It's finally here!

HORAY!!!!

Carlyn and I have been waiting and praying for weeks for this trip, the participants and all that the Lord has in store. 

Sunday night our team of 22 arrived in Chicago. They drove all the way from Texas spending about 25 hours in vans.

There are 9 girls and 13 guys ranging in ages 14 up to mid 30's. We are so excited for the week ahead!Last night we got acquainted with the team, had some dinner with some of the church members and got to ask pastor Rob some questions and get to know him.

This week we are serving with Dunamis Life Church here in Chicago, which is also where we are staying. Dunamis(Formerly known as new life), The Greek dunamis is used 120 times in the New Testament. Loosely, the word refers to “strength, power, or ability.” How cool is that? The power and strength of the body of Christ coming together as this church in the city of Chicago. 

We will also be serving at Pacific Garden Mission every day. If you don't know about pacific garden it is a homeless shelter here in Chicago. "Pacific Garden Mission is the oldest, continuously operating rescue mission in the country." How incredible is that? They have various programs from helping people kick substance abuse, spiritual growth and character building, women and children ministry, prayer ministries, and they also feed and clothe the homeless that come through their building including giving them a place to sleep at night and showers every day. What a cool ministry to have the opportunity to be involved in!

Right now we have about 5 boys working on the apartment upstairs here at the church and the rest of the team is at pacific garden setting up beds with sheets and pillows. Around lunch time they will go work in the kitchen and have the chance to interact more with some of the people.

We are all looking forward to the many different ministries that we can be involved with this week and all of the ways that the Lord will lead us. Please be in prayer for our team, the ministries we are working with and the hearts of everyone involved. 

Here are a few pictures:

The girls are sleeping in the church welcome center

The boys sleep in the sanctuary.

Last night after ministry we went out to a local place and got italian ice. Yum!

We finished off the night with some games, a time of debrief, prayer and worship. 

Thanking the Lord for His abundant provision this week and all the many ways He shows His love through us!!