2007 Honorable Mention
Mars Hill Bible Church
Name and location: Mars Hill Bible Church, Grandville, Michigan
Denomination: Non-denominational
Pastor: Rob Bell
Date Founded: 1999
Total Church Membership: 3,100
Website: www.marshill.org/serving/geo/ssafrica/
Outstanding Involvement and Effectiveness in the Fight Against AIDS:
In 2002, Mars Hill embarked on a four-pronged AIDS initiative-education, care, prevention and advocacy-that is reaching immediately into Grand Rapids, Michigan, as well as into Eastern and Southern Africa and Southeast Asia. Among their activities, Mars Hill is devoting $1.6 million to AIDS-related services, including: HIV testing; sponsorship of nearly 1,500 children who have lost one or both parents to AIDS; prenatal care for women; and a needle-exchange program and HIV counseling. In the Great Lakes Region of Africa alone, nearly 50,000 people have been served by Mars Hill and its partner organizations in Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Impact on the Congregation:
More than 1,000 members of the Mars Hill community-nearly one-third of the congregation-have been involved in raising funds and volunteering for the church's local AIDS ministry in Grand Rapids. Moreover, since 2002, 37 teams have traveled to Africa and Asia to assist in the work of the partner organizations serving those impacted by the AIDS pandemic. In addition, the church regularly hosts AIDS education programs encouraging members to deepen their understanding of and appreciation for those either infected with HIV, or who are living with-or dying from-AIDS.
Pastor's Quote: "Those living with HIV and AIDS have, sadly, become the lepers of today and are often subjected to harsh criticism, judgment and scorn for certain behaviors and practices. Mars Hill has embraced the teachings of Jesus that communicate all are created in God's image, that life is sacred, and that all deserve to live out (their) full potential."
Comment from the Judges: "Your careful creation in the building of an appropriate strategy to respond to the battle cry of those seeking to fight against this destructive disease has given a footprint for others to follow, an entree into what may be the most important moment for the Church."
