Day 6 in Chicago

I just thought I was tired a few days ago! Our team prayer walked today on the Loyola University campus and it was simply beautiful! It sits right on Lake Michigan, so we didn't have to be persuaded in the least bit! For a time, we sat by the waters edge and prayed for students walking by and that their hearts would be open to the truth we know in Christ. Being the largest Catholic university, there are very few opportunities to share, no Baptist Student Unions, or much influence at all. There is a great need for Baptist churches in that area to minister to these students.

As I sat by the water today, it was a great time for me to reflect on the goodness of God and how He has used "storms" in my life to draw me closer to Him. He has tested my faith, called me out on the water, and never once let me down. Although I know I let Him down so many times, He takes the mistakes I make and teaches me how to use them for His glory. If nothing else, this trip has taught me that I need to be more dependent on Christ and less dependent on myself and my husband. He must increase and I must decrease.

After a great, fattening lunch at "Five Guys" our team split up to cover the last part of our trip. Some of us went back to North Center for more data collection and the others went back to the UIC campus to hand out more flyers for Immanuel Baptist Church. Chuck and I went with the North Center group and I promise, we walked miles and miles and miles. That's pretty much been our source of exercise this week! We finished up the day with Chinese food and a quick meeting with Chris Wright, who works from the IBSA church planting team. He is now trying to recruit us all to move to Chicago and plant churches!!!

With today being the last "official" work day in the city (tomorrow we'll do some sight-seeing) I am more than thankful for the opportunity to have experienced "city life" and truly blessed by the efforts here to win people to Christ. Continue to pray that God would raise up leaders here and send strong Christians to do the work that needs to be done. We all have a place in ministry. I pray that YOU know where yours is!