Dear Mount Hope Family,

I’ve been reading “Canoeing The Mountains” again; it’s a great book about leading in uncharted territory. What’s needed most when you enter the unknown is the need to adapt, and that’s something we’ve all had to do lately.

In light of the governor’s newest order to “Stay Home, Stay Safe” for the next three weeks, Mount Hope will continue to adapt. While most of the staff will work from their homes, we will continue to keep the church office open, with a limited staff, and minister to our church family and community more than ever. We are not slowing down; we are ramping up.

Disruption is always a time of great opportunity. In times of crisis, people begin to think about God and reach out to Him for help. May the eyes of our community turn to the Hope of the world—Jesus. While schools and businesses are forced to shut down temporarily, the Church is unstoppable. Together, we continue our biblical strategy to PRAY, LOVE, and SERVE. Moving forward:

  • We will continue to contact every member and attendee of Mount Hope Church. We want you to know that we love you. We want the opportunity to pray with you and to see how we can serve you and our community together.
  • We are going the extra mile in meeting the needs of those around us. Next week we will be delivering 20 tons of food to the City Rescue Mission, and delivering groceries to the international students at MSU under quarantine.
  • Widows and those who may need assistance are being contacted to see how we can help.
  • Our Life Groups continue to meet; they will just adapt to this season and be using tools such as Zoom and Facetime to connect.
  • We are here for you! Pastors are available 24/7 by calling 517 327-HOPE (4673).

Believe God

“Believe God.” For centuries, these two simple words have changed the course of nations, brought peace to troubled hearts, and released miracles into people’s lives. The Lord spoke to my heart that this year would be marked by the unusual. This is a time to express an unusual belief in God. When King Jehoshaphat faced an opposing enemy that threatened to wipe out a nation, he gathered everyone to pray. In that prayer meeting, God spoke through a prophet that they were to fear not; the battle was not theirs, but God’s. As they were marching out, King Jehoshaphat stopped them and said, “Believe God and you will be established, believe in his prophets and you will succeed” (2 Chron. 20:20). At those words, “Believe God,” they set out to face the enemy in the most unusual way, with worshipers on the front lines! If we do the unusual, God will do the extraordinary. God not only saved them from disaster, He supernaturally supplied abundance for them, and He can do the same for you!

Beloved, let’s be wise and follow our governor’s directives, and also fear not! In the midst of what you face right now, believe God! He is trustworthy. He knows how to both protect and to provide for His children. Nobody needs to trust until you run into a part of life that you can’t figure out; this is a moment to have a bold belief in God and allow an unusual sound of praise to come out of you.

Hope For unCERTAIN Times

On Sunday, April 5th, we will begin a new series: “Hope For unCERTAIN Times.” We’ll discover from God’s word how to navigate seasons of uncertainty with hope! This series will encourage and equip you to walk with confidence in this season. Sunday services and the Wednesday prayer gatherings will continue to be made available online. Please join us on our website, app, Facebook live, and YouTube and invite your friends online as well! Sharing these links, along with an encouraging word, is a simple way to offer hope to others. And, as always, we would love to hear from you, so please be sure to post your thoughts and prayers in the comment section on Facebook live.

Thank you for your continued partnership in reaching our neighbors and the nations during this time! Our missionaries are still moving forward and your consistent support makes that possible. You can give simply and securely online through our website at mounthopechurch.org/give, our app, and via texting an amount and the word “tithe” to 84321. Or, of course, you can mail or stop by the office… we just have to keep our distance. 🙂

We Are Praying For You

Renee and I are praying for you! I know some of you have had to make substantial adjustments because your kids are out of school or your business has been impacted. We pray that God protects you and that He brings supernatural increase to your resources. May the Lord work everything out for your good. May the Lord cause His face of favor to shine on you. May the Lord give you peace!

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all those whose thoughts are fixed on you (Isaiah 26:3).

Once again, Renee and I are so glad that we get to navigate these times with you!

Your Friend & Pastor,


Kevin Berry

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The Valley of Blessing

Spring has sprung! When you are able to get out and about, the Valley of Blessing is open for you to breathe some fresh air after spending so much time indoors. You’re invited to enjoy this beautiful outdoor sanctuary, specifically created for spending time with the Lord and thanking Him for all He has done.