Even though the work was exhausting at times, the students appreciated their work and enjoyed the privilege of working beside a wonderful man of God, Pastor Bell. Pastor Bell's ministry has been a favorite site for both recent trips to Chicago.
Groups 3 & 4 continued their work at separate YMCA's where they read books to children, played on the playground with them and even decorated the classroom doors. During a quick trip for ethnic beverages at a nearby McDonalds, Karen gave an impromptu devotional on Matthew 25 when Jesus tells a story about a shepherd isolating the sheep from the goats. The McDonalds devotional turned out to be foreshadowing as the director of at the soup kitchen in which these groups served quoted the exact same verses that Karen read earlier in the day.
Groups 3 & 4 also did a prayer walk through the Uptown neighborhood where they learned about the infamous Blood Alley and how Cornerstone Community Outreach has taken it upon themselves to bring light to this once dark area, both figuratively and literally. Another highlight of the Uptown area is the reconciliation mural that has become a rallying point of the neighborhood.
Group 1 spent part of the afternoon doing an ethnic plunge in a very culturally diverse area of the city. The students were challenged to learn about the different languages spoken and cultures represented and the struggles that each of them face. Following the ethnic plunge, they enjoyed a Peruvian dinner before heading to a homeless men's shelter.
While at the shelter, they were able to interact with the temporary residents and learned that each one of them had a story to tell. This group of students came dragging back to the housing site at 10:30 p.m. to get some well-deserved sleep.
One common theme of the trip has been excellent ethnic food. Group 2 was overwhelmed by the hospitality of the staff at Sabor Latino, a Puerto Rican restaurant. The owner even came running out to the van and said "You can't leave without giving me a hug!" Groups 3 & 4 dined together at Silver Seafood, which is a Chinese restaurant.
During our debriefing session at the end of the night, it was clear that the Spirit is moving within our students. They are asking lots of good questions and are starting to recognize what God is laying on their hearts. We are challenging them to find ways that they can be sure the lessons learned this week don't stay in Chicago.
Highlights from the day:
- "The homeless people at the soup kitchen reciprocated the respect they were given. You could tell how appreciative they were to have a hot meal and someone to talk to."
- "Preach the gospel at all times and, if you must, use words" - St. Francis
- "Jim needs to speak with me in the kitchen."
Wednesday's agenda includes our free day after serving at the morning ministry sites. The weather forecast doesn't look very conducive to outdoor activities so it looks like we might have to move on to Plan B.
Things you can be praying for:
- Pastor Bell's ministry in south Chicago
- Leadership in the Uptown neighborhood has put up roadblocks for some ministry partners.
- Support for the growing homeless population in Chicago
- An end to the violence that is rampant on the streets of the city.
- Safe travels for our groups as they venture out into the city to go to ministry sites.
Thanks for the updates. It's good to know specific prayer requests and to see the kids serving.
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