DEAR CHURCH FAMILY ANDY AND LEAH HEIS LEAD PASTORS

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Jasper Green
5 years ago
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DEAR CHURCH FAMILY ANDY AND LEAH HEIS LEAD PASTORS It is so hard to believe that 7 years have passed since the first service at Desperation Church.

2 DEAR CHURCH FAMILY ANDY AND LEAH HEIS LEAD PASTORS It is so hard to believe that 7 years have passed since the first service at Desperation Church. There are so many significant moments my mind wanders to; so many that a simple letter could not relive them all! I know this, and I know that you will agree, we have seen first hand that we serve a great big God that loves to do great things for people. There have been over 5,500 salvations, 1,400 baptisms, exponential church growth and 3 campuses we call home in 3 counties. I believe I speak for all of us when I say that is some good stuff! Since the beginning of this journey we have been committed to capturing the heartbeat of God which is people. Read the scripture below to hear the call of God on His church. The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord s favor has come, and with it, the day of God s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory. They will rebuild the ancient ruins, restore cities destroyed long ago. They will revive them, though they have been deserted for many generations. Isaiah 61:1-4 The Lord has called us to reach people, and I believe if we work together we can make an impact like no other. May it be said of our short time on this earth that no other generation of people left the mark of Jesus on their cities and world as the ones who are living now have done. To do this, God has given us a vision beyond what seems attainable, but we believe with God all things are possible. It is with great anticipation that our 2018 vision is unveiled for you to see. As you read through this pamphlet, prayerfully consider your role in this journey. If you are not a consistent giver, would you pray about becoming one? If you already give, would you pray about making a sacrificial commitment over and above your tithes and offerings? Let s leave our mark together! Let s take hold of God s plan and lock arms and commit to accomplish it together. I love you all so much. There is no greater honor than to be your pastor, and to be allowed to lead you into a future that will forcefully advance the kingdom of God. Together, we will set the pace.

God has given Pastor Andy a vision. He is using Desperation Church to change the world, and Melonie and I want to be a part of that in any way possible.

Jake and Melonie Hendon Arab Campus Pastor Rachel and I have a passion for investing into the local church.

We know that the speed of that vision moving forward is directly impacted by our giving.

3 God has given Pastor Andy a vision. He is using Desperation Church to change the world, and Melonie and I want to be a part of that in any way possible. That s why we ve chosen to invest our time, gifts, passions, and resources to advance that vision in every way. Jake and Melonie Hendon Arab Campus Pastor Rachel and I have a passion for investing into the local church. We love the gigantic vision that Pastor Andy has for Desperation Church and for reaching people. We know that the speed of that vision moving forward is directly impacted by our giving. DESPERATION CHURCH EXISTS TO SEE PEOPLE JUST LIKE YOU: ENCOUNTER GOD, EXPERIENCE LIFE CHANGE, DISCOVER PURPOSE, AND CHANGE THE WORLD. TOGETHER, WE WILL SET THE PACE; TOGETHER, WE WILL ANSWER THE CALL; AND TOGETHER, WE WILL ADVANCE THE KINGDOM. IT IS A PARTNERSHIP, A STRATEGY, AND AN ACCELERATED VISION. IT IS A HEART FOR THE HOUSE. Adam and Rachel Hicks Jasper Campus Pastor

4 THE DESPERATION CHURCH STORY After seeing hundreds of salvations and exponential growth, Desperation Church was at capacity. Service times were changed, and additional service opportunities were added. A remodel of the leased facility allowed for expanded seating in the worship center, and increased capacity in our children s areas. In order to accommodate the crowds and continue reaching people, Desperation Church launched a second campus inside the Jasper Civic Center with 721 people in attendance. God gives direction to a dream in Pastor Andy s Heart to Plant a Church. Through much prayer and fasting, along with training and direction provided by the Association of Related Churches (ARC), the idea of Desperation Church was born. Around 40 people began gathering regularly to pray, dream, plan, and listen to the vision God had given Pastor Andy. By June 2010, Desperation Church would host the first interest meeting in downtown Cullman. Around 150 people from the community came out to learn more. Over the next year, the original small group began to grow, and we began serving and building relationships in the city of Cullman. Families sacrificed jobs, schools, and insurance, and moved to Cullman, leaving behind the familiar to step out in faith to be a part of what God was doing through Desperation Church. The purchase of 43 acres in downtown Cullman is complete, allowing the church an opportunity for future expansion. By April 2016, it was time to expand once again. The third campus would open in Arab, AL. Over 650 people attended the first Sunday. Desperation Church has grown to over 2,000 people. Desperation College launches with a mission to release the next wave of pastors, teachers, and world class leaders positioning our church for future growth and Kingdom impact. Over 500 people attended the very first services held in a newly leased building in downtown Cullman. Within a year, Desperation Church would grow to an average Sunday attendance of over 1,000 people. Desperation Church Cullman moves to the Cullman Civic Center to accommodate growth. Sunday attendance has grown to over 2,500 church-wide.

Your giving of tithes throughout the year allows us to do ministry at an exceptional level. Our heart calls for us to faithfully steward, budget, and care for every gift received.

5 Your giving of tithes throughout the year allows us to do ministry at an exceptional level. Our heart calls for us to faithfully steward, budget, and care for every gift received. Our 2017 budget is allocated to serve the church through: MISSIONS SAVINGS SALARIES AND BENEFITS Heart for the House unites us as a church and calls into focus the God-sized dream of reaching people. Heart for the House generosity means miracle giving over and above the tithe, well beyond the reach of our annual budget. Your offering releases the vision through 3 areas of impact: MINISTRIES AND OPERATIONS

Investing into construction, land acquisition,

further impact our cities and brings to life the

Desperation College releases the next wave of

The leadership skills and practical ministry

confidently and boldly into their calling.

6 Investing into construction, land acquisition, and new campuses reveals our Heart for the House, which is reaching people. Your generosity in this lane opens up space to further impact our cities and brings to life the mission of one church with multiple locations. Desperation College releases the next wave of leaders who will advance the Kingdom of God. The leadership skills and practical ministry training allows men and women to step confidently and boldly into their calling. Your investment into this lane equips and empowers future pastors, teachers, and world class leaders.

TM MISSIONS See the Need, Be the Answer is more than our mission s motto; it is our Heart for the House.

Together we are reaching people with the hope of Jesus in our communities, our nation, and across the globe.

Between 58-74% receive assistance for school lunch. Your giving can help to ensure students eat when school is not in session.

7 TM MISSIONS See the Need, Be the Answer is more than our mission s motto; it is our Heart for the House. The impact of your giving through this lane can be seen across the street and around the world. Together we are reaching people with the hope of Jesus in our communities, our nation, and across the globe. YOU ARE MAKING AN IMPACT: LOCALLY Students in Cullman, Marshall, and Walker County Schools have a high need for food. Between 58-74% receive assistance for school lunch. Your giving can help to ensure students eat when school is not in session. Addiction is rampant throughout Alabama. It is reported that 5% of adults abuse painkillers, while up to 14% report alcohol addictions to their doctor. Your giving helps to establish a scholarship fund to assist with rehabilitation and recovery options.

8 NATIONALLY The Association of Related Churches (ARC) exists to see a life giving church planted in every city. Together we are giving people the opportunity to encounter Jesus in a place like Desperation Church. Partnering with A21 we are taking a stand, and putting a stop to human trafficking and modern day slavery. We are literally freeing captives from the sex industry and forced labor. HOW TO GIVE GLOBALLY Over 7,000 languages are spoken all around the world, but over 1,600 languages, representing 300 million people, have no scripture, no Bible, and no access to Jesus. We can change this. With The Seed Company, we ll provide funds to translate scripture, and get the message of Jesus into the hands of those who have yet to hear.

9 REBUILD REVIVE RESTORE

REACHING TOWARD A GOD SIZED FUTURE

REACHING TOWARD A GOD SIZED FUTURE THE REACH PROJECT Faith s mission remains the same as it did more than 50 years ago. A move from South Holland to Dyer, Indiana has been blessed by God with tremendous