he's got a lot of experience. He's He's been at Free Chapel. He's been at some of these bigger churches.

So, he's an established, actually, music guy, and and uh he he did turn me down. Um he did. He did. Um but but but I guess they were praying about it, and and after a couple weeks, they decided to come back.

But in between that, I'd already hired Gabriel. So, um but we stayed in touch, and then when things happened, I reached out to them, and and they were able to to come in, and um and uh Colt and Kayla, and they're both beautiful, and and uh you guys will share stuff in a second, but um let's let's rise, and let's let's sing a song, and just just be be joyful uh in the Lord. You guys ready? You guys ready to rock?

I want to be up here as a music guy. You know I do. You know I do. Thank you, Jesus.

God, we [music] thank you for your Holy Spirit and your presence, Lord, that is dwelling in this place, God. Dwelling in in the hearts that are in this church, God, because it's not about the building. It's about the people who come before you. That's what makes a church.

And Lord, we want to just draw closer to you. Come meet us here, Jesus. >> Come your way, Lord. Come [music] fill this place with your presence.

Our hearts are open. Let's sing how great >> [music] >> How great the chasm that lay [music] between us. How high the [singing] mountain I could not climb. In desperation, I turned to heaven and spoke your name into [music] the night.

Then through the [music and singing] darkness, your loving kindness tore through the shadows [music] of my soul. The work is finished. The end is [music] written. Oh, Jesus Christ, my living Lord.

Thank you, Lord. Who could imagine such great mercy? >> [music] >> What heart could fathom >> [singing] >> such boundless grace? The God of >> [music] >> ages stepped down from glory to wear my sin and to bear my shame.

The Your has spoken. [music] I am forgiven. The King of >> [music] >> kings called me home. My glorious Savior, >> [music] >> I'm yours forever.

Come on. Jesus Christ Oh, come on. All [music] together we sing. Hallelujah.

Praise the One who set me free. Hallelujah. Death has >> [singing and music] >> lost its grip on me. You have broken every chain.

There's salvation in Your name. Jesus Christ my [music] living Hallelujah. >> [music] >> Praise the One who set me free. Hallelujah.

>> [music] >> Death has lost its grip on me. You have broken every chain. There's salvation Jesus Christ >> [music] >> my living >> [singing] >> The king of glory that sealed the promise Your buried body >> [music and singing] >> we can't hold. Yes, it did, Jesus.

Out of the silence the roaring lion deeper than the grave >> Oh, come on. Do you believe [music] that today? Oh, we lift it up to you, Jesus. The kingdom of God that sealed the promise you carried inside we dance to Now I can see it.

The glory of the kingdom >> [music] >> has no claim on me. >> [music] >> Oh, Jesus my story is told in We believe, Father. Hallelujah. Hallelujah.

>> [music] >> Yeah. And that cross he bore for me You have broken the chains on me. >> [music] >> Jesus Christ, You are mighty. Oh.

Hallelujah. You have set me mighty free. >> [music] >> Yeah. And that cross >> [music] >> he bore You have broken the chains on me.

Jesus Christ, You are mighty. Oh. Jesus Christ, You are mighty. >> [music] >> Hallelujah.

Thank you, Jesus. >> [music] >> Your praise will forever be on our lips, God. You're worthy of it all Jesus. Every chain will [music] break.

Every knee will bow to the name of Jesus. Jesus, we sing your name. Oh, come on. One more time with all we have.

Hallelujah. >> [music] >> Yeah. Praise the Lord. Who set me free?

[music] Hallelujah. Thank you, Lord. Death has lost its sting. Sing it over your life.

You have broken every There's salvation >> [music] >> Jesus Christ. My living >> [music] >> hope. Oh, Jesus Christ. >> [music] >> My living hope.

Jesus Christ. >> [music] >> You're my living hope. Thank you, Father. >> So, um >> [music] >> the music is is I think you'd agree the music's getting better every week, right?

We're getting We're getting it going. Um I'd like them to just share. Uh uh you first, maybe. Um because Juan came [music] to us.

Um I guess Gabriel invited you, right? Is that how you first started? And uh uh he was originally um just coming up [music] to just share. He he wasn't getting paid.

He was just coming because he wanted to play music and and you'd never [music] done any worship before, right?

You were just Did you do a band or just So he was he you know, he was he was a secular band [music] guy and and uh But then he started coming and then and then stuff [music] happened and and now he's he's he's growing and and one of the things I appreciate you before you share a little bit about this church and what it's done for you is is uh For a while he had to fill the role of the worship leader, okay? [music] Um because we didn't have one. They couldn't come back.

They agreed to come back and and and um but there was going to be about 6 weeks cuz they had other prior commitments. And so [music] he was leading. But when Colt came, Juan immediately went and came up underneath him, you know, and and allowed [music] uh Colt to lead. You know, he has experience everything but but but it's not easy for people to do that.

A lot of people aren't humble enough to to come up and and do that. And so that's [music] one of the things I really appreciate about Juan is that he he uh And now these guys are in in unison and it's really beautiful. And so um go ahead and share. >> I want to stand over here if that's okay.

>> That's absolutely. >> Yeah. Um It's been a year. Um so when I first came back to Georgia, um some of you know this and you know the others don't.

I grew up in Lawrenceville. Uh went to Providence, you know, and then I was in Tampa the last 10 years. Um When I moved back, you know, 2025 was like one of the worst years of my life. Nasty car accident, you know hurt back, ruptured disc, [music] herniated, you know, physical therapy.

That put me out of work. And then shortly after that, uh lost the relationship with someone that was for 6 years. And I was a stepdad, father figure in that one. And when that happened, I just needed to reset.

So, I came back home. And I, you know, remember not knowing what was next for me. I didn't know, you know, I I [music] grew up believing, but I thought being saved was enough. And so then, I started, you know, going to 12Stone.

I started going to church there, and that was great at the time for me because that kind of got my fire lit, if that makes sense. But I felt empty still. I felt empty going into a place like that. Everything was great, the messages were great, but I'd just go alone and then leave, and no one no one talked to me.

And then, I remember walking [music] into a coffee shop one day and doing some work on my computer. And then seeing 1 Peter 5:7 all over the sleeves. And that says, "Casting all your anxieties on him because he cares for you." And I just felt a >> [music] >> strange pull to coffee at that time in my life.

I was always do it. Yeah, I mean, I was I've done hospitality, I've run bars, you know, I didn't want to go back into bartending. I didn't want to deal with the late nights. So, I started working in coffee.

[music] And worked at a spot downtown. And then I slowly felt a pull in Lawrenceville. I would go to the small groups that, you know, Zach and everyone there were just so welcoming. So, you know, that having that sense of communion, having that sense of community, that's where I met Gabriel.

And then Gabriel was the one who invited me to church cuz he found that I played music. So, I I came in for the first few weeks, um just [music] sitting down out there. And then, you know, the first Chili's luncheon and meeting everyone, and I just immediately felt the difference. Like you come in and you're greeted.

You come in, you're hugged. You come in and you're, you know, remembered. They ask you about your weekend. Then I started playing with Kelsey and Gabriel for months, just rehearsing and practicing with them.

And then I really felt at that point in my life that like God was doing something and I felt that this church was the center of it. And learning this past year like yes, I was focusing on what I lost and a lot. But me coming here has shifted that perspective into what I've gained. You know I learned a lot.

I've now [music] in a position where I can lead in multiple areas of my life and started on stage playing the cajon for a little bit back in the corner and then slowly graduated and now on this side and and I learned a lot and in that one month where, you know, things happened where Kelsey was going out of town and Gabriel left. That month humbled me a lot and I didn't think I'd be anywhere near this.

You know, grew up playing music but worship was completely new for me and me just kind of remembering that, you know, it's not all about me and you guys were just so welcoming and so understanding and so supportive and yeah so I've learned a lot and now I'm excited to see what this next year brings. [music] Um you know, having Colt come on like a brother, honestly. Just being able to not even just worship with him but just being able to like chat on Thursdays.

Thank you, Glenn, again for letting us use this spot to rehearse but we we um we're building something here and this church means a lot to me and it means a lot to all of us and I just want to thank everyone for all the support and love you guys have given me. >> Very good. So So Colt, you know, he he's from those [music] fancy big churches. So, let's see.

Colt, what do you think about this church? Just give us some outsider [music] view because you you, you know, now that you're you're here for the last month or two. >> Uh the word I would say is beautiful. Like, my gosh, this is what the church is supposed to look like.

Amen. Like, it's not about how big your building is. It's not about [music] the title of your church. It's about the people that are in it, the hearts that are in it.

And like, this is church. This is something that me and Kayla have, my wife, um have been praying for, a community of just a body of believers that we can just gather around and get to know and do ministry together. We're not meant to to be doing it alone. Um so, it's funny enough, I've actually, like Pastor Brian was saying, I met me and Kayla met him uh last year.

And like he says, I've had the opportunity to [music] um kind of lead worship all across America, um a lot in Georgia, a lot of different bigger churches. I grew up in Free Chapel. Um was a worship leader there um under Pastor Franklin. [music] Um and he's like a dad to me.

Love him. And God actually was calling me out um last year when I was meeting [music] Pastor Brian uh to transition. And that was really tough. Uh there was a lot of stuff going on in my family's life, just a lot of stuff I was walking through.

Um trying to understand it all with him and also leading a a small family of two, um which is just me and my [music] wife, Kayla, right now. Um but I'm so grateful for um what he's doing in in our lives and our marriage and got the opportunity to meet Pastor Brian through another church I was leading with. And >> [music] >> uh someone connected us. And man, I just me and Kayla fell in love with his heart right away [music] and um I know he's going to hold it over my head forever that I didn't choose him right away.

Um and uh >> I I handle rejection so well. >> [laughter] >> But like something about Pastor Brian's heart and [music] just the relationship that we got to meet with you the first time that I remember was in Nooks. >> Yeah. >> And um it was such a blessing just to get to sit with you.

To hear from what God was laying on your heart just cuz I got to I'm actually very blessed that I got the opportunity to hear what God was kind of speaking through him before he actually opened up what we now have as The Great Awareness. Amen.

[music] Um so grateful for that and seeing just the heart on him like even though it wasn't me right away um I told Kayla actually when we left there I said, "Hey, babe, I don't know what uh what will come out of this, you know, if it is me, but like something [music] that's on my heart is like I I see Pastor Brian's heart and I like I truly believe that we need to be praying for [music] him and the church that he is starting.

And uh through uh that one first year um which [music] is such an honor and a blessing that we're we're here with you guys and that we're able to say like we're part of the family now.

Um but like we we I'm not just saying this like we didn't stop praying for you or or this church um because [music] we felt God's hand was already on it before it really even started, you know, and something me and Kayla kept praying about is uh Lord, would you just open the doors that we're supposed to walk in and I'm so super blessed with how [music] he's kind of directed me with how he's asked me to lead worship and stuff because like um it's funny enough Pastor Brian, he told me the second time we met him and he's like, "Hey, it's not the biggest church.

You know, um, probably about like 50 [music] to 20 people, you know, and like in my heart immediately when he told me that it was like, man, like just because of platforms God's given me to to stand on from a young age, um, growing up in the church it's like or in our hearts never been how big the room is or how big the platform is, um, because if that is the heart, like that's that's not it's not personally bright in my spirit. It's not about how big the platform is or how big the church is.

It's really just about like is Jesus there? Is it healthy?

You know, because like man, the what's happening here is so special, [music] guys, um, and it's truly something me and Kayla have been praying about, talking about those doors that Lord, would you keep the doors open that you would want us to walk in and then if it's not from you, you would shut them automatically and as we're praying for you, he kept that door open, um, and me and Kayla didn't know it would come back around and like truly [clears throat] there was a reason why he asked me to keep praying for you, keep praying for this church, um, and I'm just super grateful, [music] um, and I have gotten to lead worship and I'll just say that out out of a boastful heart, like that's never never my heart, like it's been an honor and a blessing to get to step in here and join such a healthy church and a body [music] of believers who just love the Lord, and we're grateful for that because it's something we actually have been praying for, me and Kayla.

So, this you guys are a blessing, this church is a blessing and I'm just excited to continue to see it grow, um, and I promise you as we keep Jesus first and him at the center, like watch what he'll do. We'll look back and be like, man, thank you, Jesus. And I was talking to him a little bit as I was walking in here, he's like, man, does it feel like a year?

Like I know, like I don't know, I feel like I know I've only been here for a little bit over the month, but I feel like it's just been family for a while and that's how you know, like the it's from the Lord, it's special. So, me and Kayla were very grateful for this church and all that God's doing. So, thank you all for welcoming us with just open arms and uh so proud of you, Juan, and how you're leading, man.

I know it's not like about calling someone out, but man, like ever since you just kind of allowed me to kind of step in and like my biggest goal is for us to continue putting God first [music] and as we put him first, I just want us to follow him, follow him into like the footsteps and the the blueprint that he's kind of making and pointing out. I just want us to walk in that and you're doing that, dude. I couldn't be more proud of you um and just proud of the church and stuff.

So, thank you, Pastor Brian, for your heart, for having me and Kayla. Like uh we definitely feel like this is where we're supposed to be and we're we're very grateful. >> Awesome. Awesome.

Thank you. So, [clears throat] so uh everyone in this church is like important to this church, okay? Um and there's stories, like um we've got Zach now. [music] He doesn't He doesn't know that he's the um teaching pastor, but he's the teaching pastor.

>> [laughter] >> He hasn't accepted that role, but um but but the small group that we have, his his small group [music] is very large um for our church, you know, large for our church, right? And um the people that are there, that we [music] all went through it um the first the first time you went through that and then now he's got a second group that he's taking through. And um and and we're continuing on that, you know, each person's [music] important. You've started coming.

William, you were important when you you you came. Some of you are newish, you know Billy. Billy was there. He's He's uh he came in to do something, I think, for for Glenn or something.

He He didn't even know the church was here. He was just coming here to do something for you, Glenn, and and we were getting ready for church. He's like, "I didn't know there was a church here." He goes, "All right, I'll be back next Sunday."

And [music] he has. He's been here every Sunday, you know. You guys have have started coming, and so everyone's important, and we do miss you when you're gone. Um this next year is going to be other firsts and new things and stuff.

[music] Um And and really, I could let almost anyone talk, but I'm just going to bring one more guy up. So, this front row, if you notice [music] here, is kind of an anchor row for us, you know? There There's always like there are And and I'm going to bring you up, Todd, because Joshua and Melissa said, "No, we don't want to talk." So, they they delegated it it to Todd.

>> [music] >> But, um just share a little bit about what the church means to you guys, and and um cuz this really does anchor a lot of a lot of this church. They're here every week, and um Todd's [music] just this If you haven't met him yet, he's really funny, and he's a really nice guy. And um and so, it it it's a trip, so. Let me turn this on for you.

>> Hello. Works. I'm Todd. It's nice to see me talk y'all.

This church been It just kind of happened, um It just kind of happened. Yes, sir. But, um I just I come here for all the meetings that we do here and across the bridge, and I've met God here. I used to know what God was.

I was living kind of haphazardly, and living wherever I woke up the next day, and not make plans for the other for any further life. Just enjoying it. And um now, I've met some you know, I lost all my family. And now, I've met a whole bunch of people that are like family in in here.

I mean, they do care. They keep They keep in touch. They make sure that you're doing If you're If you're not here, they're going to find out why. They don't allow you to miss too many days.

But um it's just it's grown in my heart that I mean, Josh and I cut up with Josh and Melissa. We all live together, and they've become like real brothers and sisters to me. And I mean, I mean, we get up every Sunday morning and the first thing one of us will text the other, "It's Jesus time." We know we're you know, just to make sure we're coming.

Um but, we enjoy everybody. And like I said, I enjoy Zach's small group. We call him Daddy the teacher preacher cuz he teaches us a lot. And we enjoy it.

But um it's just it's it just keeps growing. I mean, it really does. I mean, not so much in people, but in uh solidarity in the people that are here. More family-oriented.

I mean, more more involved with each other and just you just you can't beat that. I mean, I've gone to these 12 Stones, and you leave there, and it's like you went to a concert. I don't remember anything the preacher really said cuz the music was so loud. And there was so much activity cuz there's like 2,000 people in there at one time.

I mean, there's so much distraction. And you know, the messages I get, I'm sure was good, but here I know that Brian's teaching us straight out of the Bible what what Jesus said, and not his side of what he thought it meant or any of that, but but we appreciate Brian, and we appreciate coming here, and we appreciate Mr. Glenn for letting us be here. And we appreciate the music.

We enjoy it. And our door opening. Nobody mentioned Josh. Josh has worked very hard this year opening that door for everybody.

And there's the other guy over there that does it, too. And the other one. There's a few of them, but you have done well opening that door. Y'all didn't even mention Josh.

I was ashamed. But, he helped everybody get back and forth to Mr. Don and them to get back and forth to their car all the time. I see him.

But, I mean, like I said, it's just like family here. We We enjoy it and we're we're thankful to be here. It was a pleasure meeting you both. >> What do you think?

Do we have it? Sound good? Okay. So um thank you, man.

>> [music] >> Um we'll maybe do another testimonial day sometime in the future where we can get some more stories from people because >> [music] >> we're running out of time. We got some really killer food that uh they've done, but just I want you to be um I do need prayer. Um I strongly encourage you all, if you think about it, to pray for me. Um >> [music] >> and uh and pray for this church, but let's just um it This is a remnant church, okay?

Uh we'll talk about it in a few weeks about what that means and and um how I originally thought it was going to be this one thing and God's made [music] it clear that it's not. It's a smaller, more family-oriented thing. I didn't see that coming. Um I really didn't and [music] um but it's a beautiful church here.

Um we we often have technical difficulties. That's That's been a consistent except [music] for last month we really haven't, right? That's It's been pretty good. Um you know just got one all messing around now.

But um >> [music] >> it's it's a uh it's a celebration because you guys are beautiful and um I love all of you and I I really feel humbled and honored that I uh that I get to come here amongst you guys and and um and share and I just I just think it's amazing. So, let's do a song um >> [music] >> so what's cool about what's going on is like I'll listen to a song and I couldn't do this before, but I'll text Colt and I'll say, [music] "Hey, do you know that song? Can we do that song?"

And then he'll try to learn it and then him and him and cuz he never recognizes a song [music] that I share for some reason. Um you know, it's almost like we live different Christian, you know, >> [music] >> song titles. But um but then he learns it and then we do it and so I heard this song um earlier last week and I'm like Monday, I think, I'm driving in um which if you ever get down, [music] man, listen to Christian music. It's it's good for you.

It's just it helps get rid of, you know, spirits. And uh the song is Where I Belong and as nice as this [music] church is and as fun as this church is Juan man. >> [music] >> So, oh, we're going we're going the other. It's okay.

Um I'm sure [music] you're going to slay it anyway. Uh but this is not our home, okay? This is not our is our home. That's where we're heading and and uh that's that's where >> [music] >> we need to be we need to always remember and when things are tough, just remember, man, this is not our home.

Um there's another place where we belong and the song is called um What's it called? Where I Belong. There you go. All right, let's sing it.

Ready? >> And you guys can sing [music] along to it if you do know it. Sometimes it feels like [music] I'm watching from the outside. Sometimes it feels [music] like I'm breathing.

Am I >> [music] >> alive? I will keep searching for answers that aren't here to find. All [music] I know is I'm not home yet. >> [music] >> This is not where I belong.

Take >> [music] >> this world with me, Jesus. >> [music] >> This is not where I belong. >> [music] >> So when the [music] walls come falling down on me, and [music] when I'm lost in the current of a raging sea, >> [music] >> I have this blessed assurance holding me. Oh, come on, all [music] together.

Let's sing it together. All I know is I'm not home yet. This >> [music] >> is not where I belong. Take this world with me, Jesus.

This is not >> [music] [music] >> Oh, come on all together. Let's sing it. As a family. All I know is I'm not home yet.

This is not where I belong. Take this world and give me Jesus. This is not >> [music] >> where I One time. All I >> [music] >> know is I'm not home yet.

This is not where I belong. Take this world and give me Jesus. This is not where I belong. Hallelujah.

Can you see me in a car jamming to that top down >> okay so we're going to go eat all right over at Dominick's all right let me give you are you doing okay so tonight there's Bible study at Zach's for the that group and then our Bible study will be Tuesday at my house Dominick's is in the downtown area of of Lawrenceville so you just go there there's parking behind McCray's and all that just just park there and uh are you tell me something oh okay and then so come and eat it's going to be a lot of fun we're going to have fun and what else is that it is that it good good day right we're going to enjoy a year and and just eat and it's good to eat to the Lord so we're going to do our Kumbaya song what is that amazing grace yes yes my favorite listen come on everybody huddle up link arms we're going to sing two courses or one course of Amazing Grace all together as a family thank you Jesus for what you've done in one year you guys ready all right let's do it >> Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me I once was lost but now I'm found >> Y'all want it one [music] more time, Amazing Grace?

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch >> [music] >> like me. I once was lost, but now but now I see. I once was but now I Thank you Lord.