Revival is a fickle thing. It can’t be artificially reproduced. However, it can be prepared for. Holy Spirit provides the ignition but there must be something to burn. This week the Nappanee Missionary Church High School Ministry students stacked logs for the fire of Revival in the city of Chicago.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
As the Holy Spirit lead, we fed the hungry, clothe the poor, loved the hurting. We saw people come into a renewed relationship with Christ. We saw people come to a new relationship through salvation. We worshipped in the dark, faced heat waves, and even tornadoes but nothing stopped the awesome power of our loving God.
Through new connections with Bethel Temple Assembly of God, we had a community outreach where we handed out groceries and clothes. We also prepared, cooked and served hundreds of hot dogs and hamburgers. All of course free of charge. While some cooked others talked about the love of Christ and the power of his salvation as they prayed with/for the community.
Whether the southwest side, Devon Avenue or downtown near the bean. Everywhere we went we ministered to all who would receive. The team carried the Holy Spirit light with them!
For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Ephesians 5:14
A few of their stories:
April
April is 56 years old she has lived on the streets of Chicago for almost 30 years. We met her in an area called Tent City. A Collection of makeshift tents and tarps that forms a community of homeless. When we talked with April, we asked how we could pray for her. Her only request was for water. Her words “cuz I don’t have anything to drink”. That day it was 100+ degrees with a heat index of over 110. Of course, we prayed with her and then went to get water. After we brought it back and prayed with her again. This time she asked if she could pray for us. We reminded her that God sees her and that HE hears her cries.
Joe
We met Joe on the way to the bean. A few of us stopped to have a conversation and pray. Joe told us over the years that he had lost his mother, father, his wife, as well as his child. Joe shared how alone he feels in this world and feels guilty that everyone he loves has died. He struggles with thoughts of suicide. Before we set out that morning on the train a team member had a vision of a man in a red hat during ATL. Joe was wearing a red hat this morning, although he says he never wears it but just thought today was the day. We prayed with him and she even gave her personal bible. We’re still praying for Joe to give his life to the Lord.
Maria
Maria is a Vender around the corner from Bethel Church. It was an ordinary day for her when a small group approached. The group witness God’s love to her and pray for her. Through an interpreter, she came to find Salvation that day. There are so many more stories that could be shared but they all share a common theme: GOD at work. People were impacted by God last week, through people who are willing to say yes Lord here I am, Lord send me. Our team worked diligently cutting, carrying, and stacking logs for the fire of Revival that is sure to ignite in Chicago. Please join us in our prayers that the Holy Spirit will soon ignite a blaze that cannot be ignored.
Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?
Psalm 85:6
