Training Warriors

April - One of the first things we did when we arrived in Athens, Georgia was to locate a martial arts school. This was something my boys have wanted to do for years. God led us to ABBA (American Black Belt Academy) where we immediately felt at home. That is where we met Matt as he gave us the tour and then our first lessons. Matt & I felt a spiritual connection and soon after he & I began to meet, where I discipled him. This has been an amazing journey for both of us. We are seeing God increase His presence at ABBA, allowing us nearly daily opportunities to minister to the other instructors, as well as students there. We know that God has brought us to Athens to be a part of this community.

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My name is Matt Graham, I'm a martial arts instructor at American Black Belt Academy here in Athens. I am so blessed by Steve and his family! I have the honor of teaching Steve and his sons the martial arts. They bring such life to the academy. When I first met Steve and sons I knew they were not here by chance. It wasn't long before I started meeting with Steve to hear about his family's radical lifestyle and to gain more knowledge of Christ. Since then we have been meeting every week for over a year. It has greatly affected my life and the lives of other students at the academy. By mentoring and lea

ding me in Christ I am able to love and lead others at the school on a much higher level. It doesn't stop with me, Steve speaks truth and love into the lives other instructors and students. I've have seen such change in the academy.

God has called American Black Belt Academy to a greater purpose and he is using the Smith family to do it. Our mission is to now lead people into a growing relationship with God through the martial arts. In our training for physical battles we are better equipped to understand the spiritual warfare that surrounds us. We are in the business of training warriors for God. For His Glory!!!

Matt Graham

Instructor - American Black Belt Academy

Athens, GA

18 April 2011

http://www.americanblackbelt.org/ABBA.html

Building Unity

February - I was privileged to be introduced to Athens Church on one of my exploratory trips to Georgia, long before we moved here. From the very beginning Athens Church staff invited us to Athens and welcomed us with open arms when we arrived! A strategic partner with North Point, Athens Church is having a powerful impact on Athens. Since arriving I have connected with Sean Seay, Lead Pastor there, who not only is very supportive of bringing the pastors together to pray, he has invited me to his office to pray on a regular basis. Here are some of his thoughts on it.

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My name is Sean Seay and I'm thankful to be the Lead Pastor of Athens Church. When I first arrived in Athens over 6 years ago I began meeting the local pastors who were here serving faithfully before I arrived. I met men who had been here a few months and others who had served here for over 30 years. They were all gracious, but only a few of the relationships made any significant progress. When God brought Steve to Athens it seems that this began to improve. His humble heart, willingness to serve, and unity mindset have been a huge encouragement. Not only do I feel I benefit from praying with him with the other pastors each month, but I also greatly enjoy our individual prayer times. He has been a massive source of encouragement. I truly feel God is using him in the city of Athens in a unique way. I praise God for Steve & his prayer partnership. Sean Seay
Lead Pastor - Athens Church
Athens, GA
17 February 2011
http://www.athenschurch.com/

Being an Aaron

January 2011 - When I was in the "spying out the land" phase of things here in Athens earlier this year, visiting churches, meeting pastors and trying to get a grip on what God might have for us here, one of the lead pastors said to me; "You have got to meet David. I am sure you guys will really hit it off!" Not too long after that we did meet and we really did connect. David is a friend whom I consider it a real joy and privilege to journey together toward the uncharted waters called the future, all for God's glory! David recently published an excellent book entitled, Pastoring with Passion. I highly recommend it! Here's his thoughts on our journey together...

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I was born and raised in Georgia, but pastored in Wisconsin for eighteen years. By faith, my family and I moved back to Georgia three years ago. I had no job or ministry position. While waiting on the Lord, and now as an Associate Pastor at Watkinsville First Baptist, Steve Smith has been a real "Aaron" to me in holding up my arms and supporting me in countless ways. Steve is a true prayer warrior and lover of pastors! He has taken a genuine interest in my personal walk, my family, and my ministry. I love meeting with him for wisdom and friendship. I have learned to come to our times together with pen and paper in hand. Why? Because he is often sharing truth I want to be sure to remember. I love this brother and know I have a friend for life.

David Holt

Associate Pastor - Watkinsville First Baptist Church

Watkinsville, GA

26 January 2011

http://www.watfbc.org/