Kids living on the streets. Gothic art. Homelessness. Homosexuality. Hello Chicago! The world that surrounds us right now is quite interesting...The people, the art, the looks we have received from people...it's all pretty interesting. We arrived in Boystown, Chicago at about 3:30 and walked in a single file line to the church. What a sight--25 people, all in red shirts with luggage walking down the sidewalks of Chicago. I think we took up an entire block at a time! As we were walking, we were able to get a glimpse of the community that we'll be ministering to this week. It's a very wealthy area, filled with young professionals and people who don't seem to have much need. They have the fashion, the fancy dogs, the high-paying jobs, the bright cars, and the look of "I'm doing just fine." But we know that inside, much of this community is indeed needy, and this void rests in the hearts of the men, women, and children. This void is for a Savior named Jesus Christ.
Our team spent time learning about the community as we went on a prayer walk through the neighborhood, led by one of the interns here. Right before we headed out, Neil prayed, "God, reign down your love on us and the people of Boystown." The team stepped outside, and the rain just poured down. The team ran back inside and were filled with laughter! I guess God does answer prayer. We just waited a bit and then tried it again. We were able to see the community a little bit closer as we looked at where the street kids live, the homosexual shops, the gothic art, and much more.
Tonight we discussed the darkness that we were seeing, feeling, and even listening to. The darkness we saw was: homosexuality, anger, sadness, hell-like images, being content in our sin, broken families. We discussed all of these needs, sins, and the dark places in peoples hearts. But then, we posed the question...Where do we see ourselves in this darkness? We struggled to not just see the "other" people needing Jesus and the gospel. It's funny how most of us see the need for the gospel, but we don't necessarily see our need for the gospel. So, before passing judgement so quickly on the others around us, we were able to stop and see the darkness in our own hearts and understand that our need for Jesus is great.
We're excited for our day tomorrow! We'll be heading to Belmont Harbor for our quiet time and off to meet and begin ministry by beginning conversations for the people of the community in the afternoon. We are pretty tired, but we think with some good rest tonight, we'll be ready to go tomorrow!
Please pray:
*Good and solid rest
*Courage and boldness as we meet people
*Safety
*A love of Jesus for the people here
*Good attitudes about not having our comforts so available