Sometimes God starts something bigger than you ever expected through a simple conversation and a willingness to say yes. When we moved to Forest City in 1993, we were looking for a church where we’d grow in our faith and help others do the same. Over the years, we served in different churches and ministries but found ourselves longing for a place rooted in Scripture, authentic community, and the mission of Jesus. After a season of worshiping online from home, an idea began to take shape. Instead of everyone watching separately from home, what if we gathered locally to worship? With support from Mark Brandt, Hope leadership, and a growing group of people hungry for Christ-centered community, we stepped into the unknown and gave it a try … and Hope’s first Local Site was formed. In 2015, our first Sunday at the YMCA where we decided to meet brought around 25 people. From the beginning, the group was made up of different ages, backgrounds, church experiences, and life stories....