We hope you enjoyed the weekend and had a chance to celebrate Independence Day with friends and family. May the Fourth of July remind us of our freedom that was bought and paid for on the cross. Jesus Christ said of himself, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed,” (John 8:36). Walk in that freedom today, Christian—it is for freedom that Christ has set you free (Gal. 5:1)!
Staff Chapel | Dr. Eyasu Malsamo
Last week, the staff welcomed a good friend of Mars Hill Church to our Staff Chapel. Dr. Eyasu Malsamo is the head of church planting for the largest evangelical denomination in Ethiopia, Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church (EKHC). There are over 8,000 churches in the EKHC, representing 8 million people across Ethiopia. Dr. Eyasu received his Doctorate of Missiology from Western Seminary under Dr. Gerry Breshears.
Dr. Eyasu shared how the gospel has changed Ethiopia as well as the work that Jesus continues to do there through faithful servants. It was encouraging to hear how you, our church family, are bearing much fruit in souls across the world through your financial and prayer support. Thank you for your generosity!
We also had a very special time of prayer for Dr. Eyasu at the end of his teaching time. We were honored to pray over this godly man and partner in the gospel. Please continue to pray for Dr. Eyasu and the EKHC.
The staff also had the opportunity to pray over staff member Eric Deeter. He went through ReTrain in 2012–13 and then came on staff with Support Services. He’s been here for about a year and is now moving to St. Louis to attend Covenant Theological Seminary in the fall. The Lord has provided Eric with the entire cost of tuition through a scholarship called the Kern Scholarship, the only one of its kind. He plans to complete seminary and become a pastor.
Additionally, Dr. Eyasu was here this week to meet with Pastor Sutton Turner and discuss church planting in Ethiopia over the next ten years and how Jesus might use you, Mars Hill, to reach more people who have never heard the gospel of Christ.
Pastor Mark Interviews Pastor Dave | Dear Son
Pastor Mark recently interviewed Pastor Dave Bruskas regarding his first book, Dear Son. Pick up the book at your local church bookstore this Sunday for yourself or someone you know, or buy it here.
Staff Change | Mars Hill Schools and Mars Hill Phoenix
Pastor Ryan Welsh has done a fantastic job leading the charge in Phoenix. They are seeing significant health develop in our family down in Arizona.
A few months ago, Pastor Ryan was asked to pray and consider taking on the role of Pastor of Theology and Discipleship here in Seattle. His gifting and desires will be a great fit and support as Mars Hill Schools launches in the fall with Corban University and Western Seminary. He will also be involved in helping to provide more theological education for our staff.
Pastor Ryan loves Phoenix very much and this decision was very hard for him and his family, but we are thrilled that he has accepted the new role. He will be moving his family back to Seattle at the end of July.
Pastor Tim Birdwell, one of the lead pastor residents who has been training and serving at Mars Hill Portland was presented last Sunday as the new lead pastor at Phoenix. Tim has a wonderful wife, Jaya, and two beautiful children. They are excited to take on this position and moved to Phoenix last week. Jesus has given Mars Hill faithful and godly men to serve our family members.
Please pray for Pastor Ryan and his family as they make the move back to Seattle, and pray for the Birdwells as they transition into a new role leading the local mission and training more leaders in Phoenix.
Tyndale/Resurgence Statement
This week an erroneous media report came out regarding Pastor Mark and the future relationship of Resurgence Publishing and Tyndale Book Publishers. Tyndale corrected the errors and rumors with a statement on their site, stating that “Tyndale is not severing our relationship with Resurgence Publishing, as some Mark Driscoll critics have claimed. We look forward to continuing to publish books that the Resurgence team brings to Tyndale House.” Please pray for our pastors and our staff, as they often have to navigate situations like this with love and godliness.
Sponsor a Student for Camp
RED Summer Camp is less than two months away for junior high and high school students. Each year, hundreds of students have the opportunity to hear about Jesus, make new friends, and make some of the best memories of their life. Some of the kids come from families that can’t afford the cost of summer camp. We invite you to change a student’s life by sponsoring them to go to junior high or senior high camp this summer. Follow this link to find out more.
This video will give you an idea of what that our students will experience this summer.
Global FAQ
Some of you have had questions about Mars Hill Global, so we put together a page of frequently asked questions. We hope these answers will help clarify any confusion you have about Mars Hill Global and the work that Jesus is doing through our church.
Important dates
- July 20–July 27: Best Sermon Ever Series Launch
- Aug 4–6: RED Junior High Summer Camp at Great Wolf Lodge (Register here.)
- Aug 26–29: RED Senior High Summer Camp at Washington Family Ranch (Register here.)
- Aug 30–Sep 14: Fall Series Launch
- Oct 28–29: Resurgence Conference 2014
- Dec 24: Christmas Eve!
Meet | Eleazar Ruiz
Eleazar is backfilling a critical role as graphic designer in the Media and Communications Department. Originally from the Dominican Republic, he met his wife, Bekah, at Bible College and they were married in 2011. They have been living in Southern California and he was the Creative Director at a church there for about a year and a half. They have been listening to Pastor Mark together for several years now and are excited to be a part of Mars Hill.
By Pastor Mark Driscoll
By Pastor Ryan Williams
By Mars Hill Church
Huntington Beach
One of the Los Angeles community groups welcomed a newcomer who grew up Catholic but doesn’t currently participate in the church or know Jesus. He listened as another man with a Catholic upbringing shared his testimony. At the conclusion, one of the hosts turned to the newcomer and asked, “So what do you think?” He responded, “I think I need Jesus!”
Sammamish
A new couple visited for the first time and shared their incredible story. They were homeless and both had rough histories. He had been in prison seven different times. About four months ago, they were both saved. In the time since then, they have experienced supernatural kindness and blessings from God. Through another local church, the Lord provided them a place to stay, a significant cash donation to help them get on their feet, and jobs. They are planning to return to Mars Hill next week.
