# @hopewdm on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DYmaRWNR89E
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/65813711-hopewdm-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/4e6a78cce9.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-05-21T12:26:25.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** HOPE (@HopeWDM) — https://gondola.cc/HopeWDM

## Caption

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. Over the years, we watched God shape Hope Local Forest City into a true family. We celebrated baptisms, supported grieving families, served our schools and neighbors, and watched people linger after worship simply because they wanted to spend time together. In a world that often feels isolated, this community became deeply connected.

We never imagined something so simple would eventually help shape other Local Sites and impact so many lives. None of it happened because of us alone. It’s all a reflection of God’s faithfulness through so many leaders, volunteers, families, and the vision of Hope as a whole. We’re beyond blessed to have been part of Hope’s story as part of our own and, above all, part of God’s story here in Iowa.

As we step into a new season of life and move away from Forest City to be closer to family, we do so with gratitude. It’s difficult leaving our church family in Forest City, but we’re excited to watch others carry the mission forward.

God is always up to something new, and we’re thankful we trusted him enough to step into the unknown.

Mary & Scott M.
#HopeStories

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## Credits

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## Tags

hopestories

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