2014 ANNUAL REPORT Fresh Life Church
SEVEN YEARS STRONG Seven years. Seven years of risking the ocean and fighting tooth and nail to see those stranded in sin find life and liberty in Christ. Seven is a number of completion. A number of fullness. This has been a monumental year for us - launching out stronger than we ever have. With God on our side we’ve taken new ground and been astounded by what He’s done, and the best is yet to come.
JAN
RUNNING WITH HORSES
A collection of messages that are core DNA of Fresh Life, and casted vision for the year of 2014.
GUEST SPEAKER
PS. BEN COURSON O2 EXPERIENCE FLORIDA
The O2 team flies across the country to bring the message of Life, Death, Sex & Romance to Fort Lauderdale, Miami, & Melbourne.
MAR
FRESH LIFE BOZEMAN
Launching March 9th, this campus expands our local reach to six cities across the state.
A CONTROLLED BURN
A collection of teachings all about who the Holy Spirit is and what He means for us. We also see Pastor is capable of hiding a queen size comforter in his pulpit.
SERIES
APR
SKULL CHURCH MAJESTIC
The flagship Skull Church event of the year taking place where it all started in the Flathead Valley.
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DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
FRESH LIFE EASTER 2014
5 venues, an army of volunteers, hundreds of people. One God risen from the dead.
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DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
SOMETIMES, ALWAYS, NEVER
A set of messages that focused on the will of God.
MAY
O2 EXPERIENCE SOUTHWEST TOUR
In this tenth year, the O2 Experience heads out to Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado, facing trailer break downs, plenty of authentic Mexican food, tornado scares, and God radically changing the direction of young lives the whole time.
SERIES
JUN
SIX SHIPS
A series of teachings that takes a look at six of the epic boat stories in the Bible.
GUEST SPEAKER
PS. STEVEN FURTICK JUL
SKULL CHURCH EUROPE
After five years, Skull Church crosses the pond for our first ever international events in York, England and Budapest, Hungary.
AUG
HUG IT OUT
This series, a study through the book of Habakkuk, taught us to stop putting up a fight and instead embrace the goodness of God even when life is bad.
GUEST SPEAKER
PS. DANIEL FUSCO ROCK THIS CITY
Rock This City: Blitzkrieg ushered in a new era of Rock This City that now takes place year round.
SERIES
SEP
FRESH LIFE RADIO WHITEFISH 93.9FM HUCKLEBERRY 100
Our fourth annual Huckleberry 100 saw riders gather from 14 states and 2 countries.
OCT
SKULL CHURCH TOUR Our first Skull Church tour! It was exhausting, exhilirating, busy and beautiful.
GUEST SPEAKER
PS. CARL LENTZ GUEST SPEAKER
CARLOS WHITTAKER DEC
FRESH LIFE CHRISTMAS
Only Jesus can save. Only Jesus can make your heart brave. Only Jesus has power over the grave.
GUEST SPEAKER
PS. CHAD VEACH
SERIES
THE YEAR IN REVIEW “I signed up for the what now start bible pack. It took a couple weeks but finally it came. Since it’s been here I’ve read every night, and each of those nights I’ve learned so much about what God wants us to do, and how to live a healthy Christian life. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done, I feel like I’m living a much better life as a man of God. I will continue watching and listening to as much Fresh Life Church sermons as possible. God bless the whole Fresh Life pastors and staff, you guys are all really helping many youths come to Christ. Thank you.”
1,017
VOLUNTEERS
125
BAPTIZED
75
GROUPS
3,494 TOTAL DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
609 608 2,059 218 FRESH LIFE
SKULL CHURCH
O2 EXPERIENCE
ONLINE
IT TAKES AN ARMY
Fresh Life Easter 2014
“In the history of our church we have never pulled off a larger, more intense or more complicated event than this,” Pastor Levi recalls. Six campuses across five cities, some hours away. Thousands of moving pieces, rented venues and a campus only six weeks old. It takes an army. An army of hard working, Red Bullinfused, dedicated soldiers who are willing to do whatever it takes to see the vision come to life. An army that doesn’t know the meaning of impossible.
“Some ideas can take seconds to form, but to see them executed can take 8 guys, and 14 hours. With little complaint this team sees the idea as an opportunity for more lives to be changed, not as unneeded work,” Kevin Guido said about the Easter stage and lighting design. If it was all about us, all about our glory we would never be able to accomplish such things, but with something as daunting as Easter we are left with no other option but to lean upon Christ to be sufficient for us.
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DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
“Fresh Life Easter 2014 impacted me to want to seek Jesus on a whole new level. I gave up on asking for the Holy Spirit because I hadn’t received Him and others around me were receiving it. I got heavily discouraged. Listening to the message today has uplifted me to start praying and asking for the Holy Spirit again and again and again! Thank You!” Tracey, New Mexico
“LIKE A COMPASS POINTS NORTH, OUR HEARTS ARE POINTED TO HEAVEN.”
SKULL CHURCH COEUR D’ALENE 6 Young men huddle together and they dedicate their lives to Christ as the line overflows 10 rows back in the theater.
FROM BUDAPEST TO BUTTE SKULL CHURCH EUROPE / SKULL CHURCH TOUR
Two thousand years ago, Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world at Golgotha, the place of the skull. The power of what He did that day is the only way men can be saved. This is the heart of Skull Church. This year saw two firsts: traveling internationally and a fall tour. From Budapest to Butte we’ve covered more ground than ever before. The Skull Church banner flew in eight cities across the world this year. Beginning with our flagship event at the Majestic Valley Arena, traveling to England and Hungary and ending with tour stops in Washington, Idaho and Montana. Despite the everchanging view one thing remained constant - the power of the gospel in the lives of hurting people.
“My husband and I were blessed to be able to volunteer on the Skull Church fall tour to five cities - we were part of the team inviting people. What a blessing - looking out over the different auditoriums in different cities - seeing and feeling the move of the Holy Spirit. Beyond description! Thank You, Jesus!” - Glenda, volunteer
ONE THING REMAINED CONSTANT. THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL. When we launch out like this, we never really know what to expect. We charge forward doing all that we can and trusting God with what only He can do. What we’ve seen from the inception of Skull Church still rings true - there is an undeniable draw to the hope of Jesus Christ.
“I went to the Fox Theater tonight not knowing what to expect. I absolutely wasn’t prepared for the service to hit home so hard. Three years ago, my kids and I lost their father and one of my most favorite people on the planet to suicide. I found my daughter a few days later with a belt around her neck trying to hang herself. My son was so angry, and I could no longer be that strong mother I was prior to his death. I turned to opiates. My habit was out of control. Tonight I gave my word to change 180° -- I’ve been sober for over a month, but did not realize until tonight just how much I still hurt. I feel free again. I feel hopeful. And I will definitely keep my promise. I am saved” Carmen, Spokane
“THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THAT YOU GUYS DO BECAUSE YOU ARE CHANGING LIVES AND YOU HAVE CHANGED MINE.”
“I thought I was a Christian already because I’ve been serving on my local church for almost four years already, and up until now still struggling with the same sins. After hearing the prayer by Pastor Levi at the end of the sermon I felt that there is something in my heart that I want to get rid of those things pulling me away from Jesus. It is like I want to welcome Christ again in my heart, and I will follow only him forever. God bless Skull Church - thank you so much.” John Vincent, Philippines
608 DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
IN SUMMER AND WINTER
O2 Florida / O2 Southwest
In a world consumed by sexual smog
This year also marked 10 years since God
air. This is an opportunity for people to
call out a generation to sexual purity. We
the O2 Experience is a breath of fresh
hear the life-changing, culturally relevant and clear message of the gospel and
understand God’s plan for their sex lives. In 2014 we did something we never had
before - two O2 Experience tours in one
year. From Florida to Texas, New Mexico
gave Pastor Levi and Jennie the vision to got to celebrate the 10 year anniversary
right where the O2 Experience began - in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
REDEMPTION. HOPE. RECONCILIATION. BEAUTY FROM ASHES.
to Colorado, we covered four different
We have seen God do incredible things
States.
more in the years ahead.
states and seven cities across the United
in the past decade, and are believing for
2,059 1,895 TOTAL DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
COMMITMENTS TO STRENGTH & HONOR
“I decided to finally accept Christ in
my life and make the decision of finally
becoming a true Christ follower Tuesday night while watching the o2 experience. The message about death really hit me
hard. I realized that my life isn’t over. I
would like to thank everyone who inspired me to make that decision, including the awesome speaker from O2 who was the person who finally made my decision
happen. Thank you everyone who basically saved my life. It means so much to me.” Gina, Florida
I CAN’T EXPLAIN HOW THANKFUL I AM THAT I GOT TO COME TO KNOW GOD THAT NIGHT EVEN MORE THAN I HAVE BEFORE. THE MESSAGE REALLY INSPIRED ME TO LET GOD WORK THROUGH ME! I’M SO GRATEFUL GOD PULLED ME TO THE O2 EXPERIENCE THAT NIGHT.
Hally, Florida
NOMADS. NO MORE. Fresh Life Billings
The area of Billings covers a land mass that takes 6 hours to drive across. There are nearly 205,000 people in this area. It is the fastestgrowing city in Montana. The economy has been described as “Disneyland for the entrepreneur.” In contrast, the pain in Yellowstone County dwarfs that of any city in the state. Currently there are more people on the streets in Billings than the population in some cities in Montana. And 3 years ago God called us to this city. The last 3 years have been difficult. It’s taken more work than anticipated. It hasn’t unfolded as expected. But God has been shaping the church and the team as He saw fit.
This year Fresh Life Billings got a new and permanent home. It had been 147 Sundays until they got into their permanent home. 147 set-ups and 147 tear-downs. This new location is more than four walls and a ceiling, it is a promise fulfilled. And it is just the beginning for what we believe God has in store for our church.
“GOD HAS USED YOU SO POWERFULLY IN MY LIFE. I HAVE BEEN ENCOURAGED, STRENGTHENED INSPIRED AND MOTIVATED TO LIVE FOR JESUS BECAUSE OF YOUR FAITH IN HIM. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR FOLLOWING AND LIVING OUT HIS LIFE.”
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DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
BAPTISMS
A BEAUTIFUL START
Fresh Life Bozeman 2014
Bozeman launched in March of 2014. Since the beginning we’ve felt like it was somewhere we were supposed to be. It has been our most successful campus launch yet, but not without its challenges. We quickly outgrew our first location. Which was good, because we got kicked out shortly after we started. This only served to further God’s work at this campus as our new location was in a better spot and sat more people. We have had to move around several times, and often last minute, due to various circumstances. Keeping up with us on social media was a must to find out where we would be the next weekend. Though what would seem to be a hindrance only seemed to add to the excitement of what was happening.
After launching, we quickly geared up for Easter and got to see God work in amazing ways. Before we began that Sunday we had a line down the stairs, out the door, and onto the street. We opened up another room, crammed as many seats as we could into our venue, and it was packed! God was at work. The future is bright for Bozeman and remains one of our best attended campuses on a weekly basis.
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DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
6
BAPTISMS
PA
Mon Ame Gosp A21 Faith Sama
PARTNERS Nicole was forced into a life of human trafficking. She was threatened and coerced into this by watching her future pimp brutally beat her friend right in front of her. She was told to bring girls home for him and make over $1,000 for him every night. If she didn’t do these things he threatened to beat her with an iron. She was trafficked and sold across the United States for seven years and forced to have 2 abortions.
A21 CAME TO THE RESCUE
ARTNERS
ntana Food Bank Network erican Red Cross pel For Asia
h Comes by Hearing aritans Purse
They made her feel like a person instead of a charity case. She was able to escape from that life and is on the road to recovery as she is being helped by A21. Nicole’s story is an example of many stories that Fresh Life Church gets to be a part of with our financial contributions. We pray and believe that we will get to see many more Nicoles who are rescued from a life of human trafficking and find life and liberty in Christ as we continue to partner with A21 and support them financially.
FLATHEAD VALLEY
MISSOULA
BILLINGS
BOZEMAN
Hope Pregnancy Ministries Samaritan House
La Vie Pregnancy Center Montana Rescue Mission
Life Net of Missoula Missoula 3:16 Rescue Mission
ZoeCare HRDC
PICTU
URE
A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE Fresh Life Christmas 2014
“FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE BEFORE I CAN REMEMBER, THE DISCONNECT IS GONE... TONIGHT I FELT SOMETHING.” Tonya, Bozeman
Fresh Life Christmas kicked off with a bang on December 23rd and didn’t stop until we told as many people as possible the life altering, eternity changing power of Jesus Christ. As we met across the state of Montana, one house with many rooms, we lifted up the name of Jesus and saw that Christmas is a terrible thing to waste. Jesus Christ is the cornerstone; he alone can make our hearts brave; he alone can save; he alone has power
over the grave; and it’s his spirit that comes upon us and empowers us to live full of hope. At our Whitefish campus, a couple of young guys, just walking around downtown, decided to step in and by the time they stepped out of the Performing Arts Center, they both had Start Bibles in their hands.
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DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
RELEASING AUGUST 4TH They called her Lenya Lion because of her ferocious personality and full head of hair, which had been wild and mane-like since birth. But they never expected their five-year-old daughter to suddenly go to heaven after an asthma attack five days before Christmas. How do you walk out of an emergency room without your daughter? In Through the Eyes of a Lion, Pastor Levi Lusko shares the eye-opening truth of the power of hope in a world that is often filled with pain, suffering, and loss. He says, “This is not a book about death. It’s about life, and through it I want you to see that God made you for a purpose. There is a wild and wonderful calling on your life, a microphone in your hands. Jesus wants you to look at the adventure of your life through his eyes, the eyes of a Lion.” Part memoir but all overtly instructive and deeply inspirational, Through the Eyes of a Lion gives readers the tools they need to live without fear in a world where nothing is certain.
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10K
TOTAL DECISIONS FOR CHRIST IN EIGHT YEARS
It’s incredible to think that in a short 8 years of ministry we have seen over ten thousand people make decisions for Christ. To picture that clearly, that is roughly 17 Boeing 747’s packed to the brim, whose destinations has been rerouted from Hell to Heaven. We couldn’t be more astounded by what God is doing through this house and it gives us great anticipation for the years to come. We won’t settle for just ten thousand, we want to see #A00000. As long as there is breath in our lungs, we will continue to charge to see God move through Fresh Life Church.
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