Haven't figured it out yet

I'm not sure if I can redirect this address to my new blog. So link to it here and I'll keep trying.

http://metachurch.cc/robbie

I'm getting ready to move again!

Now don't freak, I'm just talking about my blog. I will be moving it to
http://metachurch.cc/robbie

This is linked to our new church website and you can actually go there now to see the countdown and the link to Pastor Chad's blog too.

Lots of equipment should be coming via UPS this week as we had no luck renting any of the sound gear we need. I have answered this question in person no less than 20 times now so I'm going to post the question and answer here for you all to read.

Question: If you knew you were going to need so much sound equipment, why didn't you take what belonged to you from New Hope before you left?

Answer: Because I have lugged that gear around for four years with little to no use. Mandy suggested years ago that I sell it. I told her then it was for a particular purpose that I still had it, and we would know what that purpose was when we saw it. The purpose was to help get the 8:30 service at New Hope off the ground. It accomplished that purpose well, and as far as I am concerned when it was put into service there, it was given to God for His purpose. End of story, end of discussion. Praise God, New Hope has continued that service and that blesses my heart! God will provide for Metamorphosis! He has given me a little talent with making some crappy stuff sound pretty good, and I am using my talent!


There.... I feel much better now.

This will be my last post here. See you at the new site!

Rob

What a day!

Big shout out to Joe Cuyar for letting me use his Mac to do some video work today, and to Johnathan Elrod who put me on to the company I used to send out our email newsletter today. There really are more than 3 ways to skin a cat! (I've still only seen two in person)

Prayer requests: Pray for mom (again) - she goes to have her artificial knee reinstalled this coming Monday. For Mandy - she is still having daily headaches.
For my computer and the folks at CompUSA if they don't get it fixed tomorrow. Jayson Payne and his mission team left for the mountains of Tenn. today. Pray for safe and productive trip.

Today I got to hang out with a friend of mine who is the Worship Leader at my father-in-law's church in Belton. Thanks for a few moments of interrupted calm Tim!

Needs for the new church: Anyone got an enclosed trailer I could borrow? Does your church or work have one? Just tell me where it is and I'll go get it late tomorrow night! (just kidding) Seriously if you have anyone I could talk to about it I would love to have a way to haul our gear to the school next weekend. It is possible that it will rain again before Thanksgiving!

This is a whole lot of nothing I know, but I felt like I had to say something..... what a day!!!
Rob

Getting It Done (2)

Amy is sending this to the printer today! This is the front of our palm card, and we will be giving out hundreds of these to point people toward our web site. The site is public with just a countdown, but check back daily to see what has been added. Click here to see it!
I am going to look at a trailer today that will house all our sound gear, and the video screens should arrive tomorrow!

All is well with the family, we had a great time in Charleston this weekend with Mandy & Brian. Their daughter Allyssa just loves Alex.

Have a great day, and tell someone what God is doing in your life today!
Rob

Good News!

I'm headed to the parsonage to get my last few things out of the basement! Tonight we celebrate my brother-in-laws birthday, and tomorrow we leave for Charleston for the annual Pig Pickin'.

This is put on my Mandy Ardis' family who was Mandy's roommate in college. It is always the offical begining of fall for the Funderburk Family.

Mom actually came to the new house and did some painting last week! Her new knee should go in sometime next month. The infection is less but not gone.

We spent all night last friday in the ER with Drew. He is much better now.

Keep us in your prayers!

Rob

I'm back...again

OK so it's raining and I can't move anything from the parsonage, Mandy's head finally quit hurting after5 days, and I have spent almost a whole day in the office catching up on some work. I'm begining to feel a little less stressed!

Mom is going to the doc tomorrow to find out if the infection is gone, leaving, or what. Please pray for her.

The new house is actually becoming a little more comfortable. I haven't been able to do any real work until Mandy's headache goes away, but I did get the last door in last night and we actually have a door knob in the bathroom door! It was nice to be able to find some solice in the bathroom without Alex coming in wanting a hug. (yea she's daddy's girl!)

The church is really happening. We will have a worship service this Sunday Night with our launch team and our prospective worship leader. I'm trying to track down some sound equipment for that meeting, so if you have something we can use call me!

Chad and I are meeting with Johnathan Elrod tomorrow for lunch and he is going to get our website up soon after. We are down to two logos and Johnathan is bringing a couple of others to the meeting. We hope to get some print material and other things done next week that will help us "brand" our image.

Special thanks to the Baldwin's for helping me with a storage space and all the free goodies! Jane has also asked to cook a meal for the entire launch team!!!!!

Well, that's an update for now. I'll write tomorrow and let you know what we did last night.

Rob

Give me just a few more days... I promise

My life is CRAZY right now. Still trying to get all our stuff out of the New Hope Parsonage, and down to just a few things left. Mandy has had a migrane headache since Saturday, and I just seem to be chasing my tail. However... It will get better soon!

Pray for me that I get it all done.

I'll write again with a complete update as soon as Mandy is headache free and I have totally vacated the parsonage.

Rob

A long day at the............

So I'm ready to be done with the remodel project and get back to work! As you can see by the time of this post, this has been a LONG day. The hardwood is about 75% done and the carpet should be installed tomorrow. Ben came by today to help with the electrical install of all new switches and recpticles, and Mandy has the day off tomorrow to begin cleaning the floors and windows and touch painting all I have messed up in the process.
If you have a truck, a trailer, or just a bone in your leg.... please come help this weekend! The goal is to be living at the new house Sunday Night. This will give me a week to finish moving out of the parsonage and clean it up for the next guy. (which I pray happens soon)

Mom is still at home doing well, Dad may even get to come help move this Saturday!

I just emailed everyone the Metamorphosis Newsletter, so let me know if you didn't get it or you want it so I can make sure you get it or something......

OK bedtime!

-later

I told you they were coming

Here is the first of several pictures I'll be showing you over the next few days.

My nephew--- Noah. This is my brother Randy's son.

Monday Monday Monday

Lots happening today.
Church - Events posted on Facebook; new email newsletter (ohh outlook never finished sending the newsletter from last week. I won't let that one happen again); logo update; lunch with Rodney from Greenville Tech BCM

House- Check on Carpet install; finish hardwood in kitchen; install bottom cabinets in kitchen; install shelving and door on pantry; finish plumbing in bath tub

Mom- At home, still hurting pretty bad

Kids- Had the best time with them yesterday. Alex is turning into a Daddy's Girl.

I'll let you in on some good stuff tomorrow.

-later

I laughed my head off....

OK so having a mac and actually learning how to use the thing has proven well worth the time. I am able to create some really cool things that I have tried to do in MS Publisher but was limited. Here is one more great example of what becomes very funny after using both platforms.

Carpet / Paint / Cabinets

The carpet will be installed next week. The paint should be finished tonight. The cabinets are going on the wall tomorrow. Get your trucks and trailers ready.... operation MOVEIT is coming!

Pray for mom.... she's still hurting pretty bad.

I promise pictures are coming... maybe even a movie if I get a chance.

Gotta get back to painting,
Rob

Metamorphosis Game Day Coming Soon

My two lives

This is the perfect video for those of us with an artistic side....yet know when to cut it off. I have both a mac and pc side by side in my office right now... and that makes this even more funny!

Web SIGHT

Wow.... I was blown away at the stuff Johnathan Elrod knows about the web. He is going to hook us up with all kinds of stuff to get us on the right path with our web site. This was a big one on my "to do" list, and I'm so thankful for Johnathan.

Today I sent out the first newsletter from Metamorphosis. My prayer is that all who received it have someone they can forward it to. I would love to see lots of new faces at the launch team meeting this Sunday Night!

Well... gotta go paint!

I Love BluefishTV

These guys are now posting some of their stuff on GodTube.com

Here is one that is a little old, but still good.

Thursday Thoughts after the fact

Today I did a little bit of everything.
Mom- i didn't call to get an update today. I assume that all is well.
The house - the painting WILL begin tomorrow. Wanna help?
The kids - Drew has begun his second year of preschool. He is getting so grown up. Alex is really begining to talk now. If you heard her you would probably not understand, but we do. Her favorite word....."MINE"
The church - we had a great staff meeting today. We are getting more organized and focused each day. The launch team meeting will be this Sunday, not Friday like usual. Two of our friends are getting married this Sat, so we moved the meeting to Sunday @6. This Sunday we are going to Discover Church to see what they are doing and how they are getting it done.
Joe Cuyar and I went to North Greenville Univ together and he is the worship leader at Discover. Actually, he is the one who convinced me to get a mac and make some real videos. Thanks man!

If you would like to attend Sunday Nights meeting... send me an email at robbie@metamorph.cc and I'll give you all the details.
Also, we are starting a weekly newsletter via email from Metamorphosis Church. If you want to get this newsletter, shoot me an email and I'll set it up.

Tomorrow I meet with my friend, my musical hero and creative genius, Johnathan Elrod to work on our church web site. As soon as it goes public I'll post it here.

For all of you that are praying for me and the family.... thanks! God is constantly giving me exactly what I need.

Love ya,
Rob

He's ready to use you..... are you ready to be used?

This was the parting sentence of one of my favorite bloggers..... Noah (Crystal S)

I have sat here pondering this for a few minutes.

There are a lot of people in my life right now that seem to be sitting in three different categories. (1) On fire for Christ. (2) Waiting to see what Christ is going to do for them. (3) Being used by the enemy.

Let me start with (3)
I heard an awesome sermon by my favorite pastor a couple of weeks ago on Saul's life before God changed him. He was working hard for "the cause". He was a religious zealot that was doing to the best of his ability what he thought was right. "The Church" was upset at all these "Christians" coming in with all this stuff about Jesus being the Messiah. So... they were circling the wagons and trying to get these folks to go back to what they had taught them religion was all about.
Saul had an eye opening experience ( well first an eye closing.... then an eye opening....) and learned that what he had been doing was playing for the wrong team.
Make certain that in all you are doing, you are doing it for Christ Jesus and not Satan. You can only do this if you have a rock-solid relationship with Jesus, just as Paul did. (The change was in more than his name too)

(2) -- You can't sit on the side line! Get in the game, or get off the field. Find what Jesus is doing and go join Him. ****IM NOT TALKING ABOUT WHERE YOUR GOING TO WORSHIP**** If Jesus is going to use you, you've got to let Him do it! He's going to accomplish what He wants with or with out you, so it's your choice to be usable or to do nothing leaving it for someone else to do.

(1) I have been pumped up by some of the spiritual maturity I've seen in folks that I really didn't expect it from. I have prayed for the last two days that God give me more unsaved friends to be a example for Christ in front of. Today, as I was working outside my new home, a young man stopped to ask what I was going to do with the wood from the oak tree that we just had cut down. I think that this guy may be the first in the answer to that prayer. Church is for lost people! I'm asking God to give me His love for the lost.

Thank you Crystal for your post every day. You are inspiring me to remember that Jesus can use teens in an awesome way!

- Later

Tuesday catch up from Monday

We all had an awesome time Sunday. New Spring is really a church that is winning souls for Christ. Perry Noble, lead pastor at New Spring, brought an awesome message on Baptism. It was strong!

Mom is doing well, and my cousin Lori came up from Orlando Fl. to see her. I was so happy to see that girl. I hope she can come back to SC around the hollidays and we can hang out for a little longer.

God is doing some amazing things around me. I just look and awe at how he is putting all the pieces of an awesome church together.

Drew started his second year of preeschool at First Baptist Mauldin today. He cried a little, but soon fell in with his friends from last year.

Superman Returns - although this would be a great title for a message on the second coming of our Lord, this is the movie we watched tonight. Now we rarely watch movies, and found that watching a movie with an almost 4 yr old and a 16 mo. old is IMPOSSIBLE!!! There were some quotes that really caught my attention:

The world needs a savior...... Lois Lane

I want to give the world what is wants, and to get my cut. - Lex Luther

Book Title "Why the world needs Superman" - Lois

*** the scene when Superman comes bursting through the clouds in a ball of fire. (put him on a horse and that excites me!)


Night Night - Rob

Our First Video from Metamorphosis

For 30 minutes training on my new Mac computer.... I think this turned out well. The idea behind this is to show everyone what the meeting place actually looks like as we plan for our first worship service in October.

Update

Sorry, but the internet has been down for a couple of days here at the Funderburk House, and the computer has yet to make it to the office. In the few moments I have right now let me give you a quick update.

Mom- I just returned home from seeing her in Greenwood. She was in ICU for two days this week but is now back in a regular room. She has a secondary infection that they are fighting with yet another type of antibiotic. Please pray for her often. Specifically that she can be free from infection and pain.

My New Nephew - that's right.... Mandy's Brother had his son delivered into the world this morning. He is a cute little boy with red hair and dimples. Jacob Paul Webb 7.... pounds 19 inches long. I would say that pictures will come but you know the truth by now (hehe)

Jayson's Mom - NO CANCER!!!! Praise God!!!!

Church - We meet to go to New Spring in Anderson tomorrow AM. We are going to meet and caravan together where we will see one of the churchs that is really getting it done in Anderson. Wanna go? E - mail me at robbie@metamorph.cc and if the internet continues to work....... I'll give you the details.
Web site is the first thing on the list for next week, so keep watching for something worth looking at at www.Metamorphosis.cc
Ohhh............... and I'm typing this on an '08 model iMac that I made our first video on for our launch team meeting yesterday. Special thanks to a special doner that made the new computer possable, and to Joe at Discover Church for showing me how it works. I think I can post the video on God Tube then link it here. Keep looking back for it soon.

House - We made some visiable progress this week in lots of areas. One of the huge oak trees are gone from the front yard, and it made a huge difference. Want Pictures? The goal at this very moment is to get the kids bedrooms finished and painted, as well as all of the drywall finished by Wednesday night. Consider this a prayer request also!

Family - All doing well. Mandy is off until Wednesday so we hope to get ahead of the game in our quest to finish the house and move in.

Have a great weekend and I look forward to telling you some of what I saw and experianced at New Spring tomorrow AM.

- Later

Prayer Requests

Pray for mom. Dad called today to say that they have found a blood clot in her leg and will be putting in a "Green Filter" tomorrow AM. This is a filter they but in to catch the clot before it reaches the heart.

Pray for our Launch Team meeting this Friday. We will be viewing our first custom made video that I hope to have completed Thursday. The meetings are for anyone that has any interest in what God is doing through Metamorphosis. Pastor Chad shares the vision, the needs, and the method that we are using to reach those that are far from God.

Pray for Jayson Payne's Mom who will get the results of an important test tomorrow. Some other tests have shown that her cancer may be coming back, and she will learn the more definitive results of that test tomorrow.

Pray that God keeps me in the center of His will.

Thanks for your prayers!!! They make all the difference.

Rob

Never Mind

I had a post here but after Drew started singing Omazing Grace (you can find it at YouTube if you want) I decided that it would do more harm than good to the younger generation.

I'll preach that sermon another day.

Rob

First Day (not at the office)

There are so many things that need to be done and need my attention at Metamorphosis... but all day was spent in a surgical waiting room with my dad in Greenwood. Mom was in surgery for almost 7 hours! She is doing well, and will be in the hospital for at least two weeks.

I'm pumped about a meeting I will have tomorrow with a friend of mine from North Greenville College (University Now) that has been a part of a church plant since we were at NGC together. I hope to learn some things that will help us save a lot of time and energy as we don't want to waste any time.

Pray that I get a new computer soon. This is the first MAJOR investment of funds we have and I want to make the right choice. Anyone got G5, iMac, or MacBook Pro sitting around their not using?

Thanks for all your prayers.... keep up the good work ;) Rob

Last day of a great ministry

I suppose that title is dependent on your like or dislike of me personally, but that's the way my friends from New Hope left me tonight. It was really cool that I was able to just hang out with some folks that really encouraged Pastor Chad and I. The choir even collected come money and gave me a great card where they had all signed a little note, and included a gift card to...... you got it...... Lowe's!!!

I will be writing about our church plant "Metamorphosis" in the coming weeks, so stay tuned and stay in prayer for us, and New Hope. God has already blessed with offices that we have moved into!

Pray for Mom as she will have her knee totally removed in the am down in Greenwood. I'm going to get up early and get down there to hang with Dad during the surgery. She will be in the hospital for at least two weeks, with a total of 6 weeks without her knee. They hope to get the infection under control quickly, and her pain should be less even without the knee joint in place.

Thank your for all your prayers, and keep up the good work!
Rob

My Kids are Growing Up!!!

Papa and Nanna (Mandy's parents) were kind enough (or dumb enough) to keep our kids from Monday night until this afternoon. (thursday) They did this so that we could work on our new house and not have to deal with them in the process. This is the longest that Mandy and I have been without them, and I didn't like it!!!!

Last night, after my last choir rehearsal with New Hope, I had the most amazing phone conversation with my son. He told me of the pool that Papa took them swimming at, and all the fun events of the day. I could only think about how much I wanted he and Alex home with me. Drew is getting SOOOO grown up and Alex is about to really begin talking.

After I get this house stuff done, I'm going to find a way to spend a meaningful couple of days with my family!

later
Rob

Thanks Jayson!

I met this guy named Jayson through Matt Roper. You remember the weather guy on Channel 7 Jack Roper, well Matt was his son, and Matt and I lived together while he was going to Lander and I was at Tech. Anyhoo, Jayson and Matt were room mates before Jayson married Melissia. (I think I spelled that right) Now Jayson is to this day one of my very best friends. He came by the new house last night just to check up on what was going on. Thanks for being such a great friend, Jayson. I pray that God will continue to bless you and your ministry for Him.

I hope to paint the hall bath and install the cabinets tonight. Pictures will come soon.

Random Thoughts on a Saturday Night

Today has been a long day. We put the last piece of sheetrock on the wall and ceiling today!!! We should have the hall bath completed by the end of next week and be ready to paint the entire house the following week.

Special Thanks to my friends David and Carrie Barnes, Wendy West, Banu Mufale, my dad Wayne Funderburk, my father-in-law Dean Webb, Joey Roach, Thomas Jewell, and my beautiful wife! They have all helped get to this momentous occasion. (all the drywall is up that is)

Special Thanks also to Jane and David Baldwin who brought over some NICE cardboard boxes. I plan to use some of them to move into my new office this Thursday. I haven't seen it yet, but I understand that we have had some really nice office furniture donated to us.

The praise band just wrapped up our Saturday night rehearsal, and I'm excited about tomorrow. I hope that God uses the music and the Word to bring someone to a saving relationship with Him.

OHH and I'm really excited about tomorrow night. We're having a joint service with our student ministry in the gym to "Send them out" to reach their friends at school.
My prayers are with all the teachers and students as school begins. Drew doesn't start preschool for another week.... and it's too hot to go to school anyway.

All in all I have to say that I am really proud of Pastor Chad and what I see God doing through him. He would have to be my "hero of the week" if I had one. He has promised more postings on his blog soon, so go check it out.

Also... update on Mom. She will have her new knee taken out Monday after next (the 27th I think) They are actually going to take the artificial joint out and fight the staph infection.... then, 6 weeks later, put the joint back in. Pray for her health and sanity. Those of you who know mom know that she isn't one to lay around for a day, much less 6 weeks.

Good night, I love you all! Yes... even you (although I heard what you said about me!)

Rob

Under Construction

OK... so everyone in Mauldin seems to have a different story. Here are the facts -
1. My last Sunday serving at New Hope is Aug. 26th.
2. I will be out of the parsonage by Sept. 30th.
3. I agreed to these terms with the Deacons of NHBC. Yes we asked to stay until January. No we didn't get "run off". I have never heard of anyone agreeing to be "run off". Actually I've been "run off" before, and this was nothing like that! I feel that this is best for Chad and myself, and maybe for New Hope as well.
4. NHBC is paying my salary and benefits through September. This is very kind and I am most appreciative of it.
5. I love NHBC and in no way want to see anything we have done or begun stop. Case in point, I am leaving all of my sound equipment in the gym so that the early service will not skip a beat. (pardon the pun)

I hope that this clears the air and you can now go out and tell everyone.... not! You do and I'll hunt you down like the evangelism linebacker! If your going to do anything, go tell someone that Jesus loves them, and that they can know the one who created them. Tell them who their daddy really is! If we talked about Him as much as we talk about each other, what a different world this would be.

I will be removing my link from nhbcmauldin.org in a few days, so note that you will no longer be able to link to this blog from there. You can however, type in the address www.robbiefunderburk.blogspot.org and reach me from there. I soon will have a new web page with lots of exciting news and reports from the church planting scene.

My new house in Mauldin is indeed under construction, I'll post some pics tomorrow.

No, I haven't forgotten about the pics of Noah. I'll post them soon.... I promise!

later

Are you ready for some football?

We used this last year and someone put it on GodTube.
It's worth watching.... and go tell someone about what He is doing in your life.

God of Details

My God is so good! He continues to amaze me with how He has a huge plan and only gives us what we can handle of it..... when we can handle it.

As some of you know, Mandy and I bought a house right across the street from Lyle and Donna Watson in Mauldin. It is a "fixer upper" and demolition will cease tomorrow and reconstruction begins this weekend. We have basically gutted the entire inside down to the stud walls. (((a little known fact--- before I surrendered to full time ministry I had my own remodeling business (or sub-contracted under someone else). This will be the third house that Mandy and I have renovated since our marriage, not counting the one that I did while we were dating)))

Anyway, God (with the help of some of His people who previously owned the property) practically gave us the house. We couldn't share what God was doing through them, but it was awesome to hear that they just felt led to offer us the house at the price they did!

Today Mandy started her journey being a working mom. She will eventually be working 3 - 12 hour days instead of 5 - 8hour days. She came home excited because she is going through orientation with one of the girls that was in our Student Ministry at Eastview Baptist in Belton SC. God gave her a friendly face at just the right time.

Noah looks just like Randy did as a little kid. This is actually a good thing because my brother is def the better looking of the Funderburk boyz. I had a great time with him today playing in "Uncle Buddy's Pool" down the road from my parents house in Greenwood.

Please continue to pray for my mom. Her doc has told her that they will make a decision in the next two weeks to take her knee out or continue trying to fight the staph infection with antibiotics. She is ready to have it taken out... but she is trying to be patient.

I know I promised pictures of Noah, but be patient. My computer connection is still giving me trouble and I hope to have it fixed by the weekend.

To those of you who called today to check on me and encourage me.... thanks!

God is going to be glorified in all of this!

Well... I've gotta go finish reading the book that Pastor Chad spoke of this past Sunday Jim and Casper go to Church

.

-- Later

Deep Thoughts 2

For those of you who don't know the skippy, last week Pastor Chad announced to New Hope that He and I were going to launch a new church in the coming year. I expected folks to get upset, some to get mad, some to get sad, and yes..... some to get glad. (it rhymes and I'm sure it's true for those who will admit it)
New Hope is one of those special churches that having the title Associate Pastor really means you are a pastor. I have been so thankful for the opportunity to counsel with folks who would come by, or those that have called and just needed someone to talk too. For some, they obviously love me. They are deeply hurt that our relationship, on a pastor / parishioner level, is coming to an end. However, they know me well enough to know that this decision was made after much prayer and struggle with God, and that ultimately Romans 8:28 is going to apply.

Saying all of this to say..... I'm still the same guy that MOST everyone loves. Although my position will change in your life, I will still be Robbie. My family and I need your prayers, as well as Chad & Wendy. If this was all about me, I would stay at New Hope forever. I have it made there! Best choir in Greenville, I live in a HUGE house rent free, I don't even cut the grass!!!! New Hope has done a great job of taking care of my family, and I appreciate that more than words can say.

The bottom line is..... it's not about me, or even my family. I've been in the center of God's will, and I've been way out of it. I'm not willing to get out of His will again for anything. I learned that lesson the hard way, but I learned it well.

Being that God has so clearly called me to this, I strongly believe that He has someone lined up to pick up where I leave off. I have been thankful for the love and support that have been given to me and the Music Ministry of New Hope. I think we have accomplished a lot in the past years, and know in my heart that God has a man lined up ready to take it to the next level.

That's enough for now.... Chad and I will meet with the Deacon Ministry in a few hours to discuss how long they feel we will continue to be effective at New Hope in our positions. This wasn't our timetable, but I'm sure none of it took God by surprise. He has been so faithful to supply all of our needs. May His will be done!

I Love You Jesus!
Rob

My Nephew Noah

Tomorrow my nephew and his grandmother (his mom's mother) will arrive at GSP airport! Noah is 8 weeks older than Alex and we have never seen him in person. This is Randy's (my little brother) boy and his family lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The last time we went to Colorado was before Drew was born to go snow skiing in Vale.
BTW once you ski on "real" snow out west, it's hard to go to the mountains around here..... anyway..... I'll post some pics of Noah and Drew and Alex as we spend some time down in Greenwood at my parents house this weekend.

To my church NOAH (crystal.... she gets this nickname due to the fact that when she answers any question with no... she adds the ah... nooooahhhh NOAH) Her blog is here (Crystal S) You are still the original Noah as far as I'm concerned! Well, of course God's man with the big boat was the first, but you know what I mean.


Later -

I'm Married to a Registered Nurse!

That's right.... it's official! Mandy received the license this past week after taking the state boards. I have always heard that preachers wives are either school teachers or nurses, so I guess I'm finally getting something right!

Alex, Drew, and myself are so very proud of her accomplishment. She is truly the brains behind the operation here at the Funderburk house.

To all of those who have been hounding me about not blogging..... sorry! I'll get back into it this week. OHHH back to Mandy... She already has a job too. She will be working at Greenville Memorial on the ??? floor in High Risk OB. (moms having trouble with the pregnancy for us guys)


For my friends out of town, Mom is still not doing well. They may actually take her new knee out for 6 weeks if she dosen't shake this staph infection. I'll keep you posted here, and thanks for all the phone calls!

later

My DNA

You need to ready Pastor Chad's Blog for this to make since but here is mine.

No real surprises here!

My personalDNA Report

Independence Day Musical

Thanks to all who made yesterday's musical great! I really appreciate the hard work and dedication of our church choir. You guys (and gals) learned 20 minutes of music in less than 4 hours of rehearsal, and it was great!

I'm already looking forward to next weeks worship opportunities. We have yet another special treat to look forward too.

-later

My Buddy Eric

Yes.... Eric Spann ladies and gentlemen!

VBS is over!!! See yall Sunday!!

Pray for Mom

Today Mom is having yet another operation on her knee. This is sort of an emergency situation as she has lots of infection that they are cleaning out today. I will be back to the church around 5:00 to put some stuff together for tomorrow AM. If you want to come by any time today... Mandy will be at the church getting ready for VBS.

Thanks for the prayers.... see you soon.
Rob

Oh yea....... Happy Father's Day!

Don't be a poser....

For some reason this is a theme with me today. It started in my quiet time as I struggled through an awefull headache.

Watch and laugh!

WOW!

Undocumented Americans / Undocumented Christians

I am right now sitting at my desk working on VBS and Father's Day at the same time. I have a splitting headache and have taken all the medicine I can get my hands on. I decided to do something to get my mind off of my headache and turned on the radio. So I'm listening to Rush and this lady calls in to tell all of America that we are wrong by not considering everyone in America "Americans" regardless of their national origin. Thats like us calling everyone who comes to church a Christian isn't it? You can be of another nationality and become an American, but there is a clear process in which to do so. Likewise, you can be a great person, and work hard for the church in many different ways, but there is a CLEAR PROCESS to becoming a Christian. It's a simple as ABC.

Have you really become a blood-bought Christian, or are you impersonating one illegally?

Remember, your relationship between you and your SAVIOR is between the two of you. You can fool your family, but HE knows the truth.

This is a matter of life and death. Life for eternity, or wishing you could die.... for eternity.

Later....

Ready for VBS!!

I'm really pumped about the VBS that we are going to have next week, and I'm really looking forward to making this VBS the best ever. Wendy and Mandy have really worked out all the bugs from last year, and I think this could be the smoothest, most impacting week we have ever experienced.

I'll post a pic of the gym before Sunday. I'm going to turn the center isle into a soccer field! Let's all come prepared to "Get in the Game!"

Attention all kids....

Wednesday night I want to video tape you for a Father's Day Video. This is one of my special "I've got an idea!!!" type projects that I always seem to get about two weeks too late.

Night Night.....

Getting it Done

OK so I have spent the last 3 hours with David Sutherland reconnecting the mess that a lightening strike made of our internet network at the church. It is back and actually appears to be a little better (faster) than it was to begin with. This has been a great day at New Hope.

Special Thanks to the Boyz that helped with the stage modification. Mitchell, Matt, Joey, and Mr Allen. We did a lot of work in a little time and I appreciate all the help!

Special Thanks also to Mandy who put the sound system back together in record time!

A lot has happened since I posted last, but the kids demand my attention right now. Come back as I should post something new every day this week. Until then.....

Special Thanks

Pastor Chad has his "Hero of the Week" ...... My version is simply "Special Thanks"

This weeks Special Thanks goes out to several folks.

The team of ladies that came to fold the newsletter. Myong Keith, Donna Wentz., and Freddie Spann. They had it knocked out before I got back to help them! This is a major undertaking as we now send out over 300 of these newsletters to our members and prospects families.

You can view the newsletter on our website at www.nhbcmauldin.org

This is MUCH better

Mandy can walk again! Praise God!
I got a full night sleep for two nights in a row and I feel great! I'm working on Sundays music and it should be great! A little preview of one of the songs is posted below. Learn it and be ready to sing it Sunday AM-- 8:30

Thanks for all who have made this week great, and thanks to those who have been a real pain in the neck. God has used you all to draw me closer to Him and realize that He has it all under control.

Pray for Pastor Chad and his family as they have left for a much deserved vacation.

See yall in the AM and be ready to be amazed.

Later,

Check this out

Some of you are wondering is this our praise team..... yea right!
This is actually Hillsong. I heard this song before Easter this year and really wanted to use it for Easter Sunday. It has stayed on my heart and in my mind and we will use it this week in worship.

Welcome Back to the New Hope Baptist Stage......

MR ERIC SPANN !!!!!

I'm Back..... Almost

Mandy went to her knee doc today and he has told her she can walk, when she can walk. Turns out that even though she wants to walk on that leg, her muscles can't take it right now. Pray that she recovers from this quick. She begins working as a intern next week at Greenville Memorial!

I'm sorry for not writing. I just read Pastor Chad's blog and he hasn't posted in a while either. For me it's just been crazy. I'm ready to get back to a normal life.... a wife with two working legs, two kids, one grandmother, one dog,.... you get the pic.

The most exciting things that have happened to me over the past week is getting our computer network back up, and getting to witness to a guy while doing it. I got to speak to several folks while working on Donna's office computer about Jesus, but a really had a good time sharing with this one guy. I never asked his name, so just pray that the old man at CDO will come to church this Sunday.

If you have time.... come to New Hope tomorrow (thursday) at 10:30 for the folding of the newsletter. I have a lot to get done tomorrow and need all the help I can get.

Ohhhh back to exciting things.... Duke Energy put in the new power pole and transformers today, and the Duct installation is underway. We hope to have a/c in the gym sunday AM!!

WHOOOOOHOOOO

Later,

I'll be right back.....

Some of you have been inquiring as to why I haven't posted lately. Let's just say when Mandy gets off her crutches I'll be able to write again.

I'm giving her a raise next year for sure!

Later, (maybe even next week)

Eight Years and Counting......

That's right! Eight years of wedded bliss today! The best thing I ever did next to ask Jesus to be both my Lord and Savior, was to marry that girl! I did it eight years ago today. Surrounded by all of my closest friends and family, my wife agreed to graciously submit to me, and I promised to love her as Christ loved His church. Thankfully, I haven't given my life for her yet..... but I want you to know that I would.
Marriage really suits me. I like getting up in the same bed beside the same person (correction.... WOMAN) I like getting up beside the same woman every morning and knowing she is on my team. We often avert an argument simply by saying... we're on the same team, remember?
God has blessed me with a best friend, a lover, a mother to my kids, (and to me sometimes) a partner in HIS ministry, and will soon provide free medical care when she completes her RN next month! Who could ask for anything more? (Toyota!!!!! sorry..... it's an 80's thing)

Anyway, just thank God when you speak to Him today for my wife in what ever role she plays in your life. Billy Joel said it best.... "She's more than a woman to me...."

Now, tonight has been a challenge. Drew did something today that just blew my mind. This was a very bad thing! DADDY GOT MAD!!!
Daddy didn't put son in time out.... and much to my amazement Daddy didn't give son a spanking (I was too mad) I thought back to my Dad (my hero) and pondered what he would do in such a situation. This works well for me in that Drew has my personality. I thought for a moment and did just what my dad did to me. I sat him on his bed and explained the situation, why he was being punished, why I was so mad, why I was so disappointed, and what the punishment was. Now the punishment was that he had to go to sleep in his bed tonight. Bed time is our time to snuggle together and catch up on the day. You know.... How was school today? What did you learn? What are we going to do tomorrow? Prayer time! and watch our favorite TV program together "TRUCKS" until he goes to sleep. (Then I take him to his bed and he stays there the rest of the night)
Now tonight, I dressed him as always, got his chocolate milk and blanket as always, he laid in his bed and we said our prayers together, then I kissed him and left the room with tears in MY EYES. Turns out that "This is going to hurt me more than you" thing is somewhat plausible.

Knowing that I let my dad down hurt more sometimes than a spanking. Now it didn't matter as much to my brother.... but that's another post altogether.

Remember now, today is simply the tomorrow you were worried about yesterday.

Tomorrow........ take Drew to school early, take Mandy to doctor (in Anderson) take Mandy to school, pick up Drew from school, get about 6 hours of work done at church in 3 hours, and have a great day doing it.

Later,

Mandy Report

Mandy is doing well after her knee surgery this am. The doctor was able to repair the problem meniscus instead of cutting it out. That means she will have a better knee later, but right now she is to stay off of that leg until next week.

Special thanks to Wendy for dinner tonight! It was great!!!

Special thanks also to Carrie Barnes who gave up Mike Jewell as a bass player. He's doing an awesome job with the songs in the Praise Team.

Praying for a drummer now! I'd rather have a percussionist, but a drummer will do. (you'll only get this if you are a percussionist) (btw.... I'm a drummer)

Later

Random Thoughts @ Lunch

Tomorrow (Thursday) Mandy is going under the knife. She is having outpatient knee surgery in Anderson. She hurt her knee this winter while snow skiing with Drew. Pray for her and a speedy recovery.

Also, pray for Eric Spann. He is finishing his final exams today and tomorrow. He will be home in about 10 days and I can't wait. Eric and I are going to plan a time over the summer for Guitar lessons for teens (and me). Eric Spann's School of Rock! (just kidding) Anyway Eric is planning to spend one day a week with me at New Hope working on music and working with our band.

I'm so excited about Mandy finishing Nursing School! She will go back to school on the 16th to study and prepare for her state board exam, then she will do a preceptorship at one of the local hospitals. She will have her pinning ceremony on the Thursday of VBS!

Gotta get back to work. A big thanks to JoJo Roach for helping me on Monday. We got about 8 new songs ready for our praise team to begin working on them!

Later

Needles, Pain, and Blessings

First let me assure you that I don't like needles. They HURT! The nurses lie to me when they say "now this will be a little stick" because it feels like they are sticking a tube in my arm, not a needle.

I say all of this to say I had a neat experience last week. The Blood Connection called me and asked me to give blood (as they do on a monthly basis) and the lady on the phone asked me if I could come in and give. Of course, I said "sure!" She then surprised me when she said, "I'll put you down for Thursday at 12:30 if that's alright. Again I said "Sure".

Now if I haven't mentioned it already..... I don't like needles.

I walked into the center at 12:25 and was greeted by a lady at a desk in the middle of the room. She was very kind and asked me for my name and if I had an appointment. I sat in the waiting room for only a minute where I read a little about what happens to the blood once it comes out of my arm through a NEEDLE.

I was then approached by a lady who called me by name, and asked me to come into another room to answer the 300 questions they ask you before they take your blood.

I was then led to THE CHAIR where THE NEEDLE is. The nurse was very kind and did say that it was going to hurt a little, SHE LIED! It really hurt. It hurt when it went in, while it was draining my body of it's life giving liquid, and even after it came out. HURT!!!

The nurse then bandaged my WOUND! And said to me, "We really appreciate you coming today and donating. This may help save someones life. We have a snack table for you to sit at for a few minutes and then go and have a blessed day." At that moment the pain went away.

No... not due to the snack table...... Little Debbie and I are not speaking right now

No, that pain left when I heard that little bit of pain may help to save someones life! I felt like Superman! And you know I only took a bottle of water and went to my car, excited about the next time I can go and have a NEEDLE stuck into my arm. A chance to help save someone else. As I climbed in I thought of our Sunday School teachers, choir members, nursery workers, Children's Ministry leaders, and others that work so hard each Sunday. I say to you.... the pain and suffering you sometimes experience in your ministry may save someones life. I pray that you find new passion for your ministry in the coming months, and know that I'm praying for you.
And for all of us (including me) that have not shared our faith with someone this week, what are you waiting for? If you don't have any unsaved friends.... go make some! If you know the way to Christ, show someone else The Way. You too can help save someones life! FOREVER

And be persistent. The Blood Connection has been calling me for months now. A kind voice that put me on the spot a little by making me an appointment did the trick and got me in the door. Now I can't wait until she calls again.

It's the same with unbelievers and church attendance isn't it? Put that friend or relative on the spot a little when you say.... "I'd like to take you to lunch Sunday, but you have to come to church with me..... I'll pick you up at 10:30." (Yes.... miss Sunday school to get them there!)

Be Creative, Be Compassionate, Thank them for coming. That's what the Blood Connection did, and that's what we need to do as Christians.

Later

Gloom, Dispair, and a Kick in the Teeth

That's what Satan got from our most awesome God today. I don't understand all I have experienced this past week, but I know Satan was defeated in an important battle today.

First, I don't believe in bad luck, or good luck, or luck period. I believe that some days we are being tested, some days we are being rewarded for passing a test. I believe that God does indeed discipline us for wrongdoings, and blesses us beyond measure for making the right choices and honoring Him with our words and deeds.

Second, I know that there is a war going on that we simply can not see. Ephesians 6:10-12 “A final word: Be strong with the Lord’s mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms." This teaches some crucial truths: (1) We can only be strong in the Lord’s power, (2) It is God’s armor that protects us, (3) Our battle is against spiritual forces of evil in the world.

Third, intercession in prayer is powerful in this battle. I know because I have experienced it in an awesome way this week. I want to especially thank a lady that God has brought into my life. She is not even a member of our church, yet I understand she came to stand in my office this past week to pray for me, telling Donna only that she felt as though she was supposed to come by and pray for me. I have felt the presence of God is such a powerful way this week, yet my heart has been heavy as I have felt the battle all around.

Today the chains were lifted and I feel free again! It has been as different as night and day! I had the best nights sleep, the kids woke up happy, Mandy has felt good and passed some tests at school she had been stressing over, my pastor made me his HERO OF THE WEEK, and I got to spend some quality time with some friends today talking about what God is doing in my life and ministry! I'm about to go spend some time with the Praise Team as we hang out together and play some music with Mike Jewell, who we just learned plays bass guitar!
Also, God gave me some incredible ideas about some neat things to do in our traditional service and children's choir with some different instruments.

I know soon there will be another trial, or another test. I'm actually looking forward to it so I can brag on MY GOD a little bit more! He did the hard part, He Died.... Kicked the Devil in the teeth.... then came back to life. Now all I have to do is what He says......
"Be strong with the Lord’s mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil."

I feel as though Elisha has prayed over me as he did the young servant man...... 2 Kings 6:16-17 "And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." See, all that servant could see was the visible battle, God allowed him to see the spiritual battlefield as well.

Fear Not..... Stand Firm..... He's got everything under control!

Later

Mission Impossible

We are loosing our Bass player and Keyboard player this weekend! Just for a weekend, but still! This is a major part of our Praise Team and it's going to be GONE!
This is how I spent Sunday night after church. I could not get this off of my mind and wasn't sure what to do about it. Then I began to reflect on where we started from and where we are now. How silly of me to think that God didn't already have this worked out as well. I've vowed to quit worrying about it and begin looking for guidance.
I must admit, I still don't know exactly what is going to happen, but I do know that it will be great!

OK so i've got to get ready for Choir Rehearsal and all that happens here on Wednesday night. I'll write again tomorrow!
Later

Relax, Rejoice, Get Busy

This week has had it's ups and downs. Thankfully, much more up than down! God has been gracious to meet my needs this week as I have had time to reflect and relax. He has also worn me out as I have had to jump into action and do some different things this week than I usually do. I believe the highlight of the week was spending some time with Jane B and Terry M this past Thursday. Mrs Jane comes and helps me with different things from time to time in the office. She is a former church secretary and knows what all happens behind the scenes that needs to be done..... and she is so good at it!
Mrs Terry is a former Choir Director, and helps me so much with our Praise Team music. This week however, she put music to a new song, "The RoadKill Cafe"
We also began work on Mr Buddy Merritt's song that He will sing for us on the last Sunday of the month. Buddy wrote the lyrics and gave us the tune, we are now tweaking it and getting it ready!

I'm especially excited about next Sunday when the Sammy Glass Family will be leading the 11:00 worship.

Tomorrow's worship at 8:30 is going to be different. We will begin wide open with "zare is no one like You" (of course that's not the real name.... as bad as my diction is I find some things just bad....bad....bad )

Anyway, No One Like Our God, then we will slow it down for a song with an awesome message "You Alone" made popular by Echoing Angels.
Then we'll rock it out again with Marvelous Light before Pastor Chad brings the message on the Second Coming of our Lord!

At 11:00 the Choir will sing a rousing anthem "It's Still the Cross" and Mrs Terry will sing a song that Gail Stevens requested several weeks ago. Gail had laser surgery on her eye this past week, and is still without sight in that eye. Her courage and strength in the Lord has blessed my heart.

Good night all! I Love Jesus, Mandy, My Kids, and yes..... You Too!
May God use us all for His purpose until He comes!

Hello Again

Sorry I haven't posted in the last week. This is one of the most hectic weeks of the year for Music Ministers, and it was complicated by a copier that would not work when we needed it most. For all those who helped make the newsletter happen today, thanks!

Tomorrow begins with the Children's Ministry Egg Hunt that promises to be pretty cool. I think it's cool that Smokey the Clown will be there with Flower, (sorry Crystal) and I am excited that we will be able to publicize ELEVATE... our new Children's Ministry that will begin Sunday at 8:30 to all the kids that come to the Hunt.

Fun stuff that happened this week was

1. Got my first water ski of the year in on Tuesday AM
2. Grew at least 1 inch TALLER Wed. morning (it's a long story)
3. Found an awesome chiropractor here in Mauldin that will keep me standing tall
4. Had a lunch date with my wife w/no kids
5. Had an awesome dress rehearsal with the church choir for our musical presentation this Sunday
6. The Choir Folders arrived today!

My week has been full, but exciting. I look forward with excitement to what God is going to do between now and lunch on Sunday.

Yea, it's Friday alright...... But Sunday's Coming!

Finding what your looking for....

I've been looking for something for about four weeks now. I have found things that are similar to what I was looking for, but nothing ever seemed to work with those. I sought to buy what I was looking for... but I needed the one I lost to buy more! I looked everywhere I could think of for this item, even places that I knew in my heart that it couldn't be. What was so interesting is that I found lots of what I was looking for, just not what I needed to find.

Ok enough of this..... what I had lost was Mandy's keys to our Suburban. They were found today in a jacket I hadn't worn in the past month.

As I have gone about my week I have been pondering where I misplaced those keys. I found keys that I simply don't know where they go. I even found a brand new key in the parking lot of the church. I mean it still had the tag from Lowe's where it was cut.

What I finally had to do was concentrate. To get my mind off of myself, off of the daily grind, and off of the so called {problem} to think about where I might have left them. As Mandy and I thought back, I realized that we were wearing coats a month ago..... Mandy assured me she had looked in all the coats.

For some reason she decided to go get the coat I was thinking of and brought it into the dinning room. "Is this the coat?" she said. I replied "yep". She looked again and no keys, but I knew something she didn't. I knew this was a reversible coat and it had another complete set of pockets on the other side (the inside) of the coat..... and that's where they were.

Today's lesson... Only you know where all your pockets are.

Special thanks to David Sutherland for working on the sign today. David is our resident computer guru / webmaster and helped me set up a wireless connection from our new sign to my computer!

I'm really upset at the weather! I'm sure to be sick after today.... but I got some yard work done after work.

Since I couldn't take them to the lake today, I'm going to treat the fam to a meal out tonight.

Farewell.... peace be with you! And may the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house.

Your Attention Please.... Robbie has left the building!

Hello from WROB! Tomorrow's forecast is "TOO COLD TO GO SKIING!!!!!" I just had to get that off my chest.

Today was a good day. I got to hang out with Drew a little this morning. He loves helping his Daddy with projects around the house and the church. Today we fixed the church alarm system and installed some new halogen lights out at the new sign. I didn't update it today, but tomorrow it will say "It is going to be every Sunday!"

I hope that someone is paying attention to it and is interested enough to come find out what IT is after 2 weeks of this!

A blog shout to Pat and Crystal S. who I've learned today are actually reading this. I had no idea how many folks were into this thing!

Sunday Preview -

1. The Children's Choir will open both am services with some songs they've been working on.
2. The Praise Team will have two new songs for worship at 8:30
3. We will observe The Lord's Supper at both am services.

Ohh and we will have a "Covered Dish Dinner" after the 11:00 service that you don't want to miss!

I think I'm going to take the family to the lake anyway tomorrow when Mandy gets home from school. (about 4:00) You may have noticed the boat hasn't moved since I took it to Lake Greenwood with my buddy Jason. This was the year's first voyage and it ended as quick as it began. The raw water pump is broke and the seals around the rudder and drive shaft were leaking like crazy. Maybe I can take it to the lake and fix those problems tomorrow afternoon.

I heard something pretty cool tonight at church. As I was setting up some sound for the Children's Choir in the Gym, I heard Joey and Mitchel playing some music. What was so cool was Joey was playing the KEYS. Mitchell was playing an acoustic guitar and Joey was playing the keyboard. Our teens have some awesome talent and I'm so glad they are using it for HIM.

Keep Praying.... Keep Singing.... Keep Moving! (towards the SON that is)

Rob

Reading at 45 MPH

How quick do you read at 45 mph? That is the question of the day as I ponder the next message to put on our new $20,000. Sign that now works with no problems!

Yesterday I started a little tease with our community. The sign simply said "It Begins...... Easter Sunday"

It, of course, is our new Children's Program (still being named) that will indeed begin on Easter Sunday Morning. I am so excited about this! Not as a pastor, but mostly as Drew's Daddy! He is going to have so much fun in there!

It also excites me when other folks get excited. The bug is catching, but I want more and more folks to get it.

I'm sending out pleas by email and phone calls today for information for our monthly newsletter. This is sent to almost 300 addresses in our community. This is a great way to get others excited about what God is doing here. Think of this as a tool to communicate with the entire church what your ministry is doing. What your Sunday School Class is involved in. What you need help with. What ever!

We had a great Praise Band Rehearsal last night and we will be using two new songs in Worship this Sunday! Our Children's Choir is also going to be leading us in worship in the 8:30 service, and we are going to be observing the Lord's Supper.

OK got to get back to work!

Email me something for the newsletter or a good message for the sign... robbie@nhbcmauldin.org


It is BIGGER than us!
(sign message for today)

What a Mighty God WE Serve

Can I get a witness out there? Our God is awesome!!! And He showed up and showed out at church today! Willie... man I just can't say enough about you leading our folks to sing that song "Nothing But the Blood" at 8:30 this morning. I've been singing it every since!!! You ministered to me with your talents this morning. And the guitar! I can only imagine what kind of time you spent practicing "LifeSong" to get it down as good as you had it. WOW!!!!

I had fun today! I must admit I do enjoy playing the drums with a good bass player. Terry is holding down the bass via the keyboard until God sends us a Bass Player and/or a drummer. Terry is with out a doubt the most talented yet humble musicians I have ever met. She has spent countless hours working with our praise teams since God led her here a year ago. You'll really get a kick out of this...... after our new members banquet, she said she needed to talk to me after Easter about getting busy in serving Christ at New Hope. She is one of our most active volunteers and wants to do more! God is good!

We also had two new members join this morning. Carrie Barnes and Ellen Cape. Both of these ladies and their kids are coming because Mike Jewell invited them. Mike has just "rejoined" our church after being away for many years! Now who have YOU invited to church lately?

OOOOH and I got to scratch off a TOP FIVE today! You see, I have this top five list that is just between God and I. No one else knows the top five. I don't even write it down or pray about it out loud because I don't want Satan to know what it is! ( praying in the Spirit is how I use a little prayer strategy :} Anyway.... one of my prayers was answered today as one of our guys who has helped with the AV Team came back to work tonight. I've missed you Brad, and I'm going to hold you to everything you said tonight! But God is going to bless man!

Prayer Requests for this week -

• Guidance for me. I don't want to do one thing this week that is not useful to God.
• That Ed Deese, Freya Dudley, and Sara Reynolds all come home from the hospital.
• For our new Children's Ministry. May God bless our efforts to make church the most exciting place a kid can be.
• For our volunteers. This group is growing and I love the opportunity to "share the load"
• That I will be able to go water skiing this week. (and I pray that this in some way be useful to God)
• Mom's going under the knife again! A minor knee surgery this time. Pray that they can fix it easily.
• That we all stay healthy in the pollen season. My throat is tight already.
• #1 Request!!!! That I lead someone to Christ this week!!!

Time to go to bed and prepare for what He has in store for tomorrow.

Whatever it takes,

Rob

What A Week!

I am excited about tomorrows worship services! This has been a hectic week around the Funderburk House with something going on every day and every night this week.
Thursday we had a great time with Pastor Chad, talking over some plans for our 8:30 service and making some prep for our new Children's Programs.
Friday was a lot of fun with the New Members Banquet. The food was awesome, and this was the best presentation we have done so far. Mandy was blown away at the help she had in the kitchen. You guys really made it great! I can't wait to see how God puts all these new faces to work for the kingdom.
Today we had a meeting with Mr Allen and the Student Ministry Leadership team. We began PLACE and studied Spiritual Gifts. After the meeting we practiced some music, set the chairs and made sure everything was ready for tomorrow am.
Tomorrow at 4:00 the church choir is having a special rehearsal for the Easter Musical "At the Name of Jesus" We present that on Easter Sunday Morning!

Probably the thing that I am most excited about tomorrow is our Youth Praise Team. This group has really been through the good and the bad since they started about 1-1/2 years ago. There have been lots of rumors and misunderstandings around what is about to happen with this group..... let me explain.

1 Purpose of the Group - To have our youth leading our youth in worship using the songs and instruments they can play and sing.
2 Goal of the group - To create an atmosphere that they feel comfortable bringing their unchurched friends into in order to lead them to faith in Christ Jesus.

In order to do this we have simply asked that all members be committed. Some have been so very committed as the Runyon twins, Mitchell, and Joey have been there from the beginning. Some have come and gone for various reasons, but the core is still there.

My dream is that this group grows and no longer needs adults to play instruments. I dream of a praise team that is committed to the goal and the purpose. COMMITTED I SAID!

And please don't try and tell me that we are expecting too much of our teens. I believe we don't expect enough of our teenagers! It isn't a matter of talent, but of commitment!

I had a very long conversation with Mitchell on Monday of this week in which I asked him to dispel all the rumors and backbiting with in the teens. I also asked him to meet with all the teens to decide what they wanted to do from here. As long as it accomplishes the Purpose and Goal I mentioned, then I will do "What ever it takes" to make that happen.

Mitchell, I've been praying for you all week, and I know God is going to use this time for His plan and purpose.

I love you all, and can't wait to see you tomorrow!
Rob

Thanks!

Just a word of thanks to Matt Turner and Joey Roach for the help moving the chairs this morning. You guys are sooooo good! Also thanks to Noah and the Boyz from the Hope Co-Op for helping load all those chairs!

I can't wait for our dinner tonight. I think Mandy said we are feeding 38 people! She is freaking a little.... but I know she will have it all together.

I Love My Church

God has given my joy back! Satan has tried to tear me down, but I know who will win the battle (although sometimes I forget to let HIM fight those battles)

I have been so encouraged by so many things this week. I am looking forward to sharing an awesome meal with our newest members at NHBC tomorrow night. Mandy has been hard at work preparing the meal for our First Friends Banquet. She also finished her final exam from this set of classes yesterday, so I get to spend 4 days with my wife with no study time!

By the way, she only has one more 5 week set of classes to go, and these will be the hardest yet.

Alex is still sick, but not anything like she was Saturday Night. Mandy and I are much better!

Thanks for the prayers, keep up the good work!

Help Wanted!

I need some help on Friday AM moving some chairs to a sister church. Greenville Community church was kind enough to loan us chairs to start our 8:30 service in the Gym with. We have since purchased chairs for the Gym and need to return their chairs to them. I need some strong backs to help me from 9-noon this Friday. If you can help send me an email at robbie@nhbcmauldin.org and let me know!

Looking where I'm going, not going where I'm looking

I just had lunch with Pastor Chad, and for all you guys in ministry let me give you some advice that was given to me at North Greenville College (University now) several years ago. When you go out seeking a church to serve in, be careful to pick a Pastor, not a church. It dosen't matter if the building is huge and your office has new furnature, and it dosen't matter if the search committee promises you the world.... pick your Pastor, not your church.

I am so thankful to have a Pastor who is not only MY pastor but who is my boss and my friend. Pastor Chad does such an awesome job being the Pastor to me and my family and the forgiving, understanding, and supportive boss, while being one of my best friends at the same time. Love you man!

That is part of looking where I'm going, instead of going where I'm looking. I'm working hard to stay focused on what God wants me looking toward........ instead of what I want to do.

Pastor Chad gave us an awesome glimpse at the Vision God has given him for NHBC. By-the-way Pastor Chad has installed a new sermon player within our website. You can go there and listen to the sermon yourself! www.nhbcmauldin.org

I have prayed since then that He would give me that same vision, and that I would be most effective in doing what God has called me to do..... to help the Pastor!

SICK and tired

Drew spent the night with Mandy's parents last night and is staying tonight as well. I'm in a mild panic though as Alex has been vomiting and pooping the smelliest stuff in the world since lunch. The doctor said we may have to admit her to the hospital if she dosen't keep some fluids in her./ / that pause was brought to you by yet another shirt and chair getting a dose of sickness. Anyway, Mandy probably wont be at church in the AM and my stomach is cramping like crazy. Media Shout is not playing my DVD like I want it to, and I'm so sleepy I can't keep my eyes open. Other than that, I'm real excited about church in the morning.

Pastor Chad has promised a sermon that will focus us on the important ministries, and lead us to discontinue some things we are doing now. I can't wait to hear what God wants us to do!

If your trying to make up your mind about going to church in the morning, shame on you. If your as sick as me right now..... let's pray we get better overnight!

I've been reading a book titled "The Jesus of Suburbia" I hope to get to the 3/4 point tonight before I go to bed. The book is about the authors feelings that we have made Jesus into what He is today through Pop Culture instead of sticking to the Jesus of the Bible. I totally agree with most of his points so far, but some of it is a little out there.

I'll post again tomorrow night and let you know how it all went. Pastor Chad found a way to post his sermons to the website so that you can download them into itunes or what ever you use to take the sermons with you through the week! Look for that next week.

Night Night
Rob

Web Work

I've spent entirely too much time working on our church web site today. www.nhbcmauldin.org
Go check it out! I've looked at a lot of church web sites and we are finally getting somewhere with ours.

As i'm writing this i am listening to an old Amos and Andy short from the 50's. Funny stuff!

I spent the first half of the day hanging out with Joe Cuyar, worship leader at discover church next door from us. He and I went to NGU together. He taught me a lot about video production and I look forward to trying my hand at this at NHBC.

Night Night!

OH Mom is at home and doing well. Thanks for the prayers!

Rob

What a Day!

I'm about as spiritually full and physically drained as I can be. We took a team of leaders from our 8:30 worship service to New Spring Community Church www.newspring.cc and I have so many thoughts and ideas about how God can use some of the same tactics at New Hope I probably won't be able to sleep tonight. It wasn't until the last song that the band played today that I was truly able to get my mind off of what they were doing and how they were doing it, and just worship my Creator. (ahhhhhhh)

This was one of those days when I know God has a sense of humor. My quiet time this morning was focused on Eph 4: 1-2 "Walk...with all humility." Then I was faced with seeing several of the guys I went to North Greenville U (College) with and had to hold by breath to keep from bragging on what was going on at our church. Not that bragging on God is bad, it just seldom comes out that way. I'm tiring of hearing others opinions on what we should do about different situations. I'm beginning to see that God is doing something with me (bigger picture with our church) that He has never done before and unless I'm seeking His opinion, i'm just frustrating myself and those who listen.

I was finally able to answer the question today "Why am I so frustrated all the time?" The answer is that I can no longer affect change by my self. In a team, the coaches 110% is almost useless in the game unless the players catch the vision and commit themselves 100%. I've preached this sermon before, but today God gave me some peace about it. I have found that He is sending help today! My prayers ARE being heard!!!!!. Crystal (lead singer in our praise team) has committed to helping me, and Eric (one of my best friends and guitar guru) wants to come home from Seminary to help me with the music.

Prayer Requests - Eric needs a job for the summer. I'd love to make him a Music Associate at New Hope. Mom's surgery went well, pray she comes home tomorrow. Pray that Pastor Chad receives a clear vision for every aspect of the ministry of New Hope Baptist, and that he is able to communicate that to me and the church.
That God will give me rest and comfort in my abilities to serve Him.
That my family get to spend quality time with Daddy this weekend.

The beginning of a new era.

For a long time now I have wondered what blogs were all about. Pastor Chad asked me to begin reading the blogs of a couple of pastors in our region and I decided I could use one as well. I hope to be able to pen some of my "Deep Thoughts" (yes from SNL's Jack Handy) here that will give me a vent, an out, and a way to share my thoughts with you.