“Nobody was ever going to convince me that there was this God, or Spirit. If I couldn’t see it and feel it, it didn’t exist.”

As an atheist and a successful academic, Jennifer had definitively rejected the idea of a living God. But then the impossible happened: a period of hardship hit during law school, and Jennifer found herself in a church, desperately crying out to a God she wasn’t even sure existed. In that moment of humility, she felt the Spirit of God surround her with love.

Driven by this tangible experience, Jennifer began reading her Bible and praying for the people in her life. The more she prayed for others, the more she saw the Spirit transform her, working to deepen her understanding of Him and His power. After seeing the living power of prayer, Jennifer began serving on the Mariners Prayer Team.

Watch and see how God used Jennifer’s commitment to prayer to make His Spirit alive in her life!

“All I could think was, ‘We have to get her to this audition, because she’s amazing…’”

Delaney, a high school senior, had an incredible opportunity—and a big obstacle. When her HSM Life Group leaders found out about it, they jumped into action to support Delaney in a big way!

“I clearly felt Him say to my heart and my soul, ‘Do you trust me?’”

As the sole provider for her elderly mother, Carmina had a lot of financial responsibility on her shoulders. She worried about losing her job, paying taxes, putting food on the table, and handling the bills for her mother’s failing health—it was too much for Carmina to bear alone. The thought of giving to her church seemed out of the question.

As she wrestled with her anxiety, God began to move in Carmina’s heart. She felt God ask her to trust that He would provide, even through difficult financial circumstances. She wasn’t alone; she could lean on God, who was with her through everything. Filled with peace, Carmina made the decision to give consistently to her church.

Check out how God used an unlikely solution to change Carmina’s heart.

“I was walking through every room in the house trying to figure out—maybe I’ll find a reason to live.”

After his father abandoned him at a young age, Steve found himself constantly searching for ways to fill the gap in his adult life. The unhealthy solutions seriously harmed his relationships, his self-image, and even his will to continue living.

One day, Steve walked into his daughter’s bedroom and had a moment of clarity: without a radical change, his self-destructive behavior would continue the cycle of abandonment in his family. With his heart broken, Steve begged God to remove his addictions and grant him a fresh beginning.

“If I can do that for Mickey, I can certainly do that for Jesus.”

Davy Liu was a successful Disney animator working on classic films like Mulan and The Lion King until God led him into a new calling creating beautiful artwork and stories that reflected the amazing story of God and pointed people to Jesus. 

“It might be just a patio and coffee shop during the week, but when we’re there, it’s a place where we want to honor God.”

When Phil started going to Mariners Santa Ana, he saw a need and how he could use his unique gifts to create an intentional space for others. 

“I was a little hesitant…but from that very first moment that I stepped in the room, I was with other women just like me.”

After losing her father, Lisa knew she needed to find new direction in her life. Her father had been a constant source of support, and before he passed, Lisa promised him that she would find a church and get connected. She wanted to nourish the gift of faith which he’d shown her through his love and care.

Gathering her courage, Lisa came to Mariners Church and signed up for the Rooted program. In her group, Lisa found a community of women who surrounded her with support. The hardships she faced, the moments of laughter she enjoyed—through it all, Lisa had women who shared these ups and downs too.

Watch and see how God used Lisa’s courageous next step to revive her spiritual life and bring her into a lifelong community.

“When depression hits, you don’t know what you want—other than that feeling to be gone.”

Jackie had struggled with depression a few times during her life, but never like this. Her marriage was unsteady, her financial situation was uncertain, and through it all, she felt as though she couldn’t feel God at all anymore. Even simple moments of happiness, like walking her dog beside the beach, no longer brought her joy.

When Jackie started reattending her Life Group, the pastor of the group began reaching out to her daily. The pastor sent Bible verses, prayers, and most importantly, reminders that God was right beside her, even though life felt impossible. Slowly but surely, Jackie began to experience the presence of God again.

Check out how Jackie rediscovered God’s presence and experienced true joy, even in a season of depression.

“Serving gave me a purpose. My whole life has been radically changed, and Jesus has proven to me that He will provide.”

When Todd was diagnosed with stage four kidney failure, the life he’d built up around his career came to a complete stop. Long hours which had once been dedicated to his work life were now spent on dialysis appointments and slow evenings of recovery. Todd, feeling stuck and stagnant, began serving at Mariners Church.

Through serving, Todd found a way to leave behind the self-focused lifestyle he had fallen into. By placing others’ needs before his own on a weekly basis, Todd rediscovered the joy in life that God intends for all of us.

Watch and see how God completely changed Todd’s perspective on his illness and recovery through his time serving in the Mariners community. 

“None of that stuff satisfied. It gave me little moments of happiness, but my soul was empty and I was missing joy.”

By the world’s standards, Ben had it all: a successful business, a high-paying career, a beautiful house on the Newport Coast—even his own private sailboat. Although he was surrounded by possessions and achievements, Ben felt like something was missing. Between the fleeting moments of happiness brought on by his success, his heart was devoid of joy.

Ben found himself becoming bitter, hurting the people he loved with his words and actions. He just couldn’t seem to find satisfaction in the world anymore. Ben’s friend invited him to church, but he couldn’t picture himself there, surrounded by believers. He was stuck.

Then, in the middle of a trip to Mexico, Ben’s dissatisfaction with the world reached a tipping point. Following a voice inside him, Ben went to a local church to see what this whole “God thing” was all about. 

Watch and see how God used this opportunity to change Ben’s heart in a major way.