A couple of prayer requests first:
It is very hot and humid so continued prayers against heat and exhaustion would be greatly appreciated.
This is the day in the week where people get tired so we will take your prayers for attitude of grace and encouragement all around.
We could always use your prayers for the logistics of feeding, sleeping, and moving 81 people around the city.
We would love your prayers for a productive few work days as we are all very focused on helping Sunshine to open that coffee shop in a few short weeks.
Last night was an amazing night of teaching as God stirred our hearts about injustice and oppression. Joel's teaching on the reasons behind poverty according to the Bible is always challenging and humbling. This group responded so well and it was exciting to hear them discuss ways that God is moving in them to be influencers for Christ by entering in with oppressed people and working to right injustices. Please do ask them about this and let them share what they have learned and how God spoke to them when they get home. You will be amazed and this will help them to apply this stirring at home - which I believe is what God wants us to do.
The work projects are going well. The mural is traced and will be painted today. The chairs are starting to get stained. The children's team is loving life with those kids. The lawn care/gardeners are making a dent in the weeds. The painting team is starting to put color on the walls today I think. Everyone is busy and content.
I have been especially impressed with the positive way kids are responding to the discomfort of the heat, the waiting around and just some of the annoyances of a trip. They are positive and going with the flow and it makes the job of the leaders so much easier!
Rest assured - God is at work and your kids are growing, safe and awesome.
Some testimonies:
"God is present and active on the south side. I see God moving in the hearts of our teams as they begin to see the image of God in the people they meet in Chicago. I have seen God generously teaching a key fruit of the spirit...patience. This group has also exhibited joy in response to minor inconveniences. This has been a huge answer to all of your prayers. Thank you!" Dean (leader)
"I have seen how God is moving when we did the homeless mealshare. The man my group talked to had a tough story, yet he was grateful for what he had and he was very knowledgeable about the Bible. His passion for the gospel was inspiring and it has pushed me to become more excited about what God has done, is doing and will do." Bennet
"I've learned a lot about educational and racial problems in American through Joel's talks. It has really opened my eyes to problems that are occurring in our country and made me realize how much they need to be fixed. Things happen in this neighborhood just because it is this neighborhood that can effect them for their whole life that is not fair." Blake
"Even though I'm only half way done with this trip, my perspectives have changed and I've come to a realization of some things. I've learned that I have to be grateful of the things I have but not prideful because I don't deserve any of it. From the mealshare, my perspective has changed in the way I view the poor or homeless. Just because they are homeless or poor doesn't mean they are lazy or lost all of their money through bad choices. Everyone has their own unique story and God loves each person the same. Even though some people are considered "unlucky" or "lucky" it doesn't matter in the end as long as they praise and glorify God. I'm so excited to see what else is in store for the rest of the trip. To learn more an understands more about this community and God." Amanda B.
13 comments:
Hello Chicago Team!
God Bless all of you as you are blessing those you meet. We are amazed at your service and positive attitudes in light of the hard work and sometimes uncomfortable temperatures you are working in. I've been thinking about how hard day #3 can be...it can feel like an uphill battle, so we will be praying for health and the ability to see the progress you have made as Thursday comes. Before you know it the week will come to a close....way too soon.
A shout out to Christopher...God Bless you sweetheart as you love those little ones you are serving at VBS.
Love,
Mom, dad, Nathan, Sting, Cougar & Mikko.
Hey Guby... Miss you lots this week, but I see the big smile on your face in the pictures and know that God is with you and you're safe and happy. It looks hot, hot, hot, so I'll be sending some extra prayers for a nice cool breeze and a few clouds during the day to bring some shade. I pray that God's giving you the courage to stretch your comfort zone. You ROCK! Love you. - Pa
Love this blog! So fun to see pictures and hear about all the adventures and blessings. Shout out to Elyse...sounds like they put your cleaning talents to good use, I'm sure you will be a blessing to many as you are to me and Dayton! Love you lots! Praying for you and everyone on the team. Mom
Hey Chicago Team! Thank you for keeping us updated. It is comforting reading the blogs and seeing the pictures of smiling faces. We are covering you all on prayer for health, safety, and God's strength to persevere through the rest of the week.
To Olive Juice...The fun of your sister being an "only child" has worn off and she says at least every 30 minutes that she can't wait for you to come home. Kitty misses you too. She is terrorizing dad every time he walks past her. We are so proud of you and hope you are letting God lead you out of your comfort zone. Hugs to you and my "other daughters". I'm so happy you all are together doing work for God. Love you more! Mom
Hey Hutcha Putcha!! We miss you but we love seeing the pictures and your smiling face. We can't wait to hear all about your experiences this week!! It looks like you will be painting the mural tomorrow, please try to get more paint on the wall than yourself :)
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. Philippians 1:9
Praying for all of you and the work that you are doing. Love you big bunches!! Mom, Dad and brother
Hi EH,
It's Yomomay! We miss you but are delighted to hear how God is working in the south side of Chicago...teaching you AND working through you in the lives of others! Press on in His strength & continue to keep your heart open to His leading. He will never disappoint!! Have FUN as you ALL serve together in the name of Jesus! love, Mom xo
P.S. Dad said he is way bummed he won't be here to welcome you home...but is praying for you everyday, following blog and can't wait for hug!
Hey Bennett! I am so excited that you are refinishing chairs because I have been wanting to do something different with OUR dining room chairs! Ha!
Sounds like things are good there - I look forward to more details when you get home.
Enjoy the time away. I am praying for you and everyone on the trip.
Mom
Rooting for you all in the heat as you continue to do brilliant work in the neighborhood and with VBS!Praise God for your hearts and talents and praying for energy and enthusiasm to complete His plans and absorb his teaching!!
Lovely being able to follow what is happening through this blog.
Pook!! yes, Kelli, that is her nickname...:) hope you are having a blast on mural duty! Love you, Mum
Thinking of and praying for you, our Pokey Little Puppy! Dad loved getting the photo of you with your friends at the top of Willis Tower on Father's Day! We played an awesome round of charades with Dad's family that day - Grandpa Rudy got everyone to guess his in record time! We're so proud of the work everyone is doing there in Jesus' name. You are all truly the hands and feet of Jesus! We pray for continued good cheer, relief from the heat and a safe trip home! Love, Mom and Dad
Hey Chef Gazpacho!!
I hope you are having a great trip! Unfortunately, I have been unable to contain myself and am now 10 episodes ahead of you on our favorite new TV show so you will have a lot of catching up to do when you get back.
Thank you for all the time and details you put into writing this blog. And thank you ALL for serving our GREAT God by serving others.
Hi to Jake B. Hope you've been juggling for the cute VBS kids. Love you - See you soon.
Continued prayers for all of you!!
Sue, Rich, Kelsey Bosshardt
Happy Thursday to you in Chicago! It's been so great to hear about how compassionately you're all serving in spite of the heat and humidity. Jesus Calling today reminds us that glorifying and enjoying Jesus is a higher priority than maintaining a tidy, structured life and trying to keep everying under control. So as you toil in the unwanted heat and make adjustments you didn't anticipate, cling to God's promise from Joshua 1:5...."No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you."Draw your strength from that.
And Cam Rascal Kerber, you are so loved.
Mom, Dad, John, Aaron, Sprite, Gracie and your new furry brother Walter
To the Chicago leaders and teens,
Thanks for the updates and your comments. Know I am covering you in prayer every morning from 6 to 7 as I/we start our day. I'm so proud of the work that you're doing and the difference that you're making.
Carol Hondlik & Family
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