Dear Bethesda,

When we began Bethesda, we knew it would never be a typical church. We knew God was calling us to build something different. Like David, the one thing we longed for the most was God’s presence and to take down giants that mocked Gods goodness and His power. When we first planted Bethesda, people told us the church would never grow if we spent an hour in worship. But it did grow because God’s people were hungry for His presence. We have always prioritized healing, never giving into the lie that God’s power ended in the book of Acts, but pursuing it every time we have gathered. And we have seen many people saved, healed, and delivered of sickness and disease.

Over the past thirteen years, we have witnessed testimony after testimony of God’s faithfulness and story after story of His power and glory in our midst. What a privilege it has been to witness many lives transformed by His presence. 

We are reminded of the transition between David and Solomon. David longed to build God a temple, but the Lord chose Solomon to build it. David’s assignment was one of battle and preparation; Solomon’s was one of peace and building. The battles David fought were for Solomon’s future peace and David faithfully completed the assignment God had given him so someone else could carry it forward. It fills our hearts with gratitude to step aside believing that those coming behind us will do even greater things for the Kingdom in Vancouver & Portland than we could have imagined.

Even with this perspective on legacy, this decision has not been easy. We love our Bethesda family so much. Today we feel both heartbroken and hopeful. Heartbroken because something deeply beautiful and sacred is coming to an end. Hopeful because of the countless seeds that have been planted in this house called Bethesda. Those seeds will continue to bear fruit for years to come.

We want you to know this decision is not the result of moral failure. It is not because we have lost our faith or fallen out of love with Jesus. If anything, we are leaving with even greater confidence that He faithfully completes every assignment He gives His people.

Over the past year, God has made it increasingly clear that our assignment here is complete. This past December, Ben was admitted to the hospital after doctors discovered abnormalities in the blood vessels of his brain, placing him at a significantly higher risk for an aneurysm, stroke, or brain bleed. Initially, there was hope these abnormalities might resolve over time, so another CT scan was scheduled for six months later.

In June, that scan showed no improvement. His doctors have made it clear that keeping his blood pressure within a healthy range is essential to reducing those risks. We have also watched firsthand how the weight and stress of pastoring affect his blood pressure, even while faithfully taking medication.

While this diagnosis alone did not make our decision, it became the final confirmation of what God had already been speaking to our hearts that this assignment has come to its completion, and He is leading us into a new season of obedience.

As we complete this assignment, we also want to be transparent about how we will steward the financial resources entrusted to this house. The proceeds from the sale of our building will first be used to satisfy any remaining debts and financial obligations. We will then provide fair and reasonable severance packages for our paid staff to honor their faithful service and give them time to transition into new employment.

Beyond that, it is our desire that the resources God has entrusted to Bethesda continue advancing His Kingdom. We intend to support a church plant led by Anthony and Birgitte Toussaint and prayerfully distribute the remaining funds to other churches and ministries that are faithfully proclaiming the gospel. Our heart is that every dollar entrusted to Bethesda would continue bearing fruit for generations to come.

To every person who has prayed, served, given, sacrificed, worshiped, and carried this vision with us—thank you. To our staff, you mean more to us than you know. Thank you for your love, encouragement and for continuing to burn for Jesus no matter what. To our parents, you have been the epitome of unconditional love. We have learned from the best! 

Bethesda has never belonged to us. It has always belonged to Jesus, and it has been one of the greatest honors of our lives to serve alongside you. 

Our final service will be Sunday, August 2, 2026.

We would love for you to join us as we celebrate all that God has done over these thirteen incredible years and honor the completion of this beautiful assignment.

We love you.

Ben & Tisha

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬