2025 Legacy Letter

Dear (first name+first name),

As Jill and I reflect on this past year, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for all that God has done in and through our church family. In 2025, we've witnessed incredible impact and thousands of lives changed -- stories that only He could write. Every prayer, every act of service, and every gift has helped bring people closer to Jesus. Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity.

This year, we've seen God move in powerful ways. Each of these miracles is the fruit of our generous church family:

• 31,457 people made decisions to follow Jesus.
• New campus buildings have opened and others are under construction -- all completely debt-free.
• Thousands of families received food, shelter, care, and hope through our local, national, and international outreach partners.
• The reach of Highlands continues to grow through our campuses, online ministry, and correctional facilities.

Even as we celebrate all that God has done, we sense Him calling us to believe for more. He's expanding our vision, stretching our faith, and showing us new opportunities to reach people in ways we never imagined. That's why I want to invite you to begin praying about your part in this year's Legacy Offering.

Every time we give together, we're impacting lives now and for eternity. The Bible tells us, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40 NIV). Our theme for this season is "ALL FOR JESUS" because when we live beyond ourselves, we reflect and share His love with the world around us.

The Legacy Offering isn't about sustaining what we're already doing. It's about what's next. Your regular giving has fully funded our ministry operations, our missions, and even our construction projects currently underway. The Legacy Offering accelerates the vision, allowing us to say "yes" to new opportunities God has placed before us and to complete the projects within reach.

Here are a few areas your legacy giving will make an immediate impact:

• Holiday Outreaches: By meeting needs and bringing joy through Thanksgiving and Christmas outreaches, we can show the love of Jesus to over 20,000 people in our communities.
• Local Ministry Partners: Partnering with organizations that serve our cities, we can feed more families, support foster care, provide medical care, and meet both physical and spiritual needs in Jesus' name.
• Bible Translation Projects: Together, we can reach over 817 million people by translating the Bible into two more languages so people without access to God's Word can experience it for the first time.
• Highlands College: Jesus said, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few" (Luke 10:2 NIV). With over 1,350 graduates sent to lead churches and ministries worldwide, and enrollment growing at record pace, we can continue expanding on-campus housing and raising up the next generation to equip them for their calling.

On Sunday, December 14, we'll join together as a church family to bring an offering that will impact lives now and for generations to come. Our goal isn't a specific dollar amount. Our goal is participation. As each of us prays and gives, God will multiply it for His Kingdom.

Please take time to pray and ask the Lord how He would have you participate. You can bring your offering in person, give online at churchofthehighlands.com/give, or use Text-to-Give by texting "Highlands" and the amount to 77977.

Jill and I are so thankful for your faith, your generosity, and your heart for people. We love being on mission with you, and we're praying that you experience the joy and peace of this season.

All for Jesus,

Mark Pettus

Lead Pastor