RIG: Blog This

The New Year 2012

2011-12-30T08:24:00.000-08:00

"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 3:13-14

It has been a year since my family packed up our stuff, left our jobs, and said goodbye to the lives we led before moving to New England. This year was full of new experiences. We planted a church for the first time, renovated a building to meet in, passed out Bibles door-to-door, etc. What an amazing time to be alive!

We are grateful for every person and ministry who has chosen to pour into our lives. We know we are not alone here in a land where only 32% of people attend church. (www.gallup.com) We love the family God has created in our 1year church plant. They are people of substance and a real love for God.

We are truly excited about the new year, 2012! We believe the growth we have already seen will take off to new heights. We love worshiping God together, building relationship together, and serving Christ by His love in our communities. Encouraging one another in their personal lives and even other ministries is a priority. Above all, we want God's Kingdom to come and His Will to be done in New England.

"Your Kingdom come, Your Will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

Matthew 6:10

Share The Good News of Christmas

2011-12-08T10:42:00.000-08:00

We are excited to have the opportunity to "Share The Good News of Christmas" with our neighbors! Join us Saturday, December 17th @ 10am as we meet together and go door-to-door through Coventry, RI to invite people to our Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion Service and Christmas Morning Service.

If you are interested in seeing what we will be passing out door-to-door, check out the following link:

Share The Good News of Christmas (Video)

New Building

2011-09-25T12:41:00.000-07:00

We want to thank all of the hands that helped renovate the new building on Sandy Bottom in Coventry! We love and appreciate every one of you!

John, Pastor Dotty & George, Pastor Nickie & Josh

The crew!

Come visit us in our new location on Sandy Bottom in Coventry!

New Location

2011-08-25T10:42:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce our new location! We are now on Sandy Bottom Rd. in Coventry, RI. Please, come and join us as we pursue a deeper relationship with God. We look forward to meeting you!

Meeting Times:

Sunday

Sunday School 9-9:45am

Worship Service 10am-12pm

Tuesday

Breakout Kids Church 7-8:30pm

Adult Teaching & Prayer 7-8:30pm

Wednesday

Awaken: Youth & Young Adults Ministry 7-9pm

"No matter what age you are, there is a place for you! So, come and discover what God has in store for you at Genesis Church!" - Pastor Nickie Farley

Rhode Island's History

2011-01-21T20:21:00.000-08:00

How is it that we have not been taught our own church history in America? Out of curiosity I found some books in the American History section at the Warwick, RI public library. One of the books called Roger Williams and the Massachusetts Magistrates contains letters written by Roger Williams (a minister in early New England) and those who knew him. Roger Williams said he "simply felt that 'forced worship stinks in God's nostrils' and he did not wish to separate the peace and purity of the state. He insisted on the separation to maintain the purity and integrity of the church." Roger Williams believed that "every one should have the liberty to worship God according to his own conscience." He didn't think it Biblical to force someone to attend church or pray when they weren't even a true believer. He believed in a personal relationship with God. Yet, people have now taken statements like the one Roger Williams made and are trying to take God out of our country. They obviously don't know this country's history.

Roger Williams left Massachusetts and founded Rhode Island as a place of religious freedom, not freedom from religion. He had spoken out against the churches of New England because they were still connected to the corrupt church of England at the time and he believed that the New England churches needed to separate from England and cease being simply "religious" and become covenant relational with God. "During his years of exile in the wilderness of Rhode Island Roger Williams had come to see the importance of religious liberty in ways which he had only dimly sensed while a young minister at Salem." Roger Williams said to the Magistrates "(through the Lord's assistance) he shall be ready to not only to be bound, and banished, but to die also in New England, as for most holy truths of God in Christ Jesus." Roger Williams was known as a prophetic minister and teacher of the gospel. He desired that people would not "do" church, but would "be" the Church.

Roger Williams is one of many who believed this way. There were others who followed him to Rhode Island. The outcasts within the refugee settlements at Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island lived under a tradition of freedom that was established by Roger Williams. Samuel Gorton's plantation, Warwick, Rhode Island, was a haven for "personal encounter and direct communion with God by searching out God's purposes in Scripture and walking in the spirit with the infilling of Holy Spirit." They believed in prophecy and William Coddington said, "stinting or limiting the Spirit of Prophecy in any place in New England, thou lookedst at it as one of the horridest acts as was ever done in New England, and would be as great a Token of God's forsaking New England as any." New England was thought of as "a city on a hill" and Rhode Island "exhibited itself as a culture of Holy Spirit." "By 1658 Newport, Rhode Island could be referred to as one of the 'strongest places in this land,' and Rhode Island was affectionately set down in Quaker writings as 'that Island, where we ever found a place to rest our heads when weary we have been.'"

That was just a brief overview of what was the beginning of the church in New England, especially Rhode Island. Amazingly, Warwick, Rhode Island, the area of which we are planting Genesis Church, was meant to be a place for growing a deeper relationship with God and experiencing the supernatural. Rhode Island wasn't perfect, but the people's hearts were in the right place, Jesus Christ. I believe that God desires to Awaken that again just as He breathed on the valley of bones and they came to life. I have heard so many times that New England is "dead and dry" but I believe with many others that another great Awakening is coming to New England that will sweep across this nation. I believe that this time we must keep it living so that future generations will be sons and not orphans. It's time that people know their history and run the race that was begun so long ago. These "radical" people believed that we are to get back to the basics and be the Church Jesus intended. That is the only way this nation can be saved is through Christ. We must not make the same mistake New England once made: they were not unified! The spirit of disunity is what has kept the church in America from being as strong as it could be. It's time for unity in the Body of Christ and an Awakening in this hour!

Written by
Nickie Farley

First Service

2011-01-06T13:38:00.000-08:00

RHODE ISLAND GENESIS CHURCH

A Place of New Beginnings

Date: Sunday, January 23

Time: 10am

Place: Fairfield Marriott Inn & Suites

4 Universal Blvd.

Coventry, RI

(Between BJ's & Home Depot)

All Are Welcome

Free Tea & Coffee

rigchurch.com

Our Meeting Place (click for link)

2010-11-01T06:41:00.000-07:00

We have great news! We have our first meeting place for RIG's Sunday services! After checking out the area and looking into different places, God has opened a door in Coventry, RI:

Meeting Room

Children's Room

Revelation 3:8

“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name."

We are so grateful for everyone's prayers, and as you can see God is giving His answer! The following was said by someone in Rhode Island involved in helping us get this place:

"I just took the time to look at your website and it is phenomenal! I love it and I even played the song over and over that is in your media section. Also, I watched the video about love and the rain outside my window started to drum harder and harder, there was even thunder! What you are doing is very moving and compelling!!!" -Anonymous-

Called to Love (click link)

2010-10-11T14:12:00.000-07:00

HATE. "Hate" is a strong word. The definition for hate is: an intense hostility usually derived from fear, anger, or the sense of injury.

In a class I am taking, I heard some pretty strong words today. They made me cringe, because I could hear the hate in the person's voice that said them. A couple students were talking about holidays and the professor mentioned that Good Friday is now only considered a religious holiday and not a federal one. Good Friday is the day Christians remember Jesus being crucified at Calvary. Someone else chimed up and said "but, Black Friday is a nationally recognized holiday!" Black Friday, by the way, is NOT a federal holiday. It simply is the day after Thanksgiving in which retailers make enough sales to put them "into the black ink". The student sitting in front of me turned around and I heard him say "all Christians should go back to Hell!" The statement made me cringe. I watched as he repeated what he said to someone in front of him and looked around with a smile on his face as though he were seeing who had heard him. Yet, despite his words, I felt compassion for him. I don't know why he said what he did or what compelled him to say these words, but I did know he did not understand the meaning of what he was saying and it was coming from something in his heart.

Who can avoid hearing the hatred so many people are voicing? We hear it on the news, we see it on signs, etc. Jesus told us to "love those who persecute you". What good will it serve to fight hate with hate? The definition for "hate" above says it is derived from fear, anger, or a sense of injury. You don't just hate for no reason. By loving others, you aren't operating out of fear, anger, or a sense of injury. In fact, by choosing to love, you are overcoming these things. So, the next time you feel the urge to say "I hate...", stop and think where that is coming from. I can guarantee it is coming out of one of three things: fear, anger, or a sense of injury. Don't allow hatred to spill from your lips. Remember that out of the abundance of your heart your mouth will speak. If there is evil in your heart, then evil will spill from your lips. Stop: Hatred!

Written by

Nickie Farley

Call To Prayer

2010-08-29T15:11:00.000-07:00

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous."

Psalm 1:1-3, 6a

As someone who has grown up in church, I have heard this passage of Scripture many times. Each time I hear these words I get a picture in my mind of this huge tree. If you know anything about trees you will know that large trees have a pretty large root system under them. When I think about the roots of this particular tree, I imagine that the roots are like wisdom and the more that I spend time reading and studying the Bible, and praying/listening to God, the deeper these roots grow.

When I read a Psalm, I try to also read a passage in Proverbs. So, lets jump over to that book. Read Proverbs chapters two and three. The theme of these two chapters is on wisdom.

"For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of this faithful ones."

Proverbs 2:6-8

If you look at what is being said in Proverbs chapter 2, you will see that there is a correlation between wisdom and walking the path of a Christian. But, notice that verse six says, "the Lord gives wisdom." So, it isn't our own wisdom that helps us walk this path. We can only receive the Lord's wisdom when we seek him. This is the most important reason why the Rhode Island Genesis team has been meeting together weekly to pray and seek God's will for RIG.

"For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you."

Proverbs 1:10-11

For anyone to think they can reach a territory without first seeking God and asking for his wisdom is foolish. "Do not be wise in your own eyes." (Proverbs 3:7a) The Bible clearly states that we must trust in the Lord with all of our hearts and lean not on our own understanding, that we are to acknowledge him and he will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

***This is a call to prayer. RIG is currently meeting and will be meeting for the next several months at 10am downstairs at Genesis Church, Bloomington IN before the 10:30am worship service. If you feel led, please, join us as we seek for God's wisdom in this church plant.

Written by Nickie Farley

Vision: Sheep On The Battle Front (click for link)

2010-08-22T11:45:00.000-07:00

So, we had our weekly prayer gathering for RIG this morning before church service in Bloomington. Before we started to pray, Pastor Dotty spoke about praying for purpose. So, as we joined hands and began to pray together, God gave me a vision for New England. Now, don't look at the word "vision" and think "oh, no", because the Bible says without vision the people perish (Proverbs 29:18). If you still don't understand what vision is, read these 10 Keys To Developing Your Vision which talks about finding God's vision in ministry. So, while we were praying, this is what the Lord showed me.

As we stood together in a cirlce holding hands I saw a white pillar standing in the middle of us. I looked up and saw that it reached to a ceiling that then expanded out onto other pillars that surrounded behind us. Between the pillars were flames of golden fire. I was suddenly seeing the place where we were standing and praying from a distance. I could see that we were inside this pillared building upon a tall, skinny, rock mountain. I knew that we were not only praying in our physical self, but that we were in a place in the heavenlies interceding. This was that place.

Suddenly, the main pillar that stood in the middle of the place where we were standing was gone and Jesus stood there in its place. He was covered in blood, as he would have appeared on the cross. I felt a moment of fright to suddenly be confronted by this scene, but then looked into Jesus' eyes and saw how piercing they were and I felt rather than heard him speaking to me. Then, he reached forward and put his arms around me and I felt perfect peace. He was clothed in robes of white and full of glory. He spoke into my ear, "will you follow?"

Then we were facing a field. I could see sheep scattered throughout this field. The sky was covered in grey clouds which made the place seem dark and I could see shadowy figures standing throughout the field. We all suddenly walked into the field and struck down the shadows with our swords. Behind these shadowy figures we found sheep that had been hidden behind them. They seemed hurt and frightened. I reached out with my hand and touched a sheep on it's side. I brought my hand away and saw an imprint of red blood that was there for a moment and then dissolved into the sheep's wool (John 1:29, Romans 3:10-12,23; 5:9, Colossians 1:20, 1 John 1:7, and Revelation 1:5; 5:9). Suddenly, the sheep was transformed into a person. They were clothed in armor. I watched as we all saw this happen to all the sheep that were in the valley.

Then, we gathered to the top of the next hill and looked over. A dark, wide valley full of sheep spread out before us. The same shadowy figures we had encountered in the last valley were there. But, this time they were not just hiding the sheep from us. They were torturing and devouring the sheep. We listened to the call to attack from the generals posted along our lines. Then, we ran forward with a loud roar and struck down every evil thing. Again, we saw the blood restore the lost sheep.

When the darkness was defeated in that valley, we gathered to the top of the next ridge and I saw a horrible sight. There were sheep gathered on the shores of the ocean. I saw the shadowy figures like before, but these were giants. They were picking up the sheep and throwing them into the water. The sheep were screaming and I watched as when they hit the water they were transformed into people crying and trying to escape the water that seemed to be pulling them under. I looked out farther onto the water and saw giant, dark ships shooting cannons at the people in the water, trying to kill them.

I then looked to the right and saw the Lord on a white horse with fire in his eyes. A great battle cry rose up from him and we all joined in. We charged down to the beach. As I attacked and struck down the evil around us, I watched others doing the same and saw the sheep on the beech being saved. Then, I noticed soldiers racing right out onto the water, running across it as if it were another field and not something they could sink into. They reached down, pulling people out of the water and embracing them. Then, again I looked farther and saw more people charging the ships with torches and burning the ships.

When all the dark figures had been destroyed and the light returned, we looked around at each other and saw many people we had never met but felt close to. We had all fought together and the battle was won! We couldn't help but raise up a victorious cry!

We knew it wasn't quite finished, because there were many more places to cross through, but we had grown together and realized the significance of being the Body of Christ.

Then, were were again in the pillared place on the mountain. But, this time, we were not alone! There were countless people also there, praying and lifting their hands worshipping God. I looked and saw that the pillared place was much larger than before and that even the mountain itself had grown. I knew that God was bringing together the Body of Christ.

So, you may have found revelation within this vision. I encourage you to share what you felt by leaving a comment below. I believe this vision was a reminder that we are to find Jesus' lost sheep and fight for them. The one things we can most assuredly be guaranteed is that the battle is already won! But, we can't do it ourselves. We must have the Lord guiding us and we must walk in unity. It isn't about this church or that church, or this pastor or that pastor. It's about the Body of Christ being knitted and joined together.

"He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." Ephesians 4:16

Written by Nickie Farley

Why New England Is the New American Missional Frontier

2010-08-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

Why New England...

This is a great site for those who need some encouragement while praying for New England, who are maybe just a little interested in New England, or who are also planning a church plant! A pastor by the name of Jared Wilson wrote this page which is a call to us to step into this RIG church plant that God has called of us. He pastors Middletown Springs Community Church in Vermont. It is so good and such a huge encouragement to find men and women like this who have the same vision of reaching the lost in New England.

Taking Your Land on GOD TV

2010-08-16T16:03:00.000-07:00

Link: Taking Your Land - A Whole New Way of Doing Business - Part 1

"The objective of war is victory but the objective of victory is occupation."

- Napolean -

"The war has not been won until you occupy the territory that experience was meant to give you."

- Dr. Lance Wallnau -

Link: Taking Your Land - A Prophetic Word For America - Part 2

Inspired (click title for video)

2010-08-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

"I'm inspiring you to go to the next level- my beloved.
Your going to rise to a great height!

Listen to me- tune into me!
I'm speaking - listen - open up to me!

A door is about to open in a dry land.
A flood door from heaven!
Your the one that will help guide the flood waters of heaven!

Know I trust you and appoint you for this hour.
The visions and dreams are going to come to you fast.
Record them! Don't miss them!
Definitions and instructions will be in a vision or dream - Be ready!

Know who you are!
Authority in your hands, voice and actions!
Others will watch and follow!
I'm a detailed God!
There is NO other!

I equip - lead and train you!
Yes is your word of agreement!
Awaken agreement of the roaring spirit of fire!
Awaken!!"

*Given to me on Sat. Aug. 14, 2010. Please pray with George and I to let this unfold! Your way Abba...your way! I have moved in this before but really had stepped back...but I find the Lord stirring me up in a big way! I know it is because of the increase in my prayer life and fasting. I know the Lord is speaking to me more or maybe I'm cleaning my ears out and listening! Anyway, I trust you all to pray!

Blessings,
Pastor Dotty

Pastor Dotty Ellingwood

Youth Suicide in Rhode Island (click title for video)

2010-08-14T15:33:00.000-07:00

"Suicide remains a major public health problem for Rhode Island youth, as the second, third, and fourth leading causes of death for 20 – 24 year olds, 15—19 year olds, and 10 –14 year olds, respectively." - Rhode Island Department of Health

I did some research on youth in Rhode Island and found the statistic for teen and young adult suicide staggering. My question is, why is it so high? Well, of course I searched around the internet a bit and found several websites outlining the straight forward problem of suicide in Rhode Island youth from the Department of Health:

Rhode Island Department of Health: Report
Rhode Island Department of Health: Website
Rhode Island Department of Health: Survey

Now, there are solutions on their websites, but they don't get to the heart of the issue. Why are youth choosing death over life? That's my question and the question we should all be asking ourselves as we read through this blog.

I want to point out several passages of Scripture that can help us get a look at life. These passages, I believe, if spoken aloud have the power to remind us that God created life and everything in it. The Bible says in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God (John 1:1). Therefore, since the Bible is the written Word, we have been given a great gift. We must never forget the power in the spoken Word of God . What a great weapon, the Word (Hebrews 4:12)! The Bible says we do not struggle against flesh and blood, but against the powers of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). So, therefore, it is not by our hands that the enemy is defeated, but by the Word of the Lord which the book of Hebrews says is sharper than any double edged sword. It is pretty obvious that a major agenda for the Devil is to destroy life and he is targeting the young people, but the Bible says that Lord has come to give life more abundantly (John 10:10)!

So, the following passages of scripture are for you to use in this battle for life. I encourage you to speak the words out loud as you read them, believing the power in them. Why waste this weapon God gave us? Use it today to save the lives of the youth of Rhode Island.

Life at 8-weeks: "being knitted together in your mother's womb"

Psalm 103:8-17

⁸ The Lord is compassionate and merciful,
      slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
⁹ He will not constantly accuse us,
      nor remain angry forever.
¹⁰ He does not punish us for all our sins;
      he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
¹¹ For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
      is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
¹² He has removed our sins as far from us
      as the east is from the west.
¹³ The Lord is like a father to his children,
      tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
¹⁴ For he knows how weak we are;
      he remembers we are only dust.
¹⁵ Our days on earth are like grass;
      like wildflowers, we bloom and die.
¹⁶ The wind blows, and we are gone—
      as though we had never been here.
¹⁷ But the love of the Lord remains forever
      with those who fear him.
   His salvation extends to the children’s children.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

A Time for Everything ¹ For everything there is a season,
      a time for every activity under heaven.
² A time to be born and a time to die.
      A time to plant and a time to harvest.
³ A time to kill and a time to heal.
      A time to tear down and a time to build up.
⁴ A time to cry and a time to laugh.
      A time to grieve and a time to dance.
⁵ A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
      A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
⁶ A time to search and a time to quit searching.
      A time to keep and a time to throw away.
⁷ A time to tear and a time to mend.
      A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
⁸ A time to love and a time to hate.
      A time for war and a time for peace.

1 Corinthians 15:42-57

⁴² It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. ⁴³ Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. ⁴⁴ They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies.
⁴⁵ The Scriptures tell us, “The first man, Adam, became a living person.” But the last Adam—that is, Christ—is a life-giving Spirit. ⁴⁶ What comes first is the natural body, then the spiritual body comes later. ⁴⁷ Adam, the first man, was made from the dust of the earth, while Christ, the second man, came from heaven. ⁴⁸ Earthly people are like the earthly man, and heavenly people are like the heavenly man. ⁴⁹ Just as we are now like the earthly man, we will someday be like the heavenly man.
⁵⁰ What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever.
⁵¹ But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! ⁵² It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. ⁵³ For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.
⁵⁴ Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.
⁵⁵ O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
⁵⁶ For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. ⁵⁷ But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation 21:1-7

The New Jerusalem ¹ Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. ² And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
³ I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.^[a]⁴ He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
⁵ And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” ⁶ And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. ⁷ All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.

Be still, and know that I am God
Psalm 46:10

Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."
John 13:7

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid."
John 14:27

I know that reading the Bible for the majority of youth in Rhode Island is not a priority. This is a problem. They don't know the power of the Word. They haven't experienced what it does. This grieves me to think they don't know the passages of Scripture that I have written on my heart like "weeping comes in the night, but joy comes in the morning!" and "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" These passages I can speak over myself when I feel the attack of Satan on my life. But, many of the youth in Rhode Island do not have these powerful words of scripture to speak over themselves! That is why we must teach them.

The Bible says to go into all the world and PREACH the gospel (Mark 16:15). The word "preach" means to proclaim & give earnest advice. Wow! Here we all think that preaching is writing a three point sermon and speaking eloquently in front of a crowd. But, to preach just means to give someone advice! Let's not miss the significance of this. We, as the Body of Christ, are commanded to go and PROCLAIM & GIVE ADVICE to the youth of Rhode Island. So, what are we waiting for?

- Written by Nickie Farley

Why Rhode Island?

2010-08-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

Rhode Island is a beautiful place to live, visit, swim, ride a bike, explore, and so much more! It is definitely a place worth trying out for size. Speaking of size, did you know that Rhode Island is the smallest state in the U.S.A.? Yeah, but don't let that fool you, because this little state has a huge array of things to do and see! Having lived in Rhode Island as a child, myself, I can remember many wonderful days at the beach or eating clamcakes and chowder at Champlin's.

The RIG Team & Friends Visiting The Beach In Rhode Island

Here are just a few of my favorite places to go in Rhode Island. First, you cannot go to Rhode Island without trying the clamcakes and chowder! It's almost a sin to not at least try to eat this amazing meal. Now, I know what some people are thinking "clamcakes?!" but I am telling you, you have to at least try one. The one place I recommend the most is Champlin's Seafood Restaurant in Narragansett, Rhode Island. It's a great atmosphere located right by the ocean! I honestly don't see what there is not to love about the place.

Nickie Farley, eating Chowder at Champlin's!

Josh Farley eating a clamcake at Champlin's

Since we are already on the topic of food, I have to mention my absolute FAVORITE food ever! Now, you might think this is absolutely bizarre, but as a kid in Rhode Island I loved going to get these things. They are called Hot Weiners! They are kind of like your hot dog, but take it up to a yummy notch of about 100! Even if you detest hot dogs, you may really like these things. I highly recommend giving them a chance.

Josh Farley, eating a famous Hot Weiner for the first time thinking "WOW!"

Now that I have mentioned the food "must haves", let's move on to places you must visit. First place, is the capitol of Rhode Island which is of course, Providence. What a great name! This place is very unique as it houses the nation's first Baptist church established in 1638 on College Hill in the downtown area. Wow, I think that is just amazing! Roger Williams, a Godly man and Theologian, was the founder of the colony, Rhode Island. This was the first colony to apply the principle of absolute freedom of the individual in matters of religion. What a rich heritage this place holds. Fast forwarding to the present, Providence has what is known as the WaterFire which is sponsored by local businesses. It is a must see for anyone who enjoys city life and what a spiritual significance water over fire holds!

First Baptist church in America (picture taken by Josh Farley in July 2010)

A second place that is a must see is the Newport Cliff Walk which is located along the eastern shore of Newport. What a beautiful place! Along this 3.5 mile walk are very elegant mansions from the early New England populace on one side and a truly breathtaking view of the ocean on the other side. Bring your camera!

Josh & Nickie Farley at the Cliff Walk

The next place is a great one to take a bike ride or rent a mo-ped to explore. It's an island off the coast of Rhode Island named Block Island. It's a lovely day trip for the family. You take a ferry ride out to the island and explore to your hearts content the beaches and historical lighthouse, eat at one of the variety of restaurants in town, or shop.

The View from the Top to the Beach

Standing in front of a historic lighthouse on Block Island

A personal favorite of mine is Charleston Breachway. Growing up, I have spent days and nights at the Breach. RV campsites are available to which I can attest hold a special charm in the early morning when you wake up to the sounds of seagulls and waves, and curl up in a chair in the evenings to watch the colorful sun setting upon the water. The campsites are by reservation only, but the beach is accessible to anyone for a small park fee. But, bring a cooler full of food & plenty of water to drink, some sand shovels, and a towel, and I bet the fee will be the last thing on your mind as you leave the beach at the end of the day.

Pastor George Ellingwood walking with his granddaughter at the Breachway

I hope my little tour of the state of Rhode Island has you reaching for your GPS and sunscreen! I encourage you to have a serious thought of visiting this lovely place that is full of so much of our great nations rich history. But, not only is the place great, the people are amazing too! So, now that I have shown you around, what do you think? Isn't this the perfect place to start Rhode Island Genesis church?!

-Written by Nickie Farley