Stories

Give God Your Trust And He Does Something Beautiful With It

As a child, Kayton Garcia, our summer intern with youth, was never sure where his next meal was going to come from. For a season of his life Kayton lived on the road with his family with little money or food.  His Dad did his best to find work but found himself...

God’s Plan Brings Abbey to Mariners

Abbey McNeilly, the Children’s Ministry summer intern at Mariners, had plans to get out of California for the summer. She planned to trade the routine of her tiny hometown in Paradise, CA, for the bright lights of Chicago in hopes of studying teaching at Moody Bible...

Connecting with God Through Worship and Fellowship

Nikki West was feeling blessed three years ago. She was happily married. Her children were doing well. She had been clean and sober for years. And while she could recognize a spiritual presence in the natural beauty of the Coastside, something seemed to be missing....

Service to Persecuted Christians Puts Faith in Perspective

Some 215 million (source: Open Doors, 2017 World Watch List) Christians worldwide experience high to extreme persecution for practicing their faith. And their stories serve as powerful faith drivers for John and Monica Davis and others who pray for these embattled...

Salvation by Grace Through Faith

About two years ago, Rebecka Joshua found herself desperately searching the pages of the bible for answers.  She had reached a low point in her life, battling depression and addiction, and she was malnourished from an eating disorder. “It was a really bad time.  But...

Submission, Obedience and Trust in God

Brenna Davis came to Christ as a strong, independent 18-year-old. She had a plan for her life. But she didn’t find true freedom in the Word until she let God take charge and trusted his plan. “I grew up in a secular home, an unbelieving home. Being independent and...

Service to Church and Community

Jake Nebeling has discovered that service in the name of Christ can feed the mind as well as the soul. At 15, he already has a full schedule. His class load as a high school sophomore includes chemistry, English, world history, Spanish and algebra II. Between homework...

Finding God In Dark Moments

In our darkest moments, God is always near, patiently waiting. God was nearby back in January when Bobby Johnston met up to hang out with old friends from a lifestyle he left behind two years ago and found himself robbed and shot in the shoulder. “Right after I got...

Perseverance and Humility When Your World is Shaken Up

"In this world you will experience difficulties. But take heart! I have conquered the world.  I have told you this so that in trusting me, you will be unshakable and deeply at peace.”  Jesus, John 16:33 Two years ago, my employer faced a financial downturn that would...

Helping Comes Easily To Hailey

Growing up with four sisters, Hailey Barmore has always been surrounded by activity. As a high school freshman, she has played volleyball, basketball, and track. In addition to these athletic endeavors, Hailey can often be found in the middle of activity at Mariners...

Learning to Trust God’s Vision

"But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) The art gallery displayed beneath the trees at Mariners Church on Easter Sunday was...

A Family Brought Together in Music

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise." Psalms 98:4 (NIV) Music helps binds the Hurrell family to each other and to God. Graham recalls the joy of playing bass at 14 in his father’s four-piece dance band. He...