PEOPLE of Mars Hill: David Hood
At the most recent Family Day for the Mobile campus, five kiddos enthusiastically stepped into the lake water at Camp Grace and were baptized.
As their church family, we want to support them in their faith commitment and also engage non-believing, church-going children in learning about the gospel.
Talking with David Hood, one of the kids baptized recently, can shed some insight on how we can partner with families here at Mars Hill as we prioritize Family Discipleship.
In an email interview, David shares about his family, his hobbies, and his faith. It’s our hope that by getting to know David, we will be reminded of the call we have as a church body to work with kids in our flock.
The songs they sing Sunday morning, the monthly Bible verse they are asked to memorize, the Sunday school lesson taught each week…. all of these are so important to each child’s faith, and willing adults are needed. Please read David’s interview, and prayerfully consider how you could better support our Mars Hill Children’s Ministry.
Mars Hill: So David, tell me a little about your family!
David: I have one little brother, Ian, and one bigger brother, Caleb. There’s a turtle in our back yard we’ve named “Shelly” and he lets us pet him sometimes. My dad is in the Coast Guard and helps rescuers know where to go to help people that need saving on the water. My mom teaches us school, likes to sew, and likes to help my dad update the house.
Mars Hill: What do you like most about school and what do you do for fun?
David: My favorite book is the Bible, favorite sports are soccer and swimming, I’m learning to play the piano, I love to play “Plants vs. Zombies” on PlayStation, and in school, I like to do math the most.
Mars Hill: You were recently baptized… what led you to make this decision?
David: I just thought Jesus was asking me to.
Mars Hill: What was it like to be baptized? Were you nervous? Was it exciting? What were your feelings as you went under the water? What did it mean to you for your Mom to be the one to baptize you?
David: I was super nervous cause everyone was watching. I loved having my mom baptize me because I love my Mom and I love Jesus. I was thinking about Jesus as I went under and how he would be proud of me.
Mars Hill: How has church helped you in your faith/ relationship with God?
David: Just getting to know the songs and studying the Bible and praying to God helps me to understand more about God every Sunday.
Mars Hill: What do you like about church?
David: I enjoy the worship songs and games that teach me about God.
Mars Hill: What is your favorite story in the Bible? Why do you like it?
David: The Story of Moses is my favorite because he went against what Egyptians raised him to be and became a follower of God.
Mars Hill: What do you struggle with in your life?
David: My struggle is getting along with my brothers and my attitude in school. I fight the Devil who always wants me to make bad choices.
How can you get involved with the Mars Kids ministry at Mars Hill?
Be a volunteer!Fill out this volunteer form, do the super quick background check, then sign up when you can do work with kids on Sunday mornings! Whether you’re rocking sweet babies, helping toddlers learn to share, teaching new praise songs, supervising a Bible craft, or giving insight into that week’s Bible lesson, there are so many different ways you can serve!
Be a prayer warrior! Realizing that there is a large portion of our church family that do not yet believe the gospel changes the way we pray. We must pray for our kids- all of our church kids- that their hearts will be open to the scripture being poured into them on Sunday mornings and in their homes.
Be an encourager! When you see a frazzled parent at church, offer them encouragement and support. Give them a hug, offer to hold the diaper bag while they wrangle a run-happy child, and tell them they’re doing a good job.
And in closing, remember that one of our Three Pillars at Mars Hill is Family Discipleship. This pillar is not just for individual family units- it is meant for our Church Family. We ALL play a role in the discipleship of each family here. Isn’t that a beautiful thought!? How blessed are we to be family and go through life together.
