It all began when she was a teen, and she says, “She was not in a good place.” She had lost hope in finding a place to fit in. She even, at times, felt she needed a reason to live. When she ran out of things to try, she decided to try church.

If an expert medical team in an ICU can’t offer any hope, then what hope is there? A comforting verse from the Bible eluded me, but what did suddenly come to mind was the first question and answer in the Heidelberg Catechism. “What is my only comfort [hope] in life and death?”

After taking the bread and "wine," we stood and the congregation recited the Apostles Creed...I began to say it along with everyone else. And the tears began to flow like a river down my face. This was it! This was everything!

Several years ago, our youngest son, Cai, was diagnosed with autism…I’d like to share some lessons we’ve learned.

No, it can't be! I'm too young! Twenty-nine and I've been diagnosed with breast cancer. We have a two-and-a-half-year-old son. And so begins a journey that we knew nothing about, at a time when nobody talked about it…It also begins a journey of pain and suffering that will go on for years to come.

So feed the poor and hungry - do. But feed one another in difficult times too, and send cards, and most of all pray with and for a person in need - in these ways, and many more, we are Christ to those among us. - Margaret Broersma

It was a nice evening of music and fellowship. Then it happened: during the last group’s performance, the power went out…what happened after that was truly an expression of joy and worship. - Bob DeWeerd

God brought us to Hillside for many reasons and many blessings, the ones we have already experienced and the ones in the future. We are part of a new family. May we go in peace and share the good news of Jesus with others on this journey as we together head home. - Steve Beukema

Your stress level is building and building and you just can’t catch a break. In the moment it can be so hard to find a positive way to battle the “storm” and come out undamaged. But is the aftermath more important than the “storm” itself?

The more I read the Bible, the more certain I became that its message was true. Worse yet, the gentle weight of God was also pressing on me, asking me what I was going to do about it.

God heard your prayers and I received the right treatment, at the right time, by the right people. God’s hand was with me.

I began to drink, not to feel good, but not to feel at all. Through this entire ordeal, there were two constants: My God and my family.

Our great country is made up of many different cultures from nearly every corner of the earth…the human heart doesn’t care about differences; it cares about love, and often draws together two people from very different backgrounds.

I so don’t want to go to church today. I have lots of reasons...How could my presence possibly glorify your name? How could it possibly be for anyone’s good that I be there?

It wasn’t enough, God. I wanted, I needed, more time with him! Why didn’t you give us more time? And it was as if God said, “It was enough. If I had given you another hour, another day, even another decade, you still would have wanted more. Trust me and my timing. It was enough.”