ROIC History

ROIC  Timeline Begins

Jeff Grillo met Rabbi Cliff Maynard and began studying under him. Rabbi Cliff was a Jew who was raised as a believer in Yeshua.  Rabbi Cliff had studied under an Orthodox Rabbi for 30 years. 

Began Messianic Bible Study in Jeff’s Home

Jeff began a Messianic Bible study in his living room.  This quickly grew, and they began to rotate meetings at other people’s homes.  We officially formed The Rock of Israel Congregation under the auspices of Blue Thread Ministries International (BTMI), a 501 (c) (3) organization.  This was a ministry that Rabbi Cliff started years before, and under which he did evangelism and large meetings in South America and Africa.  Rabbi Cliff personally owned land in Kenya that he turned over to the Teen Challenge organization.  This became the first Teen Challenge ministry on the African continent.  Blue Thread Ministries International was formed under the Assemblies of G-d umbrella, under which Rabbi Cliff Maynard was ordained.  He also served as the Vice President of the National Jewish Fellowship of the Assemblies of G-d.

Welcomed at Huntington Hills (Lifepoint)

Our group had outgrown living rooms, and we were blessed to begin meeting at Huntington Hills Church of G-d, now known as Lifepoint, in Hickory, NC.  Pastor Chris Music was the Pastor who initially welcomed us, and we continued to be welcomed by subsequent Pastors, including Harvey Turner and finally Matthew Prince.  Tyron Buriss, the worship Pastor, was a big part of working with us and ensuring we were always well taken care of during this time.  What a blessing!

Launched Two YouTube Channels

Rabbi Cliff Maynard, with the help of Jeff Grillo, began an introduction to ROIC Channel and a Messianic  Moments YouTube channel that Rabbi Cliff would preach on various topics, and Jeff Grillo handled the media production and was the voice of the episode introduction.  

Rabbi Cliff Passes & A New ROIC Chapter Begins

After what was a long illness, our beloved Rabbi Cliff Maynard unexpectedly went home to receive his reward in Heaven on July 6th.  Then Associate Rabbi Jeff Grillo, along with the congregation, resolved in their hearts to continue on the work that Rabbi Cliff, may his memory be a blessing, had begun with Jeff about eleven years earlier.  In October of 2022, decisions were made that saw the congregation become directly affiliated with the Assemblies of G-d under the National Jewish Fellowship, as Rabbi Cliff’s widow desired to dissolve BTMI. 

Launched a New Website & New YouTube Channel

Rabbi Jeff Grillo with the help of his son Joshua and daughter Emily, launched a brand new ROIC YouTube Channel and also a brand new stand-alone Website at https://myroic.org and began offering the public a consistent stream of Messianic teachings. After discussion with the congregation, it was decided to name these new assets with the acronym: My ROIC to convey the solidarity and ownership of the task to carry on the torch that Rabbi Cliff had lit.  To date, the ROIC YouTube Channel has over 360+ subscribers and the website draws consistent traffic of over 600 visitors daily.

The Rock of Israel Congregation Incorporates as a NC Non-Profit

More growth occurs as the congregation board decides to incorporate The Rock of Israel Congregation as a NC Non-Profit to serve the surrounding community.  

A Time of Miracles

Miraculously, even though our hearts were still grieving the loss of Rabbi Cliff, G-d was accelerating us into a new season of change and growth.

Miracle #2:  Then, with only about 25 members and only about $11,000 in the bank, we found and contracted on the building we currently own and meet in at 1405 2nd St Dr SW, Hickory, NC 28602.  Within an astounding 4 week period, G-d provided every penny we needed, and we closed on that property, paying cash in full on March 8, 2023!  A true miracle!  Ever since, we have continued to grow and have an impact on our community, Israel, and the world in ways much bigger than we would have ever expected!

ROIC Starts Livestreaming and implements its own Church App.

On May 25, 2024, The Rock of Israel Congregation, now settled into the new building at 1405 2nd St Dr SW, Hickory, NC 28602 conducts its very first full Shabbat Service livestream directly to its Facebook account, YouTube channel, its new Church Center App, and to its ROIC Website.  

More Milestones

In May of this 2025, a number of milestones have taken place.  Rabbi Jeff received his ordination, and his son, Joshua Grillo, earned his first level of credentialing and is now certified by the AOG.  We are committed to raising up leaders that we may continue to increase our impact on the Kingdom of G-d here in North Carolina and beyond by enrolling new Rabbi candidates into our Yeshiva that utilizes the AOG Pathways program.  Joshua Grillo continues to progress towards licensing with the AOG. Elder Louis Gagne Jr is completing coursework that should have him earning his certification in the spring of 2026.  Also, Jesse Haynes, a member of our worship team, has felt the calling and is pursuing credentialing as well, hoping to earn certification in 2026 as well.  We seek to raise up many more!

G-d Is Still on The Move

On November 22, 2025, we will long last begin to hold services at a second location.  This satelite location is in Mooresville, North Carolina.  To start, Lake City Church, an Assemblies of G-D church, Pastored by Rob Spradley, will be hosting us in their “Living Room” hall at 311 Bluefield Rd, Mooresville, NC.  We are confident in the L-RD’s calling and that we will soon own our own second campus by early 2026!  Stay tuned!  G-D is on the move!  If you wish to donate to The Rock of Israel Mooresville Building Fund you can see more details about this exciting development and give your fully tax-deductible donation at this link: Mooresville Building Fundraiser