Mark on Cut to the Chase by cupofcoolwater
history | Cup of Cool Water was founded by Mark Terrell. In the spring of 1995, Mark kept thinking about and praying for two homeless youth he met while he was a student at Whitworth College (now University). Soon, praying for the kids didn’t seem to be enough, and Mark knew that something more tangible had to be done. The idea came with the foundation of sharing the love and hope of Christ with street-involved youth through developing healthy relationships and providing services. The ministry started out of the back of his ’89 200SX, transitioned through partnerships with several churches, and moved into its own building in 2002.
mission statement | Cup of Cool Water’s mission is to empower street youth to become wholehearted followers of Christ and to exit street life.
statement of faith | We believe in one God, Creator and Lord of the Universe, the Trinity: Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
We believe that Jesus Christ, God’s Son, was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, and lived a sinless life. He died on the cross, removing our guilt and reconciling us to God. He rose bodily from the dead and ascended into heaven where He is the only mediator between God and man.
We believe that all Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the believer may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
We believe in one holy, universal and apostolic Church, which is called to worship God, preach the Gospel, make disciples, promote righteousness and justice, and relieve human need.
We believe the Holy Spirit persuades us to repent of our sins, renews our hearts, and causes the Church and its people to grow in Christian maturity.
We believe that Christ will return to raise the dead, judge all people, and establish His glorious Kingdom.
philosophy of ministry | CCW’s strategy in ministry is: through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to build healthy relationships, provide services, and disciple street youth. As we do this, we strive to maintain the following priorities in those relationships and services:
Grace over Law
Relationship over Program
Empowering over Enabling
Long-Term Commitment over Short-Term
Community over Isolation
Equipping over Hindering
Acceptance over Discrimination
Unconditional Love over Rejection
