What began in 1976 with 15 families has become a story only God could write: lives transformed, leaders developed, churches planted, and communities reached with the love of Jesus. On August 23, 2026, the Bent Tree family gathered to give thanks for 50 years of God's faithfulness and to look ahead with faith to all he still has planned.
What a morning. When I looked across our congregation on August 23, I was overwhelmed with both gratitude and anticipation. Fifty years of God's faithfulness and answered prayers were in that room. We were joining together not around a monument, but in a spiritual house that Jesus is building for himself. From 15 families meeting at Trinity Christian Academy to thousands gathering every weekend to encounter Jesus, this is a story only God could write.
While the programs and events surrounding our 50th were remarkable, what moved me the most was God’s faithfulness year after year. Every story shared that Sunday was a reminder that God is still at work, still transforming lives, still reshaping our world with his love. Thank you for being a part of that journey.
I sense great excitement in my heart because we are just getting started. The same God who guided those first 15 families is the God who goes before us into the next 50 years. I have never been more hopeful about who Bent Tree gets to be and what she gets to do in this city and beyond. I am so honored to walk into that future with you.
With joy,
Libin
Fifty years is not really measured in years. It is measured in people. Behind every anniversary number is a face, a family, a moment when God reached in and changed everything. Watch a few of those stories, told by the people who have lived them, and give thanks for the God who is still reshaping our world with the love of Jesus.
50th Anniversary Video 
Prayer Through the Years: Lois Hahn 
From Student Ministry to Missionaries: Abby and Faith 
Serving Through the Years: John and Betsy Vascil 
Generational Impact of Serving: Mark and Tiffani Rawley 
50 Years of Creative Arts 
50 Years 
History of Missions 
The History of 4141 International 
Women in Leadership 
Mike and Stephanie Tuttle Tell us how God has reshaped your life through Bent Tree. Your story could be part of the next chapter we celebrate together.
Share Your StoryHave photos from across the decades? Add them to our 50th anniversary archive and help us picture 50 years of God's faithfulness.
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