⚠️ The Great Facebook & Instagram Outage Lesson: Dig Your Own Unshakable Well

⚠️ The Great Facebook & Instagram Outage Lesson: Dig Your Own Unshakable Well

by | Mar 6, 2024 | Mars Hill Baptist Church

Hello Reader,

This week’s Facebook and Instagram outages were a jarring wake-up call.

We’ve become far too reliant on rented digital spaces that could vanish in an instant, leaving us high and dry.

It’s time we had a hard conversation about digital independence. About digging our unshakeable wells before the thirst sets in.

​In my latest post, I lay out the core pillars for building a self-governed platform that you truly own and control:

• Your sovereign website (not rented space)

• Email list with a direct line to your audience

• Instant text alerts to command attention

• Internal team channels for seamless collaboration

• Automated opt-in systems to nurture prospects 24/7

With this self-sufficient oasis in place, you’ll never again be a digital sharecropper beholden to your landlords’ whims. You can flip the switch when the rented realms fail.

This digital self-reliance is how you secure your empire’s future growth and prosperity and how you inoculate your business against disruptions from external forces.

Don’t risk being left parched when the rented streams run dry. Click the link and start digging your well before it’s too late.

Those who take ownership and control will be left standing when the dust settles.

Don’t be caught thirsting, my friend.

Here’s to your success,

Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
​See All of my Links @ Linktree​

The Great Facebook & Instagram Outage Lesson: Dig Your Own Unshakable Well

The Great Facebook & Instagram Outage Lesson: Dig Your Own Unshakable Well

by | Mar 6, 2024 | Communication, Current Affairs, Decisions, Empowerment

In the early 2000s, the board of directors forced Steve Jobs, Apple's co-founder, out of the company. Jobs had been a critical figure in the company's success, having overseen the development of iconic products such as the Macintosh, the iPod, and the iPhone. However, he clashed with the board over his management style and the company's direction, leading to his ousting.

Following his departure from Apple, Jobs embarked on personal reflection and soul-searching. He realized that his mistake could have been relying more heavily on someone else's platform, which had resulted in his being removed from Apple. As a result, he decided to create his own platform, Pixar, a company that would allow him to showcase his unique vision for the future of entertainment.

Pixar initially started as a computer hardware company, but they quickly shifted their focus to developing animation software. Steve Jobs, the founder, recognized the potential of animation to transform the movie industry and went all-in to ensure Pixar's success.

In 1995, the company released its first feature film, Toy Story, a massive commercial and critical hit. Pixar continued producing blockbuster films, such as A Bug's Life, Monsters Inc., and Finding Nemo. I will revisit this story later in the article.

This week's brief outage of Facebook and Instagram served as a jarring wake-up call: the rented digital platforms we've come to rely on for our businesses and online presence are ultimately not under our control.

Click to Post

The Great Facebook Outage Lesson

This week's brief outage of Facebook and Instagram served as a jarring wake-up call: the rented digital platforms we've come to rely on for our businesses and online presence are ultimately not under our control. While undeniably convenient, they can go dark at any moment, leaving us high and dry, scrambling to reconnect with our audiences and customers.

The lesson is as clear as a desert mirage: we must dig our own wells before the thirst sets in. By building a robust, self-sufficient platform that we truly own and govern, we insulate ourselves from the whims and failures of third-party rentiers.

This self-made oasis should comprise several key elements:

  1. A Website You Fully Own: No more renting digital real estate. Your website is your sovereign territory on the internet, where you make the rules and set the terms of engagement. It's your impenetrable home base, unshakeable by external forces.
  2. An Email List Under Your Control: With your email list, you own the direct line of communication with your tribe. There are no algorithms, no intermediaries—just an unbroken pipeline to the inboxes of those who matter most. This connection can never be blocked or disrupted.
  3. An Instantaneous Text Alerting System: In today's age of fracturing attention, reach your people immediately through the communication channel they're guaranteed to see. With your owned SMS systems, you're never accountable to someone else's pipes.
  4. Internal Team Collaboration Channels: Keep your crew connected, aligned, and productive through digital spaces you control and manage. Efficient teamwork and flawless execution are vital competitive advantages.
  5. Streamlined Opt-In and Follow-Up Processes: Effortlessly guide new leads into your world on your own terms. With automated systems under your watchful eye, every prospect can stay caught up when the rented streams run dry.

The lesson is as clear as a desert mirage: we must dig our own wells before the thirst sets in.

Click to Post

By piecing together the different pillars of your self-governed platform, you can avoid being a "digital sharecropper" and subject to your landlords' whims. If the domains you rent fail, you can easily switch to your fully owned domain and continue serving your audience without problems. Let's return to Steve Jobs' story to see how he applied this lesson years later when he returned to Apple. 

He transformed Apple into a self-governed empire by creating iTunes, the Online Store, and an ironclad ecosystem, resulting in a self-sustaining oasis that was unshakable by external forces. 

The moral of Jobs' story is that true visionaries should build their empire on self-reliance and control their destiny by digging their own wells. Don't rent land to build your empire, as it can vanish overnight. Cultivate self-reliance by owning your platform.

Never be caught up with resources when you need them the most. Instead, take the initiative to cultivate a strong foundation that will provide you with the necessary tools to secure your future success. By doing so, you can ensure that your business or audience will continue to grow and thrive.

Remember that self-reliance is crucial in achieving this goal, as it will help you become more resilient in the face of any challenges.

When the rented domains inevitably fail, you can easily switch to your fully owned domain and continue serving your audience from the depths of your well-stocked waters.

Click to Post

If you are ready to take the initiative towards securing your future success, start cultivating a strong foundation today. Don't wait until you are caught up with resources when you need them the most. 

Remember, self-reliance is key to becoming more resilient and achieving your goals. So, take action now and invest in yourself to ensure that your business or audience continues to grow and thrive!


🔥 Embracing Community, Near and Far – Join Us This Week at Mars Hill Anywhere!

🔥 Embracing Community, Near and Far – Join Us This Week at Mars Hill Anywhere!

by | Mar 5, 2024 | Mars Hill Baptist Church

Dear Beloved Family of Mars Hill Anywhere,

As we navigate this beautiful journey called life, we must remember that we are all part of a divine tapestry intricately woven together by our shared faith and unwavering hope.

This week at Mars Hill Anywhere, we have a treasure trove of spiritual nourishment and communal connection awaiting us, each element carefully crafted to strengthen our bonds and deepen our faith.

Save The Date | March 10, 2024

Hybrid Worship: A Beacon of Unity and Flexibility

In the ever-evolving landscape of our world, Mars Hill Anywhere stands as a testament to adaptability and inclusiveness.

Embracing physical and online gatherings, we heed the Apostle Paul’s exhortation to “become all things to all people, so that by all possible means we might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22).

Whether you join us in person at 7941 47th Street, McCook, IL 60525, or tune in online, know that your presence is a cherished part of our collective worship. Join us this Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 10:30 AM Central for a service filled with love, learning, and community.

🔍 Explore the Edges: The Outsiders Series Unveiled!

NEW SERIES ALERT

Join Rev. Marcie Stowers-Wilson, Rev. Tim Morris, and me, Pastor Clarence E. Stowers Jr., as we team teach The Outsiders Series, delving into the Bible’s most compelling yet overlooked narratives.

Through the stories of Jonah, Ruth, Naaman, and Rahab, we are reminded that God’s heart beats for everyone, especially those perceived as ‘outsiders.’ Join us as we uncover profound truths about repentance, belief, provision, and faith, inviting us all to extend our hands and hearts beyond familiar boundaries.

Together, we will explore the depths of characters who, though on the periphery, played pivotal roles in God’s plan. From Jonah’s reluctance to Naaman’s humility to Ruth’s steadfastness, each story unfolds layers of wisdom and inspiration.

Whether you join us in person at 7941 47th St, McCook, IL, or online, we gather every Sunday at 10:30 AM Central to explore these transformative stories.

Let’s recap this past Sunday’s Message: “Uncontainable: How God’s Love Shatters Our Expectations”

This Sunday, we embraced the vastness of God’s love in “Uncontainable: How God’s Love Shatters Our Expectations.” Through Jonah’s story, we discovered how divine love exceeds all barriers and expectations, inviting us to experience and share love without limits.

Key Takeaways:

  • Embrace a love beyond understanding.
  • Extend grace and compassion universally.
  • Inspire transformation within and around you.

Don’t miss this impactful sermon, now conveniently cued for direct access, to deepen your understanding and practice of God’s uncontainable love.

video preview​

Gratitude for Your Support: “From Rubble to Renewal”

Heartfelt thanks to each of you who have embraced my book, “From Rubble to Renewal: The Nehemiah Strategy for Modern Times.”

Your support is not just an encouragement but a vibrant affirmation of our shared journey in faith.

If you found value in its pages, consider leaving a 5-star review on Amazon—your feedback is a beacon for others on their path to renewal. For those yet to discover this resource, it’s just a click away on Amazon.

Your engagement is a gift that extends far beyond the pages.

​Copies are available on Amazon if you need one!

Live on Kindle | From Ashes to Grace Short Story

Prepare for those keeping up with my Kindle Vella story, “From Ashes to Grace”!

Dive into the transformative journey of “From Ashes to Grace” on Kindle.

If you haven’t yet embarked on this adventure, now is the perfect time to explore episodes 1 through 4.

​Episode 5 is set to inspire on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.

Your engagement with this series is a step towards deeper understanding and personal growth.

We’re Partnering With YouVersion Bible App

Exciting news for our community! Mars Hill is now partnering with YouVersion to introduce YouVersion Connect.

This platform is our new central hub for engaging with the Bible together, sharing insights, and supporting each other in our spiritual journeys.

Joining is simple, and the shared experience of growing in faith is profoundly impactful. Connect with us today, and let’s explore the Word together.

Your Support Means the World

Your prayers and financial contributions have been pivotal.

Planning and executing in-person and online services takes 60-80 hours weekly.

This dedication to excellence is made possible through your generous support. We are deeply thankful for your commitment to our church’s mission.

Your Support is a Blessing 🙏

Look, as you guys know, making ministry happen ain’t cheap!

Through your generosity, we can make this in-person/online community work. If you feel led to give, every bit helps us create impactful messages and keep pushing that mission forward.

Being a part of Mars Hill Anywhere means you’re part of a community dedicated to transformative and inclusive worship experiences.

We encourage you to donate financially to help Mars Hill Anywhere keep doing its good work and grow.

Your donations don’t just help us; they also spread our message of love and forgiveness to people in need, both in our local area and worldwide.

It’s easy to donate. Go to our safe online giving portal or call our hardworking team at 773-287-3535.

Every gift, big or small, helps us move forward with our goal and support people looking for spiritual food.

We appreciate you being a part of the Mars Hill Anywhere group.

We are blessed to be on this trip together, combining the best of in-person and online worship to create a spiritual experience that is transformative and open to everyone.

With warmth and blessings,

Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.

P.S. Don’t forget to save the event to your calendar! Feel free to bring friends and family—let’s share the joy of this sacred night with our loved ones. Please let us know if you’re interested. Let’s come by replying to this email.

🔥 Ignite Your Faith: The Outsiders Series Launches This Sunday, Black History Food Facts, & More at Mars Hill!

🔥 Ignite Your Faith: The Outsiders Series Launches This Sunday, Black History Food Facts, & More at Mars Hill!

by | Feb 27, 2024 | Mars Hill Baptist Church

Hey, Mars Hill Anywhere family,

I hope your week has been filled with God’s goodness!

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey that will transform your Sundays and your soul? Step into a realm where faith meets action, where stories of the past ignite our present path with purpose and passion!

🔍 Explore the Edges: The Outsiders Series Unveiled!

NEW SERIES ALERT beginning Sunday, March 3, 2024

Join Rev. Marcie Stowers-Wilson, Rev. Tim Morris, and me, Pastor Clarence E. Stowers Jr., as we team teach The Outsiders Series, delving into the Bible’s most compelling yet overlooked narratives.

Together, we will explore the depths of characters who, though on the periphery, played pivotal roles in God’s plan. From Naaman’s humility to Ruth’s steadfastness, each story unfolds layers of wisdom and inspiration.

Whether you join us in person at 7941 47th St, McCook, IL, or online, we gather every Sunday at 10:30 AM Central to explore these transformative stories.

Let’s recap this past Sunday’s Message: Beyond the Noise: Overcoming Interruptions & Disruptions.

​Beyond The Noise: Overcoming Interruptions & Disruptions emphasizes the significance of perseverance and dedication in achieving one’s goals, using the story of Nehemiah as an inspirational example.

It highlights how common it is to begin tasks with great enthusiasm only to falter before they are completed, stressing the importance of finishing what we start.

By examining Nehemiah’s journey, the message offers insights into overcoming challenges, maintaining focus, and staying committed despite obstacles.

It also introduces the concept of a “Finish Strong Plan” to help individuals create a legacy of completion and achievement, urging the audience to be individuals who dream ambitively and persist until their goals are fully realized.

video preview​

Life Groups

Speaking of support, our Life Groups are going strong!

We’re currently exploring the “From Rubble to Renewal: The Nehemiah Strategy for Modern Times” series based on Nehemiah – such relevant lessons for building something lasting in this challenging world.

This work is more than a book; it’s a journey we embark on together towards rebuilding and renewing our spiritual walls in these modern times. Your support means the world to me and our mission.

​Copies are available on Amazon if you need one!

Live on Kindle | From Ashes to Grace Short Story

Get ready for those keeping up with my Kindle Vella story, “From Ashes to Grace”!

Episode 4 drops on Wednesday, February 27, 2024.

Follow the powerful journey of Pastor Elijah and his congregation – mirroring our own Mars Hill struggles and victories. See their unwavering faith transform even the most challenging trials into incredible triumphs. This story will ignite your heart!

Save The Date | March 10, 2024

Join us for our next in-person service on Sunday (March 10, 2024, at 10:30 AM Central) to explore how we can rise more vital than ever!

If you couldn’t join us, let me assure you the next live service on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 10:30 AM Central, promises another opportunity to be part of something truly miraculous.

We’re Partnering With YouVersion Bible App

Exciting news for our community! Mars Hill is now partnering with YouVersion to introduce YouVersion Connect.

This platform is our new central hub for engaging with the Bible together, sharing insights, and supporting each other in our spiritual journeys.

Joining is simple, and the shared experience of growing in faith is profoundly impactful. Connect with us today, and let’s explore the Word together.

African Foods You Probably Thought Were American

Enslaved Africans braided grains of rice into their hair. Okra seeds were tucked into pockets. Many foods we eat today that you may have thought were American are native to Africa and helped our people survive.

The diaspora’s most cherished crops, like yam, plantain, sweet potato, watermelon, okra, black-eyed peas, and rice, are foods we carried across the Atlantic.

Alongside the enslaved, these indigenous food staples were cargo, too, and they helped sustain our people as their captors carried them into the unknown. Beyond sustenance, women quietly resisted by carrying rice seeds in their hair, unbeknownst to enslavers.

Once in the Americas, we adapted. We also adapted the crops we’ve always known, finding alternative ways to grow them in unfamiliar soil. Rice growing thrived in the US South.

Plantain flourished in the tropical conditions of the Caribbean. Black-eyed peas found a home in Brazil. We carried these foods. But they also carried us, and today, we’re still benefiting from these nutrient-dense staples and the delicious ways we serve them, whether new or traditional.

As our ancestors’ seeds did, we survived the journey, were planted elsewhere, and still found beautiful, new ways to bloom.

Your Support Means the World

Your prayers and financial contributions have been pivotal.

Planning and executing in-person and online services takes 60-80 hours weekly.

This dedication to excellence is made possible through your generous support. We are deeply thankful for your commitment to our church’s mission.

Your Support is a Blessing 🙏

Look, as you guys know, making ministry happen ain’t cheap!

Through your generosity, we can make this in-person/online community work. If you feel led to give, every bit helps us create impactful messages and keep pushing that mission forward.

Being a part of Mars Hill Anywhere means you’re part of a community dedicated to transformative and inclusive worship experiences.

We encourage you to donate financially to help Mars Hill Anywhere keep doing its good work and grow.

Your donations don’t just help us; they also spread our message of love and forgiveness to people in need, both in our local area and worldwide.

It’s easy to donate. Go to our safe online giving portal or call our hardworking team at 773-287-3535.

Every gift, big or small, helps us move forward with our goal and support people looking for spiritual food.

We appreciate you being a part of the Mars Hill Anywhere group.

We are blessed to be on this trip together, combining the best of in-person and online worship to create a spiritual experience that is transformative and open to everyone.

With warmth and blessings,

Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.

P.S. Don’t forget to save the event to your calendar! Feel free to bring friends and family—let’s share the joy of this sacred night with our loved ones. Please let us know if you’re interested. Let’s come by replying to this email.

✨Thriving Together! A Recap, Reminders, and Inspiration, and More! ✨

✨Thriving Together! A Recap, Reminders, and Inspiration, and More! ✨

by | Feb 20, 2024 | Mars Hill Baptist Church

Hey, Mars Hill Anywhere family,

I hope your week has been filled with God’s goodness!

Let’s recap this past Sunday – the energy in our in-person service was awesome. In “Cutting Ties: When to Mend, When to End,” we dug into when it’s wise to walk away and when we need to be those rebuilders instead of tossing relationships at the first sign of trouble.

This is a tough balance, but God helps us find that wisdom! If you need to revisit that message, it’s on replay now. We love your support both in-person and online!

video preview​

Life Groups

Speaking of support, our Life Groups are going strong!

Right now, we’re exploring the “From Rubble to Renewal: The Nehemiah Strategy for Modern Times” series based on Nehemiah – such relevant lessons for building something lasting in this challenging world.

This work is more than a book; it’s a journey we embark on together towards rebuilding and renewing our spiritual walls in these modern times. Your support means the world to me and to our mission.

​Copies are available on Amazon if you need one!

Live on Kindle | From Ashes to Grace Short Story

Now, for those keeping up with my Kindle Vella story, “From Ashes to Grace”, get ready!

Episode 3 drops on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.

Follow the powerful journey of Pastor Elijah and his congregation – mirroring our own Mars Hill struggles and victories. See their unwavering faith transform even the toughest trials into incredible triumphs. This story will ignite your heart!

Save The Date | March 10, 2024

Join us for our next in-person service on Sunday (March 10, 2024, at 10:30 AM Central) to explore how we can rise stronger than ever!

If you weren’t able to join us, let me assure you the next live service on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 10:30 AM Central, promises another opportunity to be part of something truly miraculous.

We’re Partnering With YouVersion Bible App

Exciting news for our community! Mars Hill is now partnering with YouVersion to introduce YouVersion Connect.

This platform is our new central hub for engaging with the Bible together, sharing insights, and supporting each other in our spiritual journeys.

Joining is simple, and the shared experience of growing in faith is profoundly impactful. Connect with us today, and let’s explore the Word together.

These Black Country Artists Walked So Beyoncé Could Run

Beyoncé broke the internet when she announced a new country album dropping this year, adding to a long history of Black country music artists who have shaped the genre. Here are a few you should know.

In the 1920s, DeFord Bailey broke through racial barriers and carved out his own path. With his jaw-dropping harmonica skills, he became a star and helped launch the Grand Ole Opry radio show, reaching millions of listeners across the United States.

​Lesley Riddle revolutionized the country genre by blending African-American blues and Appalachian folk music. After losing two fingers in an accident, he developed a unique style of strumming and taught it to the Carter family, later known as “the first family of country music.” Country music wouldn’t be the same without Riddle’s creative genius.

A sharecropper’s son turned pitcher for the Negro Baseball League, Charley Pride was country music’s first Black superstar, the first Black inductee into the Grand Ole Opry, and the first Black country artist to be chosen Country Music Artist of the Year. His fans enjoyed his warm baritone and guitar virtuosity for more than 50 years until his death in 2020.

​Linda Martell started in R&B before moving to country in 1969. Though she had three consecutive charting songs and was the first Black woman to perform solo at the Grand Ole Opry, she was heckled by audiences and ignored by her label. In the 1990s, she quit the scene and returned to private life in South Carolina.

Black creativity has produced musical masterpieces. Despite the racism and backlash these musicians faced, they didn’t allow it to stifle their creative spirits. Neither should we.

Clarence Stowers Leadership Podcast

Clarence Stowers’ leadership podcast recently released a new episode on time management and burnout prevention. The guest was Pastor Anthony Spencer who discussed his experience as a bi-vocational leader.

Practical advice was provided on prioritizing, saying no, and recognizing burnout. The inspiring live session is now available as an on-demand podcast.

The recap encourages listening to find balance as a leader, with feedback welcome on takeaways.

Listen Now:

🍏 Apple Podcasts​

🟢 Spotify​

🌐 Or your favorite platform: Just search for ‘The Clarence Stowers Leadership Podcast.’

Your Support Means the World

Your prayers and financial contributions have been pivotal.

Planning and executing in-person and online services takes 60-80 hours weekly.

This dedication to excellence is made possible through your generous support. We are deeply thankful for your commitment to our church’s mission.

Your Support is a Blessing 🙏

Look, as you guys know, making ministry happen ain’t cheap!

It’s through your generosity we can make this in-person/online community work. If you feel led to give, every bit helps us create impactful messages and keep pushing that mission forward.

Being a part of Mars Hill Anywhere means you’re part of a community dedicated to transformative and inclusive worship experiences.

We encourage you to donate financially to help Mars Hill Anywhere keep doing its good work and grow.

Your donations don’t just help us; they also spread our message of love and forgiveness to people in need, both in our local area and worldwide.

It’s easy to donate. Go to our safe online giving portal or call our hardworking team at 773-287-3535.

Every gift, big or small, helps us move forward with our goal and support people looking for spiritual food.

We appreciate you being a part of the Mars Hill Anywhere group.

We are blessed to be on this trip together, combining the best of in-person and online worship to create a spiritual experience that is transformative and open to everyone.

With warmth and blessings,

Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.

P.S. Don’t forget to save the event to your calendar! Feel free to bring friends and family—let’s share the joy of this sacred night with our loved ones. Please let us know if you’re interested. Let’s come by replying to this email.