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2024 Year In Review
God has been
on the move!
We are celebrating a year of growth, transformation and next steps. Through large gatherings like Easter, Christmas, Celebration of Hope, HSM/JHM camps, and smaller moments like groups, Rooted, baptism, we’ve all taken next steps. We’ve reached out and served, opening our doors and offering a step up to those who need it. Prayers have been answered and Jesus has been seen. As we end 2024, we thank God for all He has done and look forward to all He has in store.
Kids &
Students
Baptism Story
Graduating Senior
A graduating senior was baptized days before leaving the country to serve in the Singapore National Army (he was born there). His leader who walked with him through many things and baptized him! He was baptized on Memorial Day weekend, when Pastor Thomas preached about allegiance to Christ. This message and moment provided a fantastic springboard as the young man ventured into his next season of life!
HSM Story
How Kate came back
As I grew up, my family drifted from church. However, about a year and a half ago, my dad talked to me about returning to Willow. I realized I should at least try. I felt a change in my heart but didn’t know what it was. Over time, church became a constant. Week by week, I was looking forward to it more and more. One night I decided to pray and ask God to give me a sign if I should get baptized. The very next day was Sunday and Dave was preaching. I vividly remember him saying, “And for those of you who havent accepted Jesus, don’t be afraid to let him in.” In that moment, I started to tear up because I knew God answered my prayer. I’m proud to say I got baptized, started attending HSM, and signed up for camp. I felt the love of Jesus and Willow letting me know I’ve found myself through Him and this amazing church. I finally feel peace in my life knowing I have found my calling.”
—Kate, HSM Student
Life is better together
Groups
& Rooted
6270
Adults in Small Groups in 2024
744
People experienced Rooted
Groups story
Mom Group
One South Lake mom felt led to start a group for other moms. At first, no one signed up, and she was feeling a bit discouraged. Eventually, she personally invited moms from school and people started to engage! One of them, who was not on a spiritual journey, felt so seen by the invitation, she joined and began to have her needs met as she grew in community!
Groups Story
Leila’s Cooking Group
Leila’s passion for cooking started young, but the pandemic didn’t just isolate her from others, it pulled her away from her kitchen. In the years that followed, she fired up a new recipe: cooking + community. Her group has gained new confidence in the kitchen while walking through the highs and lows of life together.
So many of you took important next steps and that is worth celebrating!
Next Steps
Generosity
Stories of Sacrificial Generosity
Ever wondered how a simple act of giving can transform lives? Check out our latest video, where real people share their heartwarming stories of generosity. From starting with what felt comfortable to experiencing those ‘wow’ moments when they saw their gifts make a real difference, their journeys are truly inspiring. They talk about the ups, the downs, and the incredible moments of faith in between. It’s all about making a leap, tithing with trust, and seeing firsthand how even the tiniest acts of kindness can spark big changes. Watch to find out some of the amazing things God does with our offerings.
1242
First-time Givers
140
People helped through Dollar Club
$182K+
Given to Dollar Club
I had never fully accepted God into my life, but during a service, Pastor Shawn said living generously costs you something. I had $280 in my bank account, a $1500 mortagage, and a $600 truck payment due in two days, but I decided to set up an automatic tithe. The day after I did, I received two checks that more than covered what I owed. I cried because I felt Jesus delivered me when I put my faith in trust in Him.
—Recurring giver
$1,681,667.55
given to local & global partners
1.08M+
envelopes of seeds distributed to our partners in Zambia & Malawi.
151M+
Pounds of produce from seed packs.
200K
Estimated number of people that will benefit from seed packs.
Local Compassion
& Justice
1,016
Homeless Individuals Served at our Community Resource Center
A man in our community lost his job in 2023 and eventually, this lead to him being homeless. He got connected to our church through the Crystal Lake Community Resource Day, where he received the services and support he needed. In August, he found a job and his case manager found an apartment that he was able to move into! But the date for the move in was after he would receive his first check from the new job. The Dollar Club was able to pay his first month of rent so that he could move in on time and not lose the apartment!
33,000
Care Center visits
200K
Care Center lbs of food distributed
3,765
First time Care Center guests
323
car repairs for guests
$245,841
Dollar Club Funds Distributed to Community Members in Crisis
A single mom who attends Willow fell behind on their electricity bill when one of their children became sick for two months and needed extra care. The Dollar Club was able to help pay their past due electricity bill so that this mom didn’t have to worry about it. The family is now all caught up, and her child is now healthy and doing well!
Hope Pack Story
Life after Prison
A man emailed the Care Center because he had learned about us because he received a Hope Pack while incarcerated. He was recently released from prison having served a 42-year sentence for a crime he didn’t commit. Once his conviction was overturned, he turned to Willow for help in getting acclimated. When he arrived, he was greeted by staff and volunteers, In addition to a food visit, he met with our Care Team, who were able to qualify him to be seen in the Dental Clinic, provide a scholarship to cover the cost of his appointment, schedule him for an inspection/repair for his vehicle, and provide him with a clothing scholarship, which he used to purchase clothing. He continued using the Care Center’s long-term services for employment support. This individual is one of many stories that demonstrates the impact of Hope Packs and the ways they connect people to Willow, changing the trajectory of someone’s circumstances and ultimately, we pray, their future.
9
Community Events
5
School events
27
Kids enrolled in Pathways Learning Academy
3
Playgrounds for the community
18
Corporate events & lease partners
6
Conferences
7
Concerts at Willow locations
Invest in kingdom impact
2024 Year-End Fund
What if the unhoused had shelter; the unemployed had stability; cabinets were filled with healthy, recognizable foods; refugees were welcomed; and children had all they needed to succeed? We believe it can happen through the power of the local church. By giving the the 2024 Year-End Fund, you fuel our local Compassion & Justice ministry to bring tangible help and life-changing hope.