What are you doing this Sunday?

Hey Everyone, Don't forget that this Sunday we are having our annual Picnic! The Roots Community Church wants to celebrate with you so come on out right after the worship gathering to Davenport Lakes (east side of US 27 just south of US 192 exit between Polo Park and Bass Lake).

There will be plenty of food, games, and fun.

We will have a 70' bounce house obstacle course/water slide...you don't want to miss this!

Also, we will be baptizing a few people who have made a decision to follow Jesus. It's going to be spectacular!

Hope you can come.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at therootscommuntiy@gmail.com

Pastor Jesse

When was the last time you went on a Picnic?

When's the last time you and the family went out on a picnic? Well, this weekend you have the opportunity to go! Don't miss it! It's the Annual Roots Community Church Picnic right after our worship gathering on Sunday, September 5th from 11:30AM until 3:00PM.

We will be hosting the picnic at Davenport Lakes Subdivision on US 27 (east side) just south of US 192 between Polo Park and Bass Lake.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me therootscommunity@gmail.com

P.S. Bring a lawnchair and towel.

P.S.S There will be a waterslide for the kids...

Want To Have Fun This Weekend?

Hey Everyone! Don't be stuck inside, board, with nothing to do. The Roots Community Church is going to have a Labor Day Picnic on Sunday, September 5th right after church at 11:30AM until we're tired!

So here is what you can expect: FOOD!! Lots of Free Food. If you want, you can bring a dish with you. But you don't have to. There is a pool, so bring a towel. Also, we are going to have the largest bounce house you have ever seen. It's a 70 foot obstacle course with a waterslide! Whoohoo!

We are going to have so much fun. I hope to see you there.

P.S. Maybe you can join us for church...10AM! 8681 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy In the Shoppes of Vista Del Lago.

P.S.S. We are also going to be baptizing several people that afternoon. It's gonna be amazing. See you there.

If you have any questions just shoot me an email: therootscommunity@gmail.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Roots Community Newsletter
You Belong Here...
July 2010
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
IN THIS ISSUE:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Update on the June's Newsletter and How God Came Through BIG Time!

2. Pastor Paul Podraza and his family moving here from Birmingham, AL to be Co-Pastor
at The Roots

3. Karen Brooks and her new role as the "Connections Pastor"!
________________________________________________
Dear Friends,

Have you ever been in a bind so badly that you were so desperate and needed rescuing from your situation? And have you ever experienced that rescue and felt the joy of someone coming through for you BIG Time?

Well a couple of weeks ago that was exactly how I felt. Our church, The Roots Community was in a bind, real bad. We owed $3000 in rent to our leasing company and we didn't have any money.

A kind gentlemen offered to donate a $1,000 matching grant if our community would come up with the other $1,000.

God Came Through BIG TIME!

In a matter of a week, between our community and many of our generous prayer partners we raised $1,900.

All I can say is WHOOHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Thank you so much to all of you who prayed and gave financially. Our God is BIG and Faithful!

I am so humbled to be a part of God's work in Central Florida as we seek to plant the gospel.

Many have asked, "what are you going to do about July's rent and the following months?" And I think that's a great question. Obviously, it goes without saying...we're gonna keep trusting in the Lord. But, we believe that through the ongoing spiritual growth of our community and their increase in giving regularly, with the daycare leasing our facility, and with other contributing factors we're confident that God will continue to provide for us.

____________________________________

What Else Is Happening At The Roots?

Let me introduce you to The Podraza Family:
(Tracy, John, and Paul)

(In this picture Paul just graduated from Seminary at
Beeson Divinty School in Birmingham, AL)

Several months ago I received a phone call from Paul. Through a mutual contact he became aware of what we were doing in our community. Paul and Tracy had been praying about their next step in life since he had just graduated from seminary and they knew that God was calling to them to something new away from their current church in Alabama.

Several weeks ago they visited with us for a week and prayed about the opportunity to join us in helping to lead The Roots Community. Paul and I began a conversation about what it might look like to partner together as Co-Pastors to lead The Roots Community to where God was calling her.

Since then, we have sensed God's Spirit leading us to partner together. Both our families are very excited about seeing what God can and will do with us as we seek to plant the gospel together.

Currently, Paul and Tracy and looking for employment (that provides insurance benefits) in order to make the move down here. They have already sold their home and are currently looking at various homes in the area to rent.

I hope that you will be praying with us for the Podraza Family as I know they will be a blessing to our community.

Paul will continue to update us on a weekly basis as to their progress in finding employment and a home.

On a personal note: I am super excited about Paul being a Co-Pastor with me. I have needed someone like Paul for a long time now, and he brings the exact skills and attitude that will complement me perfectly.


Meet our "New" Connections Pastor

As many of you know, Karen Brooks and her family moved with our team of friends to this area from Palm Beach County to be a part of the church plant 2 years ago. When Karen and I served together on staff at our previous church she was the Programming Director which came with a ton of responsibility and she was very good at what she did. So naturally, when she joined our church it was a simple decision to have her be in charge of the Sunday morning program. Since June of 2008 she has made sure that everything happens on Sundays. I cannot express enough how much I appreciate her and all of the efforts to make our worship gathering is the very best that it can be.

As any organization grows it must shift and transition. This is one of those opportunities. In the recent months many of our leaders have taken what's known as the "Strength's Finder" by Gallup and something amazing was realized. We began to understand that we are gifted with certain strengths and would best serve the church if we operated within those strengths.

I came to understand that Karen's strengths are in the realm of relationships and we had a very large need within our church to help new attenders feel welcomed and assimilate into the life of our church.

Naturally, I began to pray about who would lead us in this area. It soon became very clear that Karen Brooks was perfectly suited for this role and so we began to discuss this opportunity. Recently we have been designing our assimilation strategy and planning to ensure that each new attender at The Roots is welcomed and followed up with so that they have the best possible opportunity to partner with our church.

So, from now on even though you might see Karen running around on Sunday mornings still doing alot of the production for our worship gathering she will also be spending much of her time helping new people at The Roots connect with the life of our community. So, if you get an email or call from her inviting you to The Bridge event or to Starting Point, now you know why.

Next time you see her, give her a hug and thank her for how she serves our community. I plan to.

I hope to see you this Sunday at The Roots Community Church.

I know that you may have some questions and I am always here to answer them at your convenience.

Below you will find my contact info:

The Roots Community Church is currently meeting at
8681 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy Suite 122 in Kissimmee, FL 34747.

You can visit our website for more info:
www.TheRootsCommunity.com

Blessings,

Jesse Carbo

My Personal Cell: 407-257-1717
Church Office: 407-465-5517

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

1. STARTING POINT (RETREAT STYLE FORMAT) JULY 23-24
Starting Point is our New Partners Course. If you are interested in becoming a
Partner with The Roots Community Church then this course is for you. There is no
obligation to join our church when the course is through.
(Limited Childcare is Provided-Contact us for more details)

2. NO BRIDGE EVENT SCHEDULED FOR JULY!

3. LABOR DAY COOKOUT & BAPTISM! (SEPT. 5TH)
Get ready for the cookout of your life! It's a neighborhood extravaganza with
plenty to do for the kids and lots of delicious cooking from our master chefs.
We will also be celebrating together as several our baptized!


PRAYER REQUESTS:

1. The Podraza Family. That they find work with insurance benefits soon so that they can moved down here and join us at The Roots Community Church.

2. Please pray that God continues to send us financial partners as He meets our needs on an ongoing monthly basis.

3. Pray for the salvation of many with whom we are planting seeds of the Gospel.

4. Pray for the new believers in our church that our growing in their confidence in Jesus Christ.

5. Pray for Holly (a single mother in our church) that is currently looking for housing. Also pray for her 3 children and her new baby due in the Fall.

6. Pray for Miranda and Adrian. They are getting married at the end of this month and pray that Miranda continues to have a healthy pregnancy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Roots Community Newsletter
You Belong Here...
June 2010
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Friends,

Tonight, as I sit here writing this letter I am deeply burdened with the many needs we are facing as a country, in our counties, in our city, and even in our own community.

From the BP oil spill to the financial and relational crisis that many are having at home these are tough times in which we need more hope than ever.

At The Roots Community Church we are seeing more and more people experience the Hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and we are learning to put our confidence in God alone.

I really appreciate you taking a few moments to read the rest of this message.

On many levels we are all facing great challenges financially.

If we were to face these troubles alone it can become overwhelming.

But Together, we can make a difference and overcome!

Scripture gives us an amazing example of what a community can do to overcome financial challenges:

2 Corinthians 8:1-9
We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints-and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. But as you excel in everything-in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you-- see that you excel in this act of grace also.
I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

In this passage we see a community overcome through great financial strain. What was their motivation to give, even when they had so little? The Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was because they had experienced the grace of God in their lives that they were so willing to give, not out of obligation but out of a willing heart, with joy!

If we understand the grace of God, then we understand what it means to receive something of value (God's Love) even when we don't deserve it. God's grace does not make sense. It's not earned, deserved, or worked for. We get it, freely-apart from anything we do. Praise God!

Because you care about the Roots Community Church please continue reading:

To this point in the life of our church you have generously given enough money to cover the expenses. In February we moved into an amazing facility in Vista Del Lago and we knew that God had given us this building because of the way that many people gave financially to get us started with moving in. But now it's our turn to honor God with the gift He has given us.

It's time to step up our giving in order to make sure that we can continue using this amazing building as we seek to honor God, share the gospel, and serve the community.

As of June 1 (Rent Due Date) we were not able to pay the rent. On June 16, we made a partial payment of $500 (full payment is $3000).

I am confident that God will supply our needs. I am asking you to consider that He wants us to come together and generously give.

AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY: This week an anonymous giver gave us a $1,000 matching gift. If we can come up with $1,000, he will match it towards our June rent.

So, what can you do, right now?

1. Pray about what God might have you give towards the matching gift opportunity to cover June's rent payment.

2. Pray about what God might have you do in order to increase your giving on a regular basis at The Roots Community Church.

Are regular consistent giving must increase or we will not be able to meet the basic needs of the church. We can do this! I believe in you.

Consider this passage from Scripture as you pray:
2 Corinthians 9:6-14 (The Message)
Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving.
God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it, "He throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-living, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out. This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God."

This Sunday you will have an opportunity to give financially and if you cannot be there this Sunday, you can give online.

I hope to see you this Sunday at The Roots Community Church.

I know that you may have some questions and I am always here to answer them at your convenience.

Below you will find my contact info:

The Roots Community Church is currently meeting at
8681 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy Suite 122 in Kissimmee, FL 34747.

You can visit our website for more info:
www.TheRootsCommunity.com

Blessings,

Jesse Carbo (jessecarbo@gmail.com)

My Personal Cell: 407-257-1717
Church Office: 407-465-5517


Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/rootschurch

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/rootscommunity

Partners in the Gospel

Dear Friends,

As you are aware, Anitra and I have been planting the Gospel in Central Florida for the last 2 years and it has led to the plant of a church called “The Roots Community Church” (www.TheRootsCommunity.com)

We have seen so many people’s lives changed by the power of the gospel and we are thrilled to continue this work here.

Many or you and people you know have partnered with us in prayer and financially to make this a reality.

Today I am asking you to prayerfully consider partnering with me. As of late we have lost nearly $2,000 a month in financial support. There are various reasons for this but the point is that we need to make this up if we are going to continue our work in Central Florida.

You get to have a stake in the lives of people’s eternal destiny. If 50 of my closest friends would give just $10 a week that would make up the difference. I know that for some of you this might be a huge sacrifice. And I want you to know that I don’t want you to stop giving to your local church. I would however ask you to consider giving up a meal out or whatever you might blow $10 on each week.

I believe in the sovereignty of God and I believe that He will provide. It may be through you and it may not. But right now, you have an opportunity to consider partnering with Him and The Roots Community Church to see many people hear and respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

If and when you decided to take us up on this opportunity just click on the donate button at the top of this page which will lead you to Paypal.

You can give one time, weekly, or monthly. It’s up to you. But please consider doing something.

The gospel will go forth, join me in making this a reality for many in Central Florida.

Waiting on Him,

Jesse Carbo
Isaiah 64:4

P.S. If you have any questions please reply to this message or call me at 407-257-1717.

SINGLE MOM LOSES EVERYTHING!

Have you seen the news reports about the flooding in Nashville? Maybe not, because they are reporting it muchs these days. But, in case you didn't know here is a link that shows you more:
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/05/flooding_in_tennessee.html

Video reporting the news in Nashville:

The Exchange with Ed Stetzer, 05-04-10 from Ed Stetzer on Vimeo.

So what are we to do? Well, Scripture is clear that we are not to be passive. So, in honor of Mother's Day and for sake of His name we are partnering with a local church in Nashville to help a Single Mom and her kids. She was devastated by this flood and we are going to take action and serve. More details to follow soon...stayed tuned as you have an opportunity to contribute to this cause.

Jesse Carbo
lead pastor
www.therootscommunity.com

Our CHURCH is Moving!

Dear Friends,

I have some really important news for you, so please read this entire blog!

WE'RE MOVING, WE'RE MOVING, WE'RE MOVING!

As many of you know we started The Roots Community Church in our home last Easter 09'. Since then we have moved to the KOA Kampground Rec Center and it has proven to be a wonderful starter home for our small church. There has been many occasions where each seat was taken and we were out of space to accommodate new people.

This began a quest for us to find a larger home that would accommodate for more families from our community. But, locations for churches to meet in Davenport are not in abundance as the infrastructure for this community has not caught up yet with the number of people that live here.

In December I was put in touch with Steve and Bill Leary through Duke Real Estate about a Shopping Center they own that has a 4,400 Sq. Foot store front church on US 192 about 2 mile east of US 27 in The Shoppes of Vista Del Lago. When I heard about this opportunity I went over to meet with them and take a look. I was informed about the financial responsibility of this kind of a lease and knew right away that if this was going to work it would have to be a "God" thing.

So here is what God has done so far:

1. The landlords have agreed to take more than 1/2 off of the original lease price.

2. Carrie Milstead (Roots family member) will be opening a DayCare in the new facility.

3. Funds for the initial move and expenses were raised in one month's time.

4. The location of the building is in the center of our target outreach zone.

5. The former church has donated over $15,000 in equipment for us to get started.
(ex: Chairs, Video Projectors, Lighting, Curtains, Office Equipment, etc...)

I wish I had time to tell you all the little things that have been going on behind the scenes that have proved to me over and over again that God is in this. It has been truly amazing to see Him move in the midst of us. We are so blessed.

So, this Sunday...January 31...will be our last Sunday at the KOA.

Beginning on Sunday, February 7th at 10AM (same time as before) we will hold our worship gatherings at the New Facility:

8681 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy Kissimmee, FL
The Shoppes of Vista Del Lago.

So, now that you know that we are moving...what do we need you to do?

HOW YOU CAN MAKE THE TRANSITION SMOOTH:

1. Make sure you come to the first service in the new building on February 7th at 10AM!!!

2. Bring some friends and family members. (Our new children's area is going to rock!)

3. Pray about how you might start or increase your financial commitment to The Roots because this new building is a step of faith.

4. Pray for you friends who are far away from God...consider how this new space
might be the perfect place to invite them, so that they can hear about God's love.

5. Consider how you might get more involved in The Roots by serving on Sunday mornings as a Greeter, Usher, Media Arts, or Children's Ministry Volunteer.

I would love to hear from you in the next couple of weeks. If you have any questions or concerns please email me at jessecarbo@gmail.com

WE WILL SEE YOU THIS SUNDAY @ THE KOA FOR OUR LAST WORSHIP CELEBRATION IN THAT LOCATION AND NEXT SUNDAY, FEB. 7 @ OUR NEW LOCATION.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE HAPPENINGS AT THE ROOTS COMMUNITY CHURCH, CHECKOUT OUR WEBSITE

WWW.THEROOTSCOMMUNITY.COM

Would you hire me?

Would you hire me? If you have ever had the opportunity to hire someone you know that it’s an awesome responsibility and comes with a lot of rewards especially when you have hired the right person for the job. Not only does your team function properly but also you look really good because you made the right choice. Friends, I am the right person for the job.

Today, I am asking you to hire me. “Hire you for what?”, you may be thinking…well, I am asking you to hire me so that I can continue spreading the gospel in West Orlando (Davenport, FL) on your behalf. You can directly be a part of the mission of God from right where you are. You have an opportunity today to make sure that people continue to hear the amazing grace of Jesus Christ. You have the opportunity to make sure that there is a community of people who are out serving the homeless, the poor, the needy, the hurting, and those that need a community of love.

As the lead pastor of The Roots Community I make it my #1 priority to train and equip people to BE the church and not just PLAY church. Here is an excerpt from our vision document that further explains what we see and what we are creating.

Our Vision at the Roots Community Church is...to see the grace of God transform our lives so that we would have the mindset and will in the midst of pain and discomfort to love all people for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

(IF YOU WANT THE BOTTOM LINE - SKIP DOWN TO THE BOTTOM)

Vision Expanded:

Nothing happens without it first being thought up or dreamed. The Eiffel tower was first a dream before it was built. The United States of America was first an idea before the Constitution was drafted. The Universe was God’s idea before He actually created it. God has birthed a dream in us to plant the gospel in the Central Florida region near Davenport, Fl and the Four Corners.

-I dream of a church where people are aware of the weightiness of their sin and the enormity of God’s love thus making the cross loom large in their lives.
(A Gospel Centered Church)

-I dream of a church where it’s people are loving, accepting, and hopeful.
(A Grace Based Church)

-I dream of a church that is creative in it’s approach to contextually preaching the gospel.
(A Creative Church)

-I dream of a church where it’s people “live sent” amongst the community creating opportunities where people can encounter a relationship with God for the first time or rediscover Him again. (Local Missionaries to the neighborhoods, schools, work, etc...)
(A Sending Church)

-I dream of a church that is a family as they adopt one another expressing the deepest and most ancient value of all…Love.
(A Loving Church)

-I dream of church where it’s people are discovering ways to serve in the kingdom of God.
(A Serving Church)

-I dream of church where leaders are being equipped so that they can influence the world with the gospel of Christ.
(An Equipping Church)

-I dream of a church that seeks to plant the gospel in other regions of the county, the state, the nation, and the world through church planting.
(A Multiplying Church)

-I dream of a church that builds a community center for the Four Corners Region. This building would be completely open the public and for their long-term use. It would be our gift to the community and a gathering spot for our weekly celebration time.
(A Selfless Church)

-I dream of a church that is one. With diverse economic statuses, racial divides, political agendas, and denominational organizations there is much to keep us apart. But the call of the kingdom is unity in Christ. I see black and white, Hispanic and Asian, rich and poor worshiping the One True God together.
(A Multi-Ethnic Church)

THE BOTTOM LINE::

So in order for this to be a reality, I need time. Time to put my hands to the plow and work very very hard as we join God in His mission. When you hire me, this buys me time to be about the Father’s work. This gives me the resources needed to take care of family and at the same time meet the needs of our community.

We have created a program to make this easy and affordable. The Twenties Club is the opportunity that one of my pastor’s and I dreamed up one afternoon as we realized that the burden of our entire financial need is too great for just a few to carry, but if many carried a small portion than the impact could be exponential.

Would you consider sending me $20 a week to further the mission of The Roots Community? I understand that in these tough financial times everything is tight and so if $20 is not do-able at this time than I would certainly appreciate anything you could afford. I know it sounds ridiculous but I would even appreciate $1 a week.

Here’s the hard truth: If I can’t raise the financial support needed to sustain the financial need for me and my family than I am prepared to work for a local company to earn a wage that will make up the difference. In case you are wondering, I have done that before and am ready to do it again. But, statistics show that when a pastor works a full time job and tries to plant a church at the same time the results are often devastating as one man can only do so much. That is why I need you to hire me!

Below you will see a PayPal button where you can make your first contribution to the Twenties Club. Each week you will receive an updated newsletter informing you what is happening at The Roots. I really do appreciate your considering this and welcome any kind of input that you might have. Whether or not you can participate I covet your prayers and thoughts.

Any gift whether weekly, monthly, or even a special (one-time) gift is much appreciated. Thank You in advance for all you do and for taking time to learn more about what God is doing at The Roots Community Church.

Because of Jesus,


Jesse Carbo
863.800.0547 - cell phone
jessecarbo@gmail.com
www.therootscommunity.com

Most Dangerous Place in America! By: Dave Gibbons

The Most Dangerous Place in America

Yes, the situations in Iran and North Korea continue to give concern to us and our government, but when it comes to our own backyard, where is the most dangerous place in America?

New York City.

Detroit.

Baltimore.

Chicago.

Los Angeles.

Large cities such as these have received a lot of attention as havens of crime, disorder and mayhem. I don’t want to argue that. Sure, violent crimes and societal concerns seem common in our concrete jungles.

But how about cities like these:

Irvine, California

Lake Forest, Illinois

Plano, Texas

Ellicott City, Maryland

Irvine, California was recently given the title, “Safest City in America” (over 100,000 people) by the Federal Bureau of Investigation on June 1, 2009. I would like to submit that suburbs just like this may actually be the most dangerous places in America.

The Burbs
The suburban enclaves with their middle class citizens and well- manicured lawns, gates, and guards protecting our Orwellian lifestyle and toys, Starbucks a few minutes apart from each busy intersection, and boasting some of the best schools in the country may actually be the most dangerous locations to live. Okay, we may not have the high murder counts or robberies, but I wonder if the suburbs have become breeding grounds for the accessible and shallow thrills of drugs and alcohol abuse, extravagant parties and proms, and mere facades of happiness and the American Dream. Just ask your local city drug dealer about his primary consumers. . . suburban teenagers and college students.

Okay, I’m not a researcher, but my gut impression from my travels and intersection with youth in the major cities of the world as well as the suburbs and rural communities is that they are all equally dangerous but just in different ways.

The dangers of the suburbs entail the lack of imagination (where do you find real art museums, innovative music venues and creative opportunities to explore nature. Sure there are exceptions but it’s not the norm); materialism; greed; isolation behind cookie-cutter neighborhoods and homogeneous clubs and churches; boredom: apathy; the fascination with the relevant more than the real; a love affair with popularity more than loving the poor; and a thirst for excitement superficially satisfied in the Friday night party. This takes precedence over a dangerous ride with God on the frontlines of His movement.

Ironically, guess what consistently is the hottest selling music in the suburbs? Hip Hop! Seriously. . . check out this article from Wall Street Journal in June of 2005. http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB111521814339424546.html

Why do you think Hip Hop is so popular among Suburban youth?

Hip hop is a voice to which suburban kids want to relate. Perhaps some wannabe has a type of connection to reality through Hip Hop while others envision radical change and revolution, inspired to be at the forefront of a new generation of leaders who will not remain silent. It’s a type of music that breathes with the vibe of danger and rawness. Although you may not like the themes at times or the language, It’s honest and from the soul.

My concern is that our children are missing out on one of the greatest moments to live in the history of humanity. These are the times of global shifts and crises and once-in-a-life time opportunities. Our generation and the next can be so focused on our own survival and the satisfaction of pleasure that we miss out on one of the wildest adventures. Hip Hop music has become the voice of our youth. It describes a thirst for danger and a rawness that is visceral. It’s filled with angst and pain. These elements are the seeds of revolution found in the cities. My prayer is that the intrinsic frustration and boredom in the suburbs and rural cities of America will find its purpose in a radical revolution of love.

Perhaps instead of a one-week mission trip, the next generation will commit to a lifetime of roaming the earth in the power of the Holy Spirit like has never been seen before. Sure, our cities have been the focus of the church, but let’s not forget the quiet suburbs– the current breeding ground of potential zealots who are looking for something more to awaken them out of their boredom.

In response to what I wrote above my teammate, Dave Brubaker wrote: The verse I love for this (if you want one)—Luke 12:13-21. It really could be about the suburbs, the guy is so rich, he’s afforded the luxury of ISOLATION. He’s so alone in his gated community that when he needs financial council he has no one to confer with but himself (verse 17); he’s so out of touch with the poor and needy, he can’t think of a single person to share with when he’s got extra. The only idea that comes to mind is to make bigger barns (verse 18). Apparently God finds this so detestable, he kills the guy (verse 20), the words “your life will be demanded from you” are actually a financial term re: collecting a loan; in the case the “loan” that God is collecting is “life.”
Easy to judge this guy as a “fool” but the truth is, isn’t he “successful” by suburban standards???

Third Culture

Third Culture Video - Short from Newsong Church on Vimeo.

Down From The Mountain

So I have been home now for 2 days from our vacation in Costa Rica and I wish I could return. I haven't felt this low and unmotivated in a long time. I guess you could say that we have returned from the mountaintop to the valley and I am feeling it. There is a phrase that Costa Ricans (Ticos) live by..."Pura Vida" and it means "Pure Life". It would seem to me that in Costa Rica this would be manageable. The Pure and Simple Life is easily attainable in the culture that we experienced, or so it would seem. But life here back in the states often seems like "Complicada Vida" (Complicated Life). With financial pressures, cultural lifestyle pressures, starting a new church, managing our relationships, raising kids, meeting the needs of others, personal time for God and yourself, the list could go on and on...you get the picture...it can get comlicated sometimes.
This last week in Costa Rica has led me to think a lot about what I do and who I am. I spend a lot of my time running around spending time with people but I often find myself giving myself away, often when there is nothing left to give. I came to the conclusion that I do not spend enough time in study, in prayer, and simply just putting away distractions. I allow distractions in my life for fear that I might miss something Big or Important. But, I am learning that these distractions are merely distractions from what is really important. I am missing what is important. I need to be a man of prayer and study. I should be devoting much more time to thinking, reading, writing, and teaching. It's a call back to Pura Vida. A simple and pure task for what I should be doing in life.
What would Pura Vida look like for you?

Prayer Request

Dear Friends and Family,

The Roots Community has arrived at a crucial time in it's life. We are ready to launch publicly. God has allowed us the opportunity to partner with Him in His mission and it has been beautiful.

We are currently facing an opportunity to see God work in powerful ways and I would like to invite you to join me in asking God for favor with Haines City.

We are looking to rent a permanent facility in the downtown district of Haines City, Fl and the city is trying to stop us. I have a meeting on Monday, March 23 at 2PM with the powers that be. I am asking for you to pray that day for wisdom, discernment, favor, humility, and love. This is a leadership challenge for me personally. I have never had to do this kind of thing before. Rest assure, I am not afraid! I am confident in my Jesus that He is there with me and that the Holy Spirit will go before me.

Our desire at the Roots Community is to serve the people of Haines City, including the government officials. So, needless to say, we are not looking for a fight. Although it may be within our "right" to have a church in that city...we do not want it to resort to some type of legal action...this would not prove to be a good way to start serving the city.

So, please pray that God would move in a huge way.

Know this too. We are not assuming that the building IS God's will. We believe in the Revelation of God's will and that He will in His time reveal his vision for us, step by step. We are called to obedience, one day at a time. If this is not where He wants us...we will still be apart of advancing the gospel in that community (See Paul's example in Philippians 1:12)

So, because you are my dear friends and family I thought I would ask you to pray. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Coveting your prayers,

Jesse Carbo

P.S. Feel free to advance this email to anyone you think will pray for us.

I am re-posting a blog that my coach posted on Friday. It was incredibly powerful and really convicting. Please take a moment and watch this:

Penn & Sharing Christ
I know the video we showed on Sunday has been passed around a lot, but I want you to watch it again now. While you do, wrestle with the question how much do have to hate someone to not share Christ with them? Not much. You just need to love your comfort, convenience, reputation more than you love that person. Feeling convicted? Good you should take comfort in the fact that you are God’s child and that he will discipline those he loves. “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.” (Revelation 3.19) Let me give you 3 practical ways to be zealous and repent:

1. Begin to intercede for someone who is outside the faith.
2. Invest humbly and authentically in their lives.
3. Invite them to join one Sunday during our Practical Atheist or on Easter Sunday, April 12th.

Thanks for your friendships and partnership in the gospel.

This week my youngest daughter turned 1. Can you believe it? Just 365 days ago my wife and I were welcoming Rylee Isabella Carbo into our world. We are so blessed with 2 girls. As you can see they are just beautiful, they have Anitra's "looks." (Look out boys, they are not available until at least 30 years of age). Each year my kids (and that's four of them) experience one of my wife's parties with a central theme...this time my youngest daughter got a party with a garden theme. There were flowers everywhere. It was beautiful. But what was most beautiful was the birthday girl. I am a proud daddy and so happy that God has blessed me with a wonderful wife, two amazing sons, and two beautiful daughters.



Thank You Jesus for the amazing responsibility of caring for and raising such a precious thing as a child. You have blessed me 4x over and I do not take it for granted. I humbly receive this blessing and beg you to help me be who you are calling me to be as a husband, father, and friend. Heavenly Father, show me the same kind of love you show to your children, that I may give that kind of love to mine. And Holy Spirit, may I reflect the image of Christ for my children so that they may fall more in love with Him everyday of their lives.

School Me!

Hey Everyone,

Been awhile since I have blogged. Sorry bout that. Will give you some amazing stories soon, but for now wanted to let you know about an opportunity that you can take advantage of. Many of you cannot afford to financially support me and my family in the church plant but you may want to do something tangible. On the right side of my page you will see a link to my Amazon.com WISHLIST. Here I have placed several books that I would like to read. If you feel led....School Me!

Love you.

Jesse

Have you ever suffered for Jesus? Really? Well, tomorrow morning I am going to suffer for Jesus as I drive 10 hours to Pigeon Forge, TN. I was invited to preach at a youth retreat. I get to bring my family and enjoy the painful opportunity of spending time in the Great Smokey Mountains, in the cold, where it snows. Whew! It's gonna be tough...but someone has to do it. Sure glad it's me. Oh yea, and my friend Mike and his family will be suffering with me.

I spoke at a funeral yesterday in memory of Donny Foster...a 20 year old college student at the University of Florida who hung himself in his room just one night before taking his girlfriend to a local concert and just 21 days before Christmas with his family in Miami. No one really knows why he did this...he seemed to be a happy kid and who apparently had more than his share of friends...based upon the turn out at his funeral. I was extremely moved by the gathering.

Here are some things I observed through this experience and I would like to share them with you. First, I was amazed at the amazingly deep love Donny's friends had for him. He certainly had an incredible impact on them. I hope my life has that kind of impact on others around me. Second, I was encouraged by the hopefulness of his family in the midst of such a tragic death. His parents and sister were very optimistic about his eternity and current presence with Jesus. Third, I was burdened heavily with the spiritual emptiness I saw in the people at the funeral. Death is a strange thing...it brings out the true essence of our soul. You can see in an instant the spiritual side of a human being and know what they believe. I saw people, especially young people, who were scared...but too proud to admit it. I would love the chance to impart hope to more people. Hope that gives us the courage to face death at any moment. Hope that allows us the freedom to let go of that which doesn't last. Hope that builds our faith upon a foundation of eternal living.

Thank you Jesus for the opportunity to be apart of this deeply spiritual experience. I was honored to be the messenger on behalf of the family. I pray that the seeds of hope and truth will take root in the souls of those that listened.

Thanksgiving Day! Wow! What a concept, but what a hoax. We pick one day out of 365 and say "This is the day to be THANKFUL"...well, the truth is that when I come home to my "less than joyful" family I don't have warm fuzzies of being thankful for all that I have...therefore I enter into this crazy spin cycle of feeling guilty for not feeling so "Thankful" at the one time a year that you are supposed to feel thankful...

Ugh! Well, what am I to do with this? I have pondered this dilemma for the last 24 hours...and the thing that hurts me the most is that whenever I come home to Miami and visit with my family, I don't feel good, there is a lot of negative feelings that come out of me. I always feel upset, hurt, depressed, impatient, frustrated, annoyed, and yes...none of them are good feelings. I know, this is crazy. I mean, not to mention the guilt I feel for being a "pastor" and moving to a community to live in other people's brokenness and I can't event deal with my own broken mess...

I often feel that when I am around my family, I am not myself. I hate the fact that I like myself better when I am not with them...I find it hard to be who I am around them. I don't have the same passion and zeal for life or the motivation to play and be fun. I feel so blah! Is this an evil spirit...could Satan and his evil empire be at the heart of this...or is this all my fault (just bring on the guilt)? At the end of the day, I know that it is my responsibility to control my feelings and behavior. But it's just too damn hard!

So, here it is just a couple of nights before the Big Turkey Day when we all give thanks to the proverbial thanksgiving gods, gorge ourselves with tasty treats, and feel good about the few days of R&R that we enjoy before another year comes to an end as we open presents and realize we are too broke and over indulged for our own good.

And...

I don't FEEL thankful...but, I am thankful. I choose to be thankful because God's grace allows me to choose being thankful for the many amazing things in my life over being ungrateful. In my flesh, in my sin, I am ungrateful...I cannot without God's grace choose gratefulness but because of His love for me...I am thankful.

Lord, I find it so much easier to be thankful (in my flesh) when I am not with my family. Help me to put my confidence in you (Jeremiah 17:5-9) so that because of your grace I might choose thankfulness over hopelessness...I am thankful for You!