TODAY'S REPORT:
We spent longer than we had originally planned in Springfield, IL Saturday before tackling the final leg of our trip to Chicago. As a result, we arrived pretty late last night, about 18 hours ahead of the rest of the mission team from Second Baptist. This morning (Sunday), Rachael, Annie, Alex and I got up and headed to Sunday morning service with City South Church where they are currently meeting, at James Ward Elementary School.
Pastor Eric Arnall had a great lesson on the seven types of baptism described in the Bible, and what each means. Very in-depth, Bible-heavy study. Loved it. I furiously took notes as fast as I could. As a Sunday School teacher, it just held too much potential to "borrow" from for a series sometime in the future. It was great to see Eric, Van, Sam and other friends we made last year (recall that when we were here a year ago, they were still working toward the launch of the church, so this was our first chance to join them in the official City South Church)
The gathering at City South is small and diverse. New believers make up a large portion of the group. I am blown away (and immensely encouraged) by how hungry and thirsty new believers are for TRUTH from God's Word. They aren't looking for self-help. They are looking for eternal truth and answers to questions that have tormented them for much of their lives.
One of the men in the gathering this morning participated in the activities we held in last year's mission. His name is Rich. In the last year he has accepted Jesus. So has his wife, who had been Buddhist. And their kids. Every member of that family soaks up Bible teaching as fast as it can be delivered. What an inspiration. After the services, Eric invited us to lunch with him and to explore some of the Hyde Park area of Chicago (part of the area City South is seeking to draw from as it grows). He even took us to an ice cream parlor frequented by President Obama when he's in Chicago. Putting any political differences aside, I'll say this: the man has great taste in ice cream. It did make me wish I had brought along my commemorative plate, though.
Then Eric showed us a very cool bookstore where we naturally settled in for far too long enjoying the selections. Getting to spend a good deal of time with him today, we were reminded again of how God has given Eric such a genuine heart for sharing God's love and His truth with people of every culture, background, ethnicity, whatever. And he also is a gifted teacher of the Word. We were so grateful for the great day God gave our family today!
The rest of our crew from Second Baptist arrived in Chicago this afternoon. We all ate dinner together in Chinatown at Triple Crown Chinese restaurant, then a few of us went off for decadent chocolate cake (I know I'm talking a lot about food, but it is Chicago. Will work to keep the conversation more spiritually focused moving forward). Tomorrow morning (Monday) we begin work on renovations to the school, and walking the streets handing out fliers inviting families to this week's activities (block party, games, etc. - and of course, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ).
Pastor Eric Arnall had a great lesson on the seven types of baptism described in the Bible, and what each means. Very in-depth, Bible-heavy study. Loved it. I furiously took notes as fast as I could. As a Sunday School teacher, it just held too much potential to "borrow" from for a series sometime in the future. It was great to see Eric, Van, Sam and other friends we made last year (recall that when we were here a year ago, they were still working toward the launch of the church, so this was our first chance to join them in the official City South Church)
The gathering at City South is small and diverse. New believers make up a large portion of the group. I am blown away (and immensely encouraged) by how hungry and thirsty new believers are for TRUTH from God's Word. They aren't looking for self-help. They are looking for eternal truth and answers to questions that have tormented them for much of their lives.
One of the men in the gathering this morning participated in the activities we held in last year's mission. His name is Rich. In the last year he has accepted Jesus. So has his wife, who had been Buddhist. And their kids. Every member of that family soaks up Bible teaching as fast as it can be delivered. What an inspiration. After the services, Eric invited us to lunch with him and to explore some of the Hyde Park area of Chicago (part of the area City South is seeking to draw from as it grows). He even took us to an ice cream parlor frequented by President Obama when he's in Chicago. Putting any political differences aside, I'll say this: the man has great taste in ice cream. It did make me wish I had brought along my commemorative plate, though.
Then Eric showed us a very cool bookstore where we naturally settled in for far too long enjoying the selections. Getting to spend a good deal of time with him today, we were reminded again of how God has given Eric such a genuine heart for sharing God's love and His truth with people of every culture, background, ethnicity, whatever. And he also is a gifted teacher of the Word. We were so grateful for the great day God gave our family today!
The rest of our crew from Second Baptist arrived in Chicago this afternoon. We all ate dinner together in Chinatown at Triple Crown Chinese restaurant, then a few of us went off for decadent chocolate cake (I know I'm talking a lot about food, but it is Chicago. Will work to keep the conversation more spiritually focused moving forward). Tomorrow morning (Monday) we begin work on renovations to the school, and walking the streets handing out fliers inviting families to this week's activities (block party, games, etc. - and of course, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ).
PRAYER NEEDS:
Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement. It was great to hear from several of you today already and to know that God's work here in Chicago remains a prayer priority for you too. Today please pray especially for:
- Smooth Opening. It feels like a ramp-up, since we'll spend the day inviting people, but it is easy to almost forget that the events themselves begin this very night (Monday). The opening "Block Party" will be from 6-8pm and many of us are new to this. Most of us haven't worked with each other before, and have little more time with one another than dinner tonight and for some, the van ride to Chicago. In addition, local volunteers from the area will be helping. We got to work with most of these guys last year and they are great people to work with. But the point remains that most of the people working on this mission will still be trying to learn each others' names, while hitting the ground running. So please pray that all would go smoothly and that we will hit it off with our new partners in this effort.
- Making Connections. Many of us will spend significant parts of this week walking around heavily populated, public areas (parks, grocery stores, beaches, etc.) sharing information about City South Church and this week's activities. Rachael, the kids and I will be doing this more than most because 1) strangers with kids generally feel less threatening when they approach you than just plain old strangers, and 2) because our kids are with us, we are not really able to be counted on for regular renovation hours or other such duty. Please pray that God will bring people into our paths who are particularly ready for just such an invitation and/or people who may be ready to hear the gospel of Christ themselves right on the spot. And pray that we will have the discernment, sensitivity, and boldness God offers in just the right proportions in such situations.
Once again, please feel free to share these posts with others you know who will pray along with all of us for a succesful mission trip. We so desire to lift God's name and to share Him with those who do not yet know Him. Sign up at http://ourabfclass.blogspot.com (upper right hand corner) to receive this blog via email. You can also share it on facebook, twitter, or just by plain old e-mail via the links that appear at the bottom of this (and every) post on this blog. Or join our ABF Group on Facebook and you can follow blog posts as they show up there.
We love you and are so thankful for you. Please know that you all remain in our prayers daily as well.
God's Blessings,
Matt
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