By Matt Jensen, Mars Hill College Mission

The 7:15 PM service at Mars Hill Ballard is unique. Pastor Mark is full of energy drinks, the band rocks a little harder, and college students dominate the congregation.

Last Sunday was particularly notable, however, as a night of Holy Spirit-filled worship. People used both their words and their wallets to praise God in an incredible way. Following a great sermon, people were especially excited to sing to Jesus. And as we did, something started happening in the room.

People were clapping (without any prompting!). Dancing was spotted in the aisles. And after the music was done, the people demanded an encore for more singing. Not wanting to deny a mob of twenty-somethings, Pastor Tim and the band stayed on the stage and kept playing.

Even more amazing, the worship that took place on Sunday night was not with words and music alone.

For over a year, the College Mission of Mars Hill Ballard has been praying for a building near the University of Washington. Last week we found a space featuring a built-in sound system and 300 seats. There was just one problem: We needed to come up with $15,000 for rent and supplies.

At the Ballard campus on Sunday, every service was asked to help raise the needed funds. But the students at the 7:15 service, excited to provide a means for their peers to hear the Gospel, outdid the generosity of all the previous services combined.

During the music, the students of Mars Hill were lining up to give their one-dollar, five-dollar, and ten-dollar bills. They filled a big box with cash and checks that added up to almost $15,000! Twenty thousand, when added to the night’s total giving (the usual giving at the 7:15 service is about $4,500).

Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21). It was amazing to see people treasure Jesus by giving from their hearts–both in music and money.