Tears All Around
Our last week in Chicago has come and gone! A bittersweet realization of our last moments as a team with many tears, laughter, and fond memories to look back upon as we all move forward.
Our last week we had two teams. One from Toronto, Canada and one from Michigan for a total of sixty-five people to facilitate throughout the week. It was pretty crazy!!
These last few groups got to be apart of some awesome moments.
Teams D & E got to spend two days at a homeless mission helping to serve food and make beds; whereas, teams A, B, & C took up the mantle of each location for Safe Haven (New Life, Buen Pastor, and Maranatha). They all got impacted in mighty ways!
Lady time
Tag! Run Abby RUN!!
Ninja in the alley
Random events:
Helping stack boxes of shirts!
Deep cleaning the kitchen
Team A was with me at New Life Pilsen and Sergio, who runs the Safe Haven program at the church opened up the doors even more to the team being able to share about God and His LOVE through Jesus Christ, His Son!
Little random prayer time
Talking about the Kingdom
I was floored and amazed to how well they responded with the tasks set before them. To be honest, I was completely proud of them by the end of the week.
On Thursday night, during our testimony time, one of the young men in the group stood up to share that two kids from the program at New Life came into a relationship with Christ. I sort of could guess which two, but asked, "what are their names?' He responded, "Juan (the older Juan) and Christian." I…I teared up right there as those were definitely two of the young boys I knew God was chasing after from week one!
Chad and Christian. Thanks Chad for your boldness!
Praise the Lord!!
I wasn't ready for the next part…
Three of the ladies working with Team A stood up to tell us all that there were more kids saved earlier in the day mentioning Daisy, Nelly and a few other names.
It took everything I could not to get up and walk out of the room to just sit and cry happy tears from God's goodness and faithfulness to mine and Brittany's prayers all summer!! Wow!!
He is SOOO good!!!
Block Party:
Sidewalk chalk
Sidewalk chalk
Face painting
Water balloons: aerial attack!
Pi
Spiritual moves:
Hungry for the Word
What to take home?
Prayer mosaic
Now, our time has come to a close in Chicago and I can assure you there were tears all around from every single one of us from having to say goodbye! However, I know this is not the end for either myself nor any of my teammates from this summer! I know each one of them will go on to bigger and better things. They have the capability and heart to do so!
Hard goodbyes
Chicago: I may have had to say goodbye for now, but I know God has great plans for you and especially for all those still at New Life Pilsen Church! Keep running the race and never give up! You are moving mountains and making a difference! Stay strong! Much love and blessings your way! 😀
P.S.~ To our two groups, thank you for your hard work and service this past week! God used you mightily and I hope you will all continue forward advancing His Kingdom wherever He may lead you! Thank you so much for answering the call and taking up the challenges set before you during our week together!
To our family at New Life Pilsen Church, thank you for your love and support of us as a team and incorporating us into the family! We could NOT have done any of this without you and your hearts to serve us and love on us! Thank you so much!! I know God is going to show up mightily in Chicago because of each one of you! Continue in the faith and do NOT let the enemy steal your joy! God loves you!
To my team (Tommy, Tracy, Brittany, Katie, Dan) thank you for your hearts and your ability to love and support me, even in some of my more troublesome times! You are ALL amazing leaders and servants of God! Sons and Daughters to the core and it was an extreme pleasure working with each one of you! Just so you know….Party on!!! 😀
Family! Love ya'll!
