The “Changed by Jesus” series features stories about how Jesus is working through the ministry of Mars Hill Church to change lives. If God has used Mars Hill to transform your life, email your story to testimony[at]marshillchurch.org.
By Kristy & David, Ontario, Canada
“My husband and I are from North Bay, Ontario, Canada and have appreciated the teaching of Mars Hill for some time now.
In the spring of 2009 our first child was born. Within hours of his birth he was transferred by emergency air ambulance to Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa (four hours from our home). After two months of brutal testing, we were flown to SickKids – the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto (also four hours from our home) where we spent the following seven months.
Our son was diagnosed with an extremely rare, incurable metabolic disease called CDG-1A (Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation). We, along with hundreds of believers from churches across the country and world joined together in fervent prayer for his healing. However, after nine months of ups and downs, he finally went “home” to Jesus in early October.
God, in His sovereignty, has used this trial for His glory. In spite of how difficult it has been, it brought together friends, acquaintances and strangers through prayer. Additionally, our time in hospitals became an amazing witnessing opportunity to doctors, nurses, therapists and other families we met throughout the journey.
During those nine months, while we were confined to the hospital every hour of every day, the Mars Hill podcasts helped our spiritual nourishment in our absence from our home church. Throughout this time, I managed to get through about four years worth of sermons, including the series on 1 Corinthians, Vintage Jesus, Ruth, Nehemiah, Titus, Philippians, Religion Saves, Doctrine, Pray Like Jesus, Spiritual Warfare, SOS, Generous, Trial and most of Proverbs.
We have very much appreciated the teaching ministry of Mars Hill. Many of the messages proved very timely and directly applicable to the daily struggles we were facing. Thank you for making these sermons available! We felt like Mars Hill was part of our extended family. Keep up the good work and God bless!"
