Mars Hill Tacoma has just finished raising $700,000 in funds for their new building! Community Groups completed over $300,000 in work and many volunteers and companies generously offered their services for free. Below Pastor Mark encourages and congratulates the church in a video and Pastor Bubba writes about his thankfulness and vision for the future.
There are times in life when we need to stop, take a step back and reflect on the evidences of God’s grace in our lives—this is one of those times.
For four years, Mars Hill Federal Way has been a mobile, ‘set-up-tear-down’ church. Two years ago we were running 500 in total weekly attendance. Now, we’re averaging 1,100 people each week. Because of this growth, we had hope for a permanent home for our people, but it wasn’t until late November 2012 when God providentially gave us the opportunity to purchase a beautiful, vintage church building in the heart of Tacoma.
As a church, we have spent the last eight months sacrificially giving our time, talent, and money to get this new home ready for use. We needed to raise $700,000 for the first phase of the construction project. With much joy and gladness, I am happy to announce that Jesus has provided through his people, and this fundraising goal has been met!
A thanks to everyone involved, especially Jesus
I want to sincerely thank everyone who has generously given to the Mars Hill Tacoma building fund. I want to thank everyone who has sacrificed their time and energy to be present at the building, helping with various work projects. I want to thank the Executive Elder team, Pastor Mark, Pastor Dave, and Pastor Sutton, for their tremendous support and leadership throughout this project. I want to thank the Mars Hill Central staff for all of their support—their leadership and help has been vital. I want to thank the leaders and members of Mars Hill Federal Way for their faithfulness and perseverance, leading the way in love and sacrifice. I want to thank the entire body of Mars Hill Church for praying for us. Lastly, and most importantly, I want to thank Jesus—without him, none of this would be possible.
Admittedly, when we first began this journey, I felt the weight of raising all of the money and completing the construction project on my shoulders—a weight too heavy for me to carry. There were many sleepless nights. But when we’re challenged and situations seem difficult or impossible, it is in that place where God changes us, teaches us, and grows our faith. This impossible weight was not mine to carry. I have seen first hand that Jesus builds his church and is faithful no matter what.
So what is next?
Currently we are in the midst of renovations on the building with work happening every minute possible. When all is said and done, we will have put in 7,500+ volunteer man-hours. Here are some snap shots of the work that’s been getting done.
During our fundraising efforts, our people did not just divert giving from the general fund to the building fund, but generously exceeded our general fund. Soon, we will be moving into the building with our public launch of Sunday services happening on January 12, 2014.
We love our new home. It will be a helpful tool for the gospel. Our mission is not to have a building and be an isolated community of Christians. Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus.
As we replant Mars Hill Federal Way as Mars Hill Tacoma, we want to establish a discipleship hub in the South Puget Sound area to reach 15 cities and help bring the gospel to the 1,000,000+ people who don’t know Jesus. I’m praying that in 2014 we will see and celebrate 200 baptisms.
Practically, this means we must strive to love and serve our neighbors and seek the welfare of our communities as we share the good news of Jesus with our words and works.
How you can pray
Please pray for Mars Hill Tacoma. Pray for the endurance needed to finish the building construction. Pray that more leaders would be raised up to care for all the new people. Pray that we will see many people meet Jesus.
January 12, 2014 will be a big day for Mars Hill Church. Along with Mars Hill Tacoma, Mars Hill Huntington Beach, Olympia, and Everett will move into their new buildings on that Sunday. In addition, we are launching a new church in Phoenix, our 15th church in our 5th state.
