Search Nashville 2009

Dear Friends,

The Green Hills Group

Bill and David McClellan

2009 has been another amazing year as we continue to see God at work in the lives of men in Nashville. His work has been evident in many ways, particularly in a couple of Search Ministries groups that I am involved with. The Green Hills group is a unique group of businessmen who find a common bond in pursuing a relationship with Christ.  It started with a great friend, David McClellan, who had a stirring in his heart to make a difference in the lives of his friends by creating a “safe” place where guys could work out their faith. Through his initiative, he and his brother, John, invited their friends to come to a lunch discussion about God and life issues. That was four years ago and Tuesday mornings are a pleasure to see God at work helping guys find new life in Jesus Christ.

John McClellan, Rock Morphis, Bill Southwick, Jimmy Griscom, Jim Mullowney

Although not all the men who attend the group are in the picture above, there are five guys (see photo) with whom I have had the privilege of being as they began their relationships with Christ.  John McClellan invited Christ into his life after lunch one afternoon in 2000 in his pick-up truck. John has been an integral part of Search -Nashville ever since. Rock Morphis started his relationship with Jesus in the den of his home one morning in the spring of 2006. Bill Southwick was very intentional when he placed his trust in Christ in his office December 2006. Jimmy Griscom and I met in my office about a month ago and he transferred his trust to Christ. Finally, Jim Mullowney and I slipped away for some breakfast two weeks ago after our group and we went out and sat in his truck where he invited Christ into his life.  God can reach us anywhere but trucks seem to be quite effective!

So how does “ministry” with Search work? God draws men to Himself, then one man loves a friend enough to invite him to enjoy a relationship with Christ. Rock invited Bill and Jimmy to the group and John invited Jim. Paul encouraged his protégé, Timothy, in 2 Timothy 2:2 saying, “the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” This is a challenge and a privilege!

Colby Paxton & Micah Lacher

Another group that has been exciting to be a part of is the “Ironmen” group. About a year ago Colby Paxton and Micah Lacher invited me to help them learn how to be more effective followers of Christ. I agreed, if they would get some friends to join them. The result has been an amazing group of 11 young men that John McClellan and I have the privilege of mentoring. We meet from 8-10 p.m. each Tuesday. We teach and also invite other older men from the community to come and share from their life experiences. It is true that we as older men seek to coach these younger guys to avoid making costly mistakes and make wise choices. But it is also true that these younger men help give John and me strength and purpose, as we grow older. Together, we have a great time.

HOWARD FAMILY MATTERS

Samuel: Now 16, Samuel is officially a driver…yahoo! He is a sophomore in high school taking all honors classes. He is an outstanding cross country runner and swimmer for his school. More importantly, he is an outstanding young man that is developing great character. The girls seem to like him quite a bit too!

Micah: At 14, Micah is an eighth grader. It was rumored to us that the 8th-grade girls “voted” him—unofficially, of course—as the most marriageable guy in their class! Uh oh! He is on the basketball team and is an excellent track and cross country runner, finishing first in the HVAV championship meet for middle school cross-country. It was the 4th best time ever in that event. His diligence and fun-loving character help him be a leader in academics and with his peers.

Stedman: He is still full of life and energy! Stedman is 12 and in sixth grade. He is an amazing swimmer as we have watched him win some races against the seventh and eighth graders. He also played sixth grade football, but suffered a season ending injury on his foot. He is one of the guys in school that people love because he has a very genuine heart for others.

Brooks: He turned 10 just a couple of weeks ago. He is in fourth grade being homeschooled by Terri and our home school group, Cornerstone Academy. His brothers call him a genius. Brooks is a bright little guy who has a tender heart for Jesus and others. His eyes sparkle like his momma’s eyes. He is a super athlete in all sports, but especially in basketball and swimming.

Terri and I were able to celebrate our 20th anniversary with a trip to Florida. We still speak for FamilyLife a couple times a year. Terri can be seen on interstate 65 a couple hours each weekday but she knows those conversations with trapped kids in the car are to be cherished. Soon, they will all be driving and not need the taxi. I am truly grateful to live out my passion to follow Christ and to make Him known here in Nashville. Terri and I are so thankful to you for partnering with us so that many more can truly have a Merry Christmas.

His love to you this Christmas,

Bill, Terri and the Boys