Stories from around Mars Hill, 9/17/13

We are amazed at the pace and scale to which Jesus works. I’ve heard a number of stories over the past week of his work in people’s hearts. Here are a few to encourage you:

A woman from Mars Hill Shoreline recently shared her experience with me of Mars Hill Women’s Ministry:
“‘It’s all about Jesus’ is the best way to describe Women’s Ministry. I learned in a very practical way I just have to willingly show up and Jesus will take care of the rest. Every week I experienced the amazing love of God through the women who are involved. I have done several different group Bible studies over the years but this feels like family. I look forward to the new year of Women’s Ministry and the new ways I can learn to be an image bearer of my Father.”
A leader at Mars Hill Orange County has a sister who has been in and out of jail and enslaved to drugs for over a decade. After her most recent release from jail, she moved in with him. This past month, he left town, so a couple women from the church spent time with her in his absence, talking about Jesus and loving on her. The Spirit spoke to her through Dr. Paul Tripp’s sermon and while he was away he got a text from his sister declaring Jesus saved her!
Last week at Mars Hill Portland, numerous people came forward for prayer and many confessed sin for the very first time after hearing Dr. Eric Mason’s sermon on breaking strongholds. Many confessed unbelief in the goodness of God and anger they had toward him. A number of people also revealed their same-sex attraction, a subject they had never talked about before. Praise Jesus for bringing brokenness, confession, and change to so many people in Portland.
A couple at Mars Hill Ballard has a one year old who was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and a seizure disorder seven months ago. Pastors Phil Smidt and Mike Wilkerson have prayed on multiple occasions for the little girl’s health and healing. On the Sunday of Pastor Mark’s sermon on healing from Acts, the little girls was prayed over by a couple at church they’d never met before. Through the month of July, her seizures have decreased, and her brain is now clear of chronic seizure activity. This past week, the family went in for an MRI and her scan was completely normal. Her neurosurgeon has given her a clean bill of health!
A man had become a Christian in an underground church in China, but was never able to be baptized publicly. He came to Mars Hill Bellevue last week and was dunked! Pastor Thomas Hurst said he’s not sure he’s ever seen someone so excited. The man was shouting so loud for other people in the church to be baptized that the productions team turned down the music so everyone could listen. By the time Pastor Thomas reached for the microphone the man had the entire room’s attention. Three more people were spontaneously baptized after his riveting call.