I love my Kim & Hopwood families for its one-of-a-kind uniqueness, embracing love, Christian example and the generational growth & legacy. However, last Sunday was Easter in which I had the privilege of spending with my church family at MHC-Ballard.
Easter Sunday is a holiday in which Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Where Jesus conquered death by raising up from his own tomb to be with his friends and Father. Unfortunately, this holiday brings back poor memories as a child of wet grass fields with hidden plastic eggs and I was more concentrated on avoiding dog poop more than I was about getting prizes. Now as an adult, I've realized that its more than grass stains and colored boiled eggs, its about Jesus solidifying his majesty & power over all things (he can't be trumped, He's the real deal). This is expressed with SO much joy & excitement as if I was a MLB rookie pitcher who just won the world championships w/ a no-hitter...it's THAT cool!
Easter marked an incredible milestone not only for the church body but also for the many people who took a bold step for Jesus. Pastor Cliff Ellis said that Mars Hill had "close to 20,000 in attendance for Good Friday & Easter, another 19,000 watched online, and 376 were baptized." Alex & I are volunteer leaders who help in coordinating baptisms at the Ballard campus. We needed 12 volunteers for each of the 5 services, and we began with nearly seven committed volunteers total, then somehow our Lord continues to provide and we ended up having an abundance of helping hands for each service. Through this ministry we got to serve 129 attendees who stepped forward and got dunked for Jesus. I'm continually amazed at the work that Jesus is doing around us - drug attics being transformed and changed, prophetic dreams coming true, rape victims being reborn, and others finally giving up their own (sin, desires, control, etc.) saying "yes" to Jesus' invitation.
Nearly six years ago I knew I found a "home church" where I could participate, learn and get involved with. But I never thought this church of drug attics, alcoholics, rape victims, indie rock-worshiping congregation would actually be my family. Similar to my real families, Jesus' family is just as quirky, as unique, and also growing rapidly. I'm honored to serve, learn and experience from the church and be a part of HIS-story.
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