As we launch eleven new independent churches and prepare for our final days as Mars Hill Church, we want to look back and thank Jesus for all the work he has done in the lives of the people that have called this church their home.
Below are a few stories that our Lead Pastors have shared recently at our local churches. These are stories of redemption, grace, and love. This is what we've always always been about, and what we will remember as we look back on the ministry of Mars Hill Church. Most importantly, we are thankful that Jesus will continue to change lives through the ministry of these new churches and through the lives of these people no matter what church family they are a part of.
Join us in celebrating the work of Jesus through Mars Hill. Share your story online using the hashtag #ChangedLives.
Mars Hill Huntington Beach: Jack & Lindsey were the typical OC couple. Grossly selfish, using each other to pursue their own desires. He wanted a lot of wealth with a pretty wife and some kids. She wanted health, comfort and an enviable image. Jesus was merely another aspect of life to use for their own ends. All their efforts created a strained marriage, financial ruin, discontentment with job/house/family. They were on the edge of losing everything. Over the last two years, Jesus has dramatically changed this family. Called to repentance, empowered by the Holy Spirit, Jack began the hard work of loving and leading his home out of the mess he created. Initially resistant and resentful, Lindsey began to follow her husband as she followed Jesus. These two are battle tested. They've endured a brutal adoption process. They've participated in and led Redemption Groups. They've led and are coaching Community Groups. God is abundantly faithful. There is fruit in their marriage and kids. They faithfully steward and sacrificially give. There is contentment with house, job, and family. Jack marvels at the opportunities he gets at work to share Jesus. Opportunities he once squandered, along with the other gifts God gave him. Praise Jesus for his work in this couple!
Mars Hill Olympia: On a recent Saturday we had our first work party to start painting the inside of the new building. Scot, who is a professional painter, showed up with his paint gun and helped lead the way as we began the big project. It was great to see so many people who turned out to help, even a brand new couple, Adrian & Ally, who just started attending.
Mars Hill Tacoma: We saw a young girl (15 year old) become a Christian after a recent 10:30am service. She had been attending student ministry for a few months and has been on the fence in regards to faith. Now she belongs to Jesus!
Mars Hill Everett: When we were preparing to move into the Armory, where we currently call home, we held a regular prayer meeting every week. These meetings were held with the express purpose of asking the Lord to work miracles and provide us with the Armory building for our permanent home. We have had mornings where many people have come out, and mornings where only a few people have come out to pray. Over these mornings we worked through the books of Nehemiah and Hebrews and asked big things of the Lord. The constant in all of this was God's faithfulness and his continual answers to our prayers. There is no prayer that he has not answered in the affirmative. As we now worship in this building every Sunday, we can look at the faithfulness of those who have prayed and can thank the Lord for his continued answer to our prayers.
*Some of the names in this post have been changed for privacy.
