Hillside Church Family,
Before William Carey set sail for India to bring the gospel to people who had never heard the name of Jesus, he knew and understood the immense challenge that laid before him. His faithful friend and pastor, Andrew Fuller, realized the gravity of this venture as well. In his personal journal he wrote that it was as if Carey was saying to him:
“I will go down into the pit if you will hold the ropes.”
Together Carey and Fuller understood the importance of managing both ends of “the ropes.” To bring the light of Jesus Christ and the gospel message to millions in a strange and unfamiliar place, someone would have to physically go, while others would have to physically, financially, and spiritually stay to support the one who went, because that person couldn’t do it alone. To reach the people in the pit, someone would have to be lowered by a rope, while others anchored the one going.
You see, behind every frontline worker* who goes down into the pit—behind every frontline worker serving in hard, dangerous, or unreached places—there must be faithful, committed, and passionate “Rope Holders” back home.
This year, our Kingdom Builders theme is “Hold the Ropes.”
Kingdom Builders is the essential vehicle that funds all our missions’ projects and supports all our frontline workers across the world and right here at home. When our frontline workers travel to the distant dark corners of the world to plant churches, feed the hungry, or share the hope of Christ with those in darkness, they are going down into the pit. But as the church family standing behind them, we can partner with them by “holding the ropes” that support them. And by holding those ropes, we’re fulfilling our own calling and purpose just as they are fulfilling theirs.
Our mission is grounded directly in the words of Jesus Himself in the Great Commission:
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” — Matthew 28:19 (NLT)
Jesus did not make this command optional for His followers, nor did He intend for only a few to carry out the task. Every single one of us is called to play a part in reaching our world. Yes, some are called to go physically to the ends of the earth, but all of us are called to send, support, pray, and give. When we commit ourselves to being a Rope Holder through Kingdom Builders, we ensure that our frontline workers will never face the darkness alone, and that the rescue line of the gospel never slips from our hands.
Friends, I believe God has blessed us so we can be a blessing to others, and we give so that ALL may hear this life-changing good news.
If you are not currently involved in supporting Kingdom Builders, we invite you to pray and consider taking that step today. Ask God how He would have you participate this year. Will you stand with us? Will you answer the call to hold the ropes for those on the front lines?
Together, let us hold the ropes tight, support our workers, and faithfully fulfill the Great Commission. Together, let’s build His kingdom!
Pastors Mark & Amy Miltimore
* we use the phrase “frontline worker” to protect those we support in sensitive areas from internet searches.
Before William Carey set sail for India to bring the gospel to people who had never heard the name of Jesus, he knew and understood the immense challenge that laid before him. His faithful friend and pastor, Andrew Fuller, realized the gravity of this venture as well. In his personal journal he wrote that it was as if Carey was saying to him:
“I will go down into the pit if you will hold the ropes.”
Together Carey and Fuller understood the importance of managing both ends of “the ropes.” To bring the light of Jesus Christ and the gospel message to millions in a strange and unfamiliar place, someone would have to physically go, while others would have to physically, financially, and spiritually stay to support the one who went, because that person couldn’t do it alone. To reach the people in the pit, someone would have to be lowered by a rope, while others anchored the one going.
You see, behind every frontline worker* who goes down into the pit—behind every frontline worker serving in hard, dangerous, or unreached places—there must be faithful, committed, and passionate “Rope Holders” back home.
This year, our Kingdom Builders theme is “Hold the Ropes.”
Kingdom Builders is the essential vehicle that funds all our missions’ projects and supports all our frontline workers across the world and right here at home. When our frontline workers travel to the distant dark corners of the world to plant churches, feed the hungry, or share the hope of Christ with those in darkness, they are going down into the pit. But as the church family standing behind them, we can partner with them by “holding the ropes” that support them. And by holding those ropes, we’re fulfilling our own calling and purpose just as they are fulfilling theirs.
Our mission is grounded directly in the words of Jesus Himself in the Great Commission:
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” — Matthew 28:19 (NLT)
Jesus did not make this command optional for His followers, nor did He intend for only a few to carry out the task. Every single one of us is called to play a part in reaching our world. Yes, some are called to go physically to the ends of the earth, but all of us are called to send, support, pray, and give. When we commit ourselves to being a Rope Holder through Kingdom Builders, we ensure that our frontline workers will never face the darkness alone, and that the rescue line of the gospel never slips from our hands.
Friends, I believe God has blessed us so we can be a blessing to others, and we give so that ALL may hear this life-changing good news.
If you are not currently involved in supporting Kingdom Builders, we invite you to pray and consider taking that step today. Ask God how He would have you participate this year. Will you stand with us? Will you answer the call to hold the ropes for those on the front lines?
Together, let us hold the ropes tight, support our workers, and faithfully fulfill the Great Commission. Together, let’s build His kingdom!
Pastors Mark & Amy Miltimore
* we use the phrase “frontline worker” to protect those we support in sensitive areas from internet searches.
Taking the Leap of Faith
FCA Minnesota's New Area Director
Above: FCA Minnesota's Leadership Team at Lake Geneva Christian Center
MANKATO, MN: Over the last year, God has been orchestrating something incredibly special right before our very eyes. You might not know it, but while we've been praising God, praying, reading his Word, listening to Pastor Mark, and going about our normal church life, God has been moving — He is always working!
Since 1954, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) has been challenging coaches and athletes on the professional, college, high school, junior high, and youth levels to use the powerful platform of sport to reach every coach and every athlete with the transforming power of Jesus Christ. FCA's strategy involves engaging coaches and athletes through genuine relationships and sharing the gospel, equipping coaches and athletes to grow in Christ through God’s Word, and empowering coaches and athletes to engage and equip others to know and grow in Christ. It's a wonderful organization that many of us have probably interacted with at some point in our lives.
Just this last year, FCA Minnesota found itself in need of a new Area Director for the South Central MN Area. Enter Tyler Luethje, one of our very own members of the Hillside Church family.
Before FCA was even on his radar, Tyler began to feel a sort of discomfort — like God was preparing him for a change. He didn't even know what that meant for his life, but he knew that God was calling him to some sort of a path in ministry. When the possibility of getting involved with FCA came up, all the pieces started to fall into place.
Since 1954, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) has been challenging coaches and athletes on the professional, college, high school, junior high, and youth levels to use the powerful platform of sport to reach every coach and every athlete with the transforming power of Jesus Christ. FCA's strategy involves engaging coaches and athletes through genuine relationships and sharing the gospel, equipping coaches and athletes to grow in Christ through God’s Word, and empowering coaches and athletes to engage and equip others to know and grow in Christ. It's a wonderful organization that many of us have probably interacted with at some point in our lives.
Just this last year, FCA Minnesota found itself in need of a new Area Director for the South Central MN Area. Enter Tyler Luethje, one of our very own members of the Hillside Church family.
Before FCA was even on his radar, Tyler began to feel a sort of discomfort — like God was preparing him for a change. He didn't even know what that meant for his life, but he knew that God was calling him to some sort of a path in ministry. When the possibility of getting involved with FCA came up, all the pieces started to fall into place.
Above: The Luethje family
Tyler was faced with the opportunity to step into the role of Area Director for FCA. While exciting, the reality is that the position is one wherein he must raise his own financial support. More than just a new job, this would be a step of faith — a step in the direction of trusting God to be the provider in a brand new way. We are happy to share that Tyler has accepted the position with FCA and that we at Hillside are going to contribute to his financial support!
Let Tyler's story be a reminder that God has something for everybody who will keep their hearts open to Him. If we can remain open to His plans and His call, He will be faithful to ordain our steps and to guide us into things we might never discover on our own!
Let Tyler's story be a reminder that God has something for everybody who will keep their hearts open to Him. If we can remain open to His plans and His call, He will be faithful to ordain our steps and to guide us into things we might never discover on our own!
OneHope for All Children
Reaching children with the hope of God's Word.
TUXTEPEC, OAXACA, MEXICO: It's Sunday morning, and the church has just brought to the stage all of the people who are going to be baptized this morning. There's a young boy standing up there with the adults.
His name is Eric, and he didn't always know Jesus. His father was killed when he was young, and he and his mom didn't know what to do or where to go.
Eric ended up going to a new school where they taught him lessons using SuperBook, a Spanish graphic book series wherein the characters enter the stories of the Bible. Through this exposure to God's Word, Eric began to attend church and grow in his faith. It has all led to this moment – this baptism.
A young boy, the son of a widow, stands in the baptismal waters. He is buried beneath them and rises, a new creation.
A child's life, changed forever by the power of God's Word. This is the beating heart of OneHope, a missions organization that we supported for the first time in 2026.
His name is Eric, and he didn't always know Jesus. His father was killed when he was young, and he and his mom didn't know what to do or where to go.
Eric ended up going to a new school where they taught him lessons using SuperBook, a Spanish graphic book series wherein the characters enter the stories of the Bible. Through this exposure to God's Word, Eric began to attend church and grow in his faith. It has all led to this moment – this baptism.
A young boy, the son of a widow, stands in the baptismal waters. He is buried beneath them and rises, a new creation.
A child's life, changed forever by the power of God's Word. This is the beating heart of OneHope, a missions organization that we supported for the first time in 2026.
Above: Eric at his baptism. Watch Eric's full story here.
OneHope's mission is "to affect destiny by providing God’s eternal Word to all the children and youth of the world."
They have multiple campaigns and avenues through which they are working to accomplish that goal. Though their main strength is the 13 incredible print resources for children, they also provide digital apps and films to reach young people with the gospel message.
Eric's life was changed through the SuperBook program, which spoke to his heart and drew him near to God at the perfect time. What's amazing to see is that OneHope's programs are so creatively different that — just reading through the list — you can imagine how God would use young people's interests to draw them near to Himself.
They have multiple campaigns and avenues through which they are working to accomplish that goal. Though their main strength is the 13 incredible print resources for children, they also provide digital apps and films to reach young people with the gospel message.
Eric's life was changed through the SuperBook program, which spoke to his heart and drew him near to God at the perfect time. What's amazing to see is that OneHope's programs are so creatively different that — just reading through the list — you can imagine how God would use young people's interests to draw them near to Himself.
Above: Theologian Jesse Stone gives a brief overview of the strategy OneHope employs to help young people engage with Scripture.
We're really excited about supporting OneHope because they exhibit that rare blend of strategy, focus, and faith. They're strategic, employing these creative means by which they can expose the next generation to God's Word. They're focused, with an eagle-eyed approach to their target; they're after the teens and the children, the people whom God will use to shape the future of the Church across the world. And yet, faith is still the most important aspect of their mission; Bob Hoskins, the founder of OneHope, often said, "the power is not in the sower; it's in the seed." The impact and the power of OneHope is not in its strategy or its focus. There's nothing particularly special about OneHope that means God will use them specially. Rather, it is the power of God's Word — which does not return void — which will continue to speak to those who will receive it.
Thank you, Hillside, for your heart for missions and your faith in the power of God's Word!
Thank you, Hillside, for your heart for missions and your faith in the power of God's Word!
Living Water
Oasis World Ministries
Above: Recipients of a new Waters of Love well celebrate.
TWIN CITIES, MN: Pastor Tom Elie began to undergo a personal spiritual renewal wherein he doubled his prayer time, worshiped, and read Scripture more intensively. Tom felt the beginnings of God ushering him into a greater commitment and a greater trust. It was the beginning of a call!
About a month into that process, Tom was contacted by two men acting independently from each other — one from Kenya, and one from India. Both men invited Tom to come and preach a crusade event in their countries. Out of these opportunities, God birthed in Tom the idea to start a global ministry: Oasis World Ministries was born!
Since then, Oasis has blossomed into an amazing ministry that has impacted the world with the gospel. In the 30 years since its inception, Oasis has seen 5 million (yes, million!) people give their lives to Christ, drilled 1,564 wells to provide access to clean water, and trained 100 nations to share their testimonies with the One Minute Witness tool. You can read the impact report yourself here.
About a month into that process, Tom was contacted by two men acting independently from each other — one from Kenya, and one from India. Both men invited Tom to come and preach a crusade event in their countries. Out of these opportunities, God birthed in Tom the idea to start a global ministry: Oasis World Ministries was born!
Since then, Oasis has blossomed into an amazing ministry that has impacted the world with the gospel. In the 30 years since its inception, Oasis has seen 5 million (yes, million!) people give their lives to Christ, drilled 1,564 wells to provide access to clean water, and trained 100 nations to share their testimonies with the One Minute Witness tool. You can read the impact report yourself here.
Above: Oasis World Ministries founder Tom Elie.
We're excited to be able to jump onboard with Oasis World Ministries. Can you imagine seeing 5 million people become followers of Jesus over a 30 year span? What can God do as we support Oasis moving forward? Currently, Oasis has a vision to see 40 million people decide to follow Jesus by the year 2030. Sound impossible? Good — our God loves to do the impossible!
With God's help, Oasis will continue to use their programs to tackle this goal: Waters of Love, which drills wells in communities without access to clean water — and presents the Living Water alongside the well; 5 Star Evangelism, which hosts training seminars that equip local pastors and leaders to impact their communities; Oasis World Academy, an ongoing ministry training program which gives formal education to local pastors and leaders; and One Minute Witness, the evangelism tool that anybody (even you!) can use to share their testimony in just one minute.
Oasis has no shortage of vision; as a church, we are going to fund that vision and see it come to life!
With God's help, Oasis will continue to use their programs to tackle this goal: Waters of Love, which drills wells in communities without access to clean water — and presents the Living Water alongside the well; 5 Star Evangelism, which hosts training seminars that equip local pastors and leaders to impact their communities; Oasis World Academy, an ongoing ministry training program which gives formal education to local pastors and leaders; and One Minute Witness, the evangelism tool that anybody (even you!) can use to share their testimony in just one minute.
Oasis has no shortage of vision; as a church, we are going to fund that vision and see it come to life!
