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Below you will find several testimonies from different people in our church. We hope that these testimonies will be a blessing to you as they have been to us. You will want to keep referring back to this page of our website as these testimonies will change. If you would like to submit your testimony to be posted to this page of our website, click here.
Enjoy in Christ,
Pastor Beau
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--At my birth my religion was a Jewish girl. Though my mother enjoyed the holidays, Christmas and Easter were celebrated with the objects children would enjoy, the understanding was never there. We also celebrated the Jewish holidays, especially the High Holy Days. My journey in life was distorted and I felt as if I was at many times a lost babe in the woods of life. With no parental guidance and the world opened to all possibilities was a little too much dessert for a young person to devour and not get sick from no substance in her diet. No true anchor. So I left my hometown, I do not know where the strength came from I just knew it was the correct thing to do. I left for Atlanta to start a new life. That new life consisted of marrying a man who was not a good choice, he did have a choice of religion that I kept rebuking. Through this religion I started to hear a voice that made me understand it was time to settle my heart. The marriage ended, another choice made without God as a part of my life. I then started to sit in the Catholic church where my former husband and his family would attend on the days of celebration such as Christmas and Easter, with the same objects my mother placed for my childhood celebrations. Somehow, that no longer was enough, I needed to know more. So I sat and listened, then the church offered the opportunity to walk to baptism, I could have stopped and reconsidered, I did not. The more I walked the closer I became to understanding this was a choice I would make that would end my existence with my maternal family. I choose to continue and was baptized in 1994. I still remember the descending water poured upon my head, and the birth of a new soul and the ending of the old. The water cleansed my heart and soul, and God gently lifted me to His bosom with pride. It took a year's journey to find what the New Testament was and who those people were that I only heard about in passing. I have since walked this journey, and the understanding that I needed more life in my worship was when I started to explore different churches to hear my language of worship. I drove by Community Bible Church, it did not sound formal enough. I spoke to a couple and found them to be excited to be part of this family. I choose to attend and saw that this was the church that I needed for my heart and soul. The day I walked forward and sat in the Chapel, I knew. Like when you meet the love of your life, see your newborn, or feel the home you built beneath your feet. This is yours. So with all that history told. The presence of God has been gathering moss for a few years, I attend church, involve myself periodically and now have found this may be something this year I must participate in moving forward to offer my gifts. Thank you because this Jewish girl saw Jesus and did not know how bright her light could become until I took His hand and knew He chose me to love. May the Lord bless our church family with His overwhelming love.
--Elizabeth Dziezic
Stockbridge, GA
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--My wife Denise and I began attending CBC in 1996. What drew us to the church back then still exists today; a friendly staff that has a strong interest in you and your family and to be comfortable in the church family whilst being a part of such a large church. Very early on, my wife and I tried many programs to get connected and make friends. My list included Sunday School, Ushering, Greeting, Men's Ministry, an Elder and New Members Ministry and finally Community Youth Soccer. In Sunday School we made life long friends. Even though many of us have gone separate ways, those friendships still exist today. Another important church event for me was when Morgan (my daughter) and I were Baptized together by our friend Pastor Jody Shaw. I guess what stuck with me the most about CBC was a statement that Pastor Gary Lester always used and that was "everyone is a 10 at something". Today that message stays strong in my heart and soul when it comes to serving in Gods work. It took me several attempts to be a 10 at something until I got involved with the startup of the youth soccer program. Since then the program has grown from 40 kids to over 400. The soccer program is just an extension of the church as many of the programs at the church are equally strong and successful in bringing believers and non-believers together for fellowship that is witnessed in God's eyes. Today, we have regretfully left Georgia after 47 years (wife) and 21 years for myself. As the saying goes we have stepped out of our comfort zone. I didn't question why very long because I knew it was God's will somehow. We have immediately began attending "The Peoples Church" in Franklin TN. We have joined a small group that meets at our house on Mondays. I was recently made aware that the minister of the sports programs at our church wants to start a soccer program and he wants me to call him! Well maybe this is Gods intent and message, it surely is some part of it! So, for all new comers who have just left their comfort zone welcome to CBC. Join a small group and be a 10 at something. Lots of love to my CBC friends as we move on in our lives on our 35 acre farm in College Grove TN. If you can run a tractor, hammer nails, build fencing, clean the chicken coop, tack the horse, worm the cows, come out for the weekend and give us a hand.
--Gary Carruthers and Family - Denise, Morgan and Nicholas
Franklin, TN
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--I grew up in church always going with my grandmother and then as I got into my teenage years I got out of it because to me, hanging out with my friends was so much more important. I felt that I could worship the Lord by myself, that I didnt need to go to church to do so because He was all around, right? I went through a hard partying stage as well, where I went out every single weekend and drank more than my fair share of alcohol and just danced the nights away. I would even get into fights because I was so angry in life that I couldn't control it, I just knew that I wanted to beat people up and so I did. I eventually got married and settled down for a few years and then my marriage ended due to my husband wanting someone else, he moved in with my best friend and then 6 months later after our divorce they married. My life fell apart and I was in total denial for months, telling everyone that I was fine, I didnt care, they could have each other and then I fell back into the party scene. I hated it but anything was better than sitting home alone and crying all the time. I felt so alone and miserable and no one could ever understand what I was feeling and going through and certainly NO ONE could help me feel better. Finally my sister talked me into coming to CBC and I thought Ok, Ill go one time just to quiet her up but that was it, well that was in January 2003 and I'm still a member here in fact the first day I came I joined as a member. I have attended the DivorceCare class and I have to say that it is the BEST decision I have ever made. That class helped me through some of the roughest times of my life and I met a ton of great friends to last a life time. I have also been a part of the singles class, volunteered at trunk -n- treat for two years, been a part of the wonderful Easter celebration for several years and this year I have signed up to be a consignor in the awesome Sweet Repeats Sale. I did fall out of church during the last year because of illness and other personal things but my new years resolution is to become fully active again so I can better myself and my children. This is the absolute best church and the members and pastors not only make you feel welcome but when you walk into this church, you feel the overwhelming out pouring of love, it's just so unbelievable. I just thank you all for accepting me and pulling me up from the bottom that I had hit so hard. My life is so great right now and I'm doing so wonderful. I have two great children that I am fully involved with and I am good friends with my ex-husband now as he is divorced and starting over himself. Life just could not get any better and I know that I owe it all to CBC and the members that cared so much about my kids and myself. So many people took me in and helped me overcome heartache when I thought it was impossible. Thank you all for giving me back my life and helping me to see that I am truly blessed by everything the Lord has given me in my life.
--Laurie Wallace
Hampton, GA
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--Often times I try to cover my past due to the embarrassments in life, as do most people. But, for some reason I am drawn to writing this testimony. I'll touch on the points where I am often in awe at the thought, and leave out little details. In 1995, I was hired as a police officer in the Metro Atlanta area. A lot came with the position. All but not limited to: a big head, a gun, the ability to tell people what to do, an extremely small paycheck and divorce. So, I divorced shortly after becoming a cop, which cut my paycheck by another 30% since now I had to pay child support for my two daughters. Knowing that I was a cop-it was all I was deemed to do, after all it was who I was. Struggling week to week, month to month to pay bills unsuccessfully, I became a bad cop with a few other of my buddies who would never be anything more than cops. I had re-married, had a beautiful little girl and continued running with the fellows to make ends meet. We were eventually caught, arrested, and did some jail time for thefts, drugs, etc. Nothing big, but big enough. During that time I battled one night with prescription pills and a large bottle of very strong rum. I wasn't tryiing to die, just erase some inner pain for the moment. I almost died, if not for my wife finding me comatose, I would have. Now I am an ex-cop with a record. Guess what type of job I landed? I went from one to the next and ended up spraying chemicals on lawns. Weed control, fertilizers, etc. Not a great job or even a career job, but one that I loved none the less. I was outside with a new attitude about life, beautifying what God made. Little by little I began going to church, feeling closer, knowing that there were absolute reasons to live. Not yet living the good life God intended. Knowing personally I didn't deserve it but wanting it so bad. Halloween night in 2003, at this church, a man who I'd hardly knew walked with me as our wives are best friends. We were trunk -n- treating in your parking lot, listening to the band play and just hanging out. Two men with nothing in common other than our wives being best friends, talking and opening up and having a real conversation. This man is a doctor with so many wonderful college stories, E.R. stories, intern stories, stories of saving lives, etc. And he was listening to me talk about pre-emergents, post-emergents, fertiflizer, fungicides, etc. Absolutely boring stuff. But looking back, it was something that I truly cared about, and was happy to share with him and he seemed to enjoy the conversation, maybe learning a thing or two. Our conversation quickly turned to the business aspects of the fertilizing service. And I had admitted to him that my wife and I were planning on opening our own service. Our plan was meek with no money, but I knew somehow we needed this if our girls would ever have anything in life with me being their father. In March of 2004 every license was in place, (pesticide/business) and I was ready to go into business. I was ready to begin advertising my company, but I had no equipment, money for chemicals, gas, or a vehicle to transport the equipment that I didn't have. With God's grace I had Kevin the doctor I had walked and talked with at your church on Halloween night. Kevin wrote me checks for thousands of dollars to get every single thing in place. The only thing we had not done is signed a contract. And still to this day, he has given me personally, and our company over one hundred thousand dollars of his own money without a contract, or even a thought. We have now been in business for just under 2 years. Our net worth is two hundred thousand dollars. And with the strategies that Kevin and I have in place, our net worth this time next year will be five hundred thousand dollars. Still to date, Cheryl (wife) and myself draw very little money from the company. Almost all goes back into it. Even at times we get behind on bills, but before anything gets cut off, or the refrigerator runs out of food, the money is there. Inevitably the money is always there. We pay our one employee a very good salary., pay the company bills, and then we get a little of what is left to pay our bills. Kevin refuses to take any of his money back until we are comfortable. God has his hand on my life entirely. He loves me and my family so much. So much that I often feel guilty. I have been given the treasures that many more deserve. I now have true friends who love me for nothing more than me, a family that is as crazy and loving as any other, a brilliant future, and the ability to share everything of me with every one. I am sharing my testimony in hopes that it may give someone hope - just one peron. Also, I play the guitar. My wife has bought me the best Vox amp with effects and a Gibson signature series guitar in hopes that I will play in a band. I want to audition for a rhythm/lead guitar position in the Community Bible Church band.
--Robert Hampton, Georgia
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--My name is Wayne Poss. When I first heard about the Crossover Challenge, I had no intention of starting a group, and I wasn't even sure I wanted to join one. My wife wanted to join a group, so I went to the church to support her. However, as people began breaking into groups, I got a feeling that I should check further into it and joined a big group in the gym. I went to a meeting with a group for leaders and that's all I expected to do. However, while riding motorcycles, something I enjoy, the thought came to mind that I should start my own group for people with the same passion. Normally, I am not the type of person to start something like this, but I kept being pulled to do more. I figured I would get a small group together to go to my favorite riding spot once a month, but now it has been put on my heart to do more and expand to women, children, people who haven't ridden, ATV riders, street riders, and all other motosports in a family atmosphere. I'm beginning to see that this is going to be a lot bigger than I had originally planned. The input and support I have received has lead the group towards web space, internet group membership, sponsors, national clubs possibly visiting our church, and regional rider sponsors. One night I prayed for direction on this and I woke up the next morning with a group name. Another morning while praying for more direction, the idea of having a logo came to me. I got to work, and in 45 minutes had designed our logo. This proves to me that this is God's group and if we put Him first, He will provide us with all of the support we need.
--Wayne Poss
Jackson, GA
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--This year my five year old son Jared agreed to sign up to play basketball at a local youth church league. No previous experience necessary which was great since he had never been involved in any organized sports activity. The first Saturday in January, Jared had his first practice and first game all within a span of an hour. I can describe Jared’s basketball debut in two words. Clue. Less. Jared had no concept of the rules or his role on the court. Questions ran through my mind. Would the coach not let him participate next week? Would the other more experienced players not give Jared the ball? Was my son embarrassed? As I watched my son (through my fingers, my hands were across my eyes which my eyes which were slightly closed) continue to skip the wrong way or look for me in the stands with a quick wave or to blow a kiss, I was reminded of my own experience just a year earlier when I sat down for my first Bible study. Like Jared, I was totally clueless. I had recently accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior just about a week earlier and I had never discussed God or the Bible in a group setting. Although I am slightly over 40 years in age, when it came to the Bible and knowing Christ, I was absolutely and totally clueless. I had attended Sunday School as a child and had visited many churches in my adulthood but I had never taken the time to really listen, connect and commit. During our first Bible study meeting, as I sat with my group watching and listening as they effortlessly discussed their faith and shared their testimonies, I remember wondering if my group saw me just as I had perceived my son’s confused actions all over the the basketball court. However, looking back to that first evening, my group was interested in what I had to say. They listened to my observations and commented on my remarks. Most importantly, they continued to support me from that very first meeting to all of the subsequent meetings. Their coaching and teamwork helped to guide me on my journey to fully experience God in a way I never planned or envisioned. I had begun to learn what Jesus means in John 15:5 when he says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” As I focused back in on Jared and the basketball game, I realized the coach and the more experienced players were leading and encouraging Jared, just as my team had done for me. Although Jared’s team did not score any points, he still got a high five from the coach and walked off the court with a huge smile arm in arm with another player. I’m certain Jared will grow in basketball as I have grown in Christ.
--Cimi Hornsby
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--Last year, Pastor Beau challenged this congregation to take seriously Matthew 4:19 through the Crossover Challenge. In this verse Jesus said, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." The spirit of God that resides in my body leaped for joy at the idea of maturing women for Christ. Helping women grow closer to the Lord has always been one of my passions. I have started a newsletter to help light the flame that all of us have inside. We never really know just how much our testimonies, prayers, and experiences affect other people. As I prayerfully wait for further direction from the Lord concerning my pastor's challenge, I am reminded of a few things: Allow the Lord to use you this year in a way that He has never used you before. Get out of your comfort zone and begin really living the life God has planned for you. Be willing to go when God calls you. Open up your heart to those who need you. My sisters, we are in the best time of our lives. So grab the Word and believe it. Say and do things that bring life, dust off those dreams, and make every moment precious. Most importantly, begin to live the life of an Excellent Woman! --Michelle Smith
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--We wanted to express our sincere thanks and praise to our God, Savior and Lord for the wonderful blessing Pastor Jack and the Bartlett's Bonus Bible Study has been for our growth in the knowledge and service of Jesus Christ. The entire church ministry, under Pastor Beau's leadership as senior pastor of Community Bible Church, has blessed us beyond measure. Pastor Jack, your in-depth teaching with sidebars and reviews is too awesome for words. Your humility motivates us to follow your example as you obviously follow Christ and Pastor Beau. The New Yorkers and Coach made us feel welcome from the first moment we arrived. The seasoned saints of the class challenge us to continue to "seek first the kingdom of God" and "to lay aside every weight that hinders" when running this race. We pray the Holy Spirit will flood our remembrance of the things we learned, heard and witnessed as we journey westward back to California. As a result of FastTrack and the Crossover Challenge we will never be the same. Having completed the Spiritual Gift and You and discovering our passion, we are on fire for the Lord. Ephesians 4:12 has been fulfilled; preparing God's people, Claude and Daydra, for works of service. Just as we have been instructed and encouraged, impacted and motivated by your Christian living, we pray, in some small but eternal way, our worship, our ministry participation, our fellowship, evangelism and discipleship through foster care will count as a ruby in the crowns of life because of the Community Bible Church family. May God always cause His face to shine on you. --Claude and Daydra Barnes
Vallejo, CA
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