Coming together

God blessed our church with a wonderful time today to get together with Parkwood Baptist Church for a picnic and softball game. The time was not only unifying for our body, but also encouraging as we saw people who Jesus is in the process of changing and working through too...we are not the only Christians in this city and there are many thousands more than we know right now! Praise God!

God can use the smallest things

Dennis and I decided to go to a street corner to pass out Bible bookmarks that he had specially designed for that area. Although he was terrified about what people may think or the questions they could ask and I wasn't totally convinced in my mind that passing out bookmarks is all that hip and cool, God allowed us to overcome our fear of man by loving Him more. My hope is that God will use those small things in ways beyond my comprehension.

Busy, busy, busy

How easy it is to just be busy, but with the wrong things! Riding the bus, Carlos was on his way to work the evening shift at an upscale restaurant. He loves the city and when he isn't working he's enjoying all the festivals, events, parades, and celebrations. When we got to his spiritual life, he said that he didn't have time to think about that aspect of his life too much...how sad! God opened the door for me to explain the importance of studying Jesus in the Bible before life is over. Pray that he'll look to the only One who can save him - from the wrath he doesn't even know is against him and a meaningless existence here on earth.

More than a Bible...

George walked onto the bus carrying a fairly large Bible which looked like it had been read and studied extensively. Using his Bible as a way to start I conversation, I asked him if he was a Christian. To my surprised, he flat out said, "No." He said a Christian is a person who is like Christ, and I explained that a Christian desires to live like Jesus, but still messed up numerous times through the sanctification process. Then, he revealed that he also believes in Islam. Please ask God to show George that he can't serve two different masters.

A very kind Hindu

Bringing all his luggage with him, Labin took the same route back to his apartment as I took to work. He was even more friendly than many church members I've met when visiting different churches! We talked about many topics related to the city, one of them being its affections for certain religions and its spirituality. Pray that I was able to show him Jesus' love and that I actually cared for him as a person created in God's image, so that one day he will worship the one and only God - Jesus.

Jesus Tattoo...YEAH!

While riding the train to work, I noticed a man across from me with a tattoo that looked to be the face of Jesus with His crown of thowns. I asked Alandra why he had that tattoo, and he responded that he liked Jesus. Sadly, Alandra also said that he doesn't go to church even though he claims to have his own thing going on with Jesus. I questioned him a little further and found out that he does believe Jesus is the only way to salvation - what an encouraging response! Pray that God will give Alandra a desire to connect with other Christians by becoming part of a church here in Chicago.

Christian, but never read the Bible...really?

I met Robin on his way to O'hare to work the afternoon and evening shift at a ticket center. He professes to be a Christian and more specifically a Catholic, but also told me that he has never read the Bible, not even small bits and pieces of it. I explained the importance of reading God's revelation to us to him and what the Bible has done in my life. Then came my stop, and the Holy Spirit will have to do the work.

What obvious things we can miss!

Sharon and I got talking about how stupid we can be at times and miss the most obvious things. I shared my story about getting locked in a Porche and being unable to find the door hand or ignition. Then, I told her about how ignorant we, as humans, are to not see God. Pray that God will take that small seed and cause it to grow.

Joseph Update

Wonderfully, God opened up a door for me to talk with Joseph today while the parking lot wasn't too busy. Joseph shared how he grew up as a Methodist in the Philippines and how he knows most of the Bible stories. Sadly, I sense that he may be a religious dude, but not a Christian. Pray that he will think about the importance of a relationship with Jesus.

Yep, yep, yep

While commuting to work today, I sat next to and talked with Miguel. He considers himself a devout Catholic. I tried to pry into exactly what he believes, but the only answer I could get from him was, "Yep." I shared the Gospel message with him, and he said he believed it. Pray that his confession is true.

NO, NO, NO other way to salvation

Right after I finished preaching from Acts 4 concerning Jesus as the only way to salvation and making a huge deal that a person can't get salvation any other way except through Jesus, Paulina came up to me and told me that she thought there are other ways. In as kind a manner as I know how, I reiterated that the Bible is 100% clear that there is only one way to salvation and His name is Jesus. Later, Tamra and Grace were able to minister to Paulina's physical needs by helping her fill out two employment applications. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will do the work in Paulina heart!

Coming to church? MayBo

While manning the door in front of the church, I met Bo as he walked by right before our 10am Sunday School was about to start. He was surprised to find a Baptist church in the area and said he'll come back in the next couple weeks. Please pray that he will!

He looks tough...scary

On my way home, I sat next to Dre, a guy at least twice my size with the appearance of a tough, tough guy. At first, I was going to sit in peace and just wait until my stop, but God laid a burden on me to share the Gospel with Dre. We started talking about the big Cubs/Sox series this weekend, and we ended by talking about Jesus, the Bible, and Christianity. He thinks he has his own thing going on with Jesus, but he isn't too interested in going to church or reading the Bible. I encouraged him to read the Bible to find out what it actually says about Jesus - the real Jesus, that is, not the one of Dre's own creation. Pray that the real Dude will draw this dude to Himself.

Another Christian at work...maybe?

Joseph is an extremely nice and moral guy to work with at the parking lot. Until today, I hadn't talked much with him about spiritual things even though we had discussed many big issues. In the course of our conversation, he asked me whether Jews who believe in Judaism can go to heaven, and I replied, "No." He really seems to understand Christianity, but I haven't yet figured out if he's just knowledgeable about what Christians believe or if he actually is one. Pray that we'll be able to have more God-brought discussions.

Messed Up!!!

On my way to Navy Pier to discuss Psalm 2 with Charles, I sat next to a guy in a McDonald's uniform on the bus. Immediately, we started talking about our jobs and this great city. When I brought up Jesus, Brendon asked me why I wanted to talk with him. God led me to just be straight up with Brendon and tell him that I wanted to introduce him to the greatest person and gift of all - Jesus. Brendon surely didn't mind talking, but he explained all his weird, pagan beliefs about how Jesus never existed, the Bible came from these old tales, etc. Pray that Brendon will see the error of his thinking and come wholeheartedly to Jesus.

Life: Just Working?

Though we only met for a couple minutes, Bethany and I were able to talk about the meaning in life. Sadly, all that seemed to occupy her life was work. She hadn't ever thought seriously about anything religious and even hadn't read bits and pieces of the Bible (most non-Christians still have). God privileged me to go through a quick synopsis of the Gospel message with her, and then I was off the bus. Pray that God will work despite the brevity of the time I was able to talk with Bethany.

Someday I'll get around to Jesus...

After spending part of the day in the downtown area looking for a job, Tim made his way home on the Blue Line - where I met up with him. He is just a normal guy who has lived in the city all his life, went to Wisconsin for a vacation, and cheers for the Cubs. When I told him that I go to Bible college, he said that one of his sons graduated from Moody. What a lead into a spiritual discussion! The problem for Tim is that he doesn't have the commitment to Jesus that his sons have. He thinks he can have his thing going on with God, but just not be doing anything about it right now. He said one day he'll get serious about God again, so I encouraged him to make that day today. Pray that Tim will realize that he can't hide from God even when he's away from his sons.

Praise & Prayer

On the 6:30am bus today, I met someone I never expected to even be awake that early. Brian, the man Pastor and I visited a couple weeks ago, was riding back from O'Hare because God has blessed him with a much-needed job there. He talks very openly with me and please pray that I could get into more of his life to either help him see his need of a real relationship with Jesus or help him grow in the relationship he may already have.

Rough Neighborhood

I met Ryan while waiting for a bus ride back from church. I looked like a freak - carrying a whole bunch of books, a laptop, and some other tech stuff. For some odd reason, he started up a conversation with me while I was trying to decide on the songs for next Sunday. Ryan lives in one of the worst low-income housing projects in the city - just a couple blocks from our church. He hates the area and tries to stay away from all the dangerous people living around him. I told him that not only do I not smoke pot, but that I'm also a Christian. Then, I explained that what the city as a whole and he as an individual really need - Jesus. Jesus is the only one who can transform both Chicago and Ryan!

On the way to church...

While waiting for the train today, I started talking with Josephina; she told me that she was on her way to Moody Church - a doctrinally-sound church here in River North. We had a great conversation about how she met Jesus and what God has been doing in both of our lives. What a refreshment!

Creating Community

Jesus blessed our church with a wonderful time of fellowship at a cookout at Erik and Erika Eloe's house. Despite the difficulties of location, logistics, and travel; we were able to work on building community among our group. In a city where most people feel lonely and isolated, the church should be a place where people can build relationships and grow together in Jesus. All the glory to Jesus!

Jesus draws Catholic to Himself

Considering the numerous deceived Catholics I've met in the last month, Kimberly encouraged me that Jesus not only can, but is changing lives. Kimberly grew up Catholic, but religion was just a Sunday thing for her, not something that impacted her everyday life. Just a couple years ago, someone who works with her at Bloomingdale's invited her to come to Harvest Bible Chapel - where she met Jesus! Now, she loves the preaching because it applies the Bible to real life, and she enjoys serving in various different outreach ministries with the church. All the glory to Jesus!

Southside schools...yikes!

Kim came onto the train this morning carrying her iced coffee, of which she is an avid drinker. She was excited since the last day of school had finally come. As I learned more about the southside school where she teaches, my heart became burdened for the kids and teens there. Nobody at home gives them attention. Nobody invests in their lives just out of love. Nobody seems to care about them. They so desperately need Christians who are willing to get into their lives, show Jesus' love to them, and tell them about the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ. Also, pray for Kim; she loves students, but isn't too big on anythings considered religious or spiritual.

Communication Difficulties

I met Jorge on the bus today, and he seemed like a friendly, personable guy. The tough part of our conversation was that I had couldn't understand much of what he was saying because of his accent and broken English. God did allow me to make out the gist of where he is at spiritually in that he has never really thought deeply about eternal things. Since I couldn't understand everything he was saying, I just presented the Gospel and left it at that. Pray that the Spirit will give Jorge a thirst for Jesus!

Rough day for Demano

Today, I was called over to cover a couple hours of Demano's shift while he went to the hospital for a heart-related issue. As if that health issue wasn't frustrating enough, when he was released from the hospital, his car wouldn't start. Demano found a man who would try to jump start his car, but that didn't work either, so the man helped push his car to an area out of the way. Right as Demano was going to reach into his wallet, the man said that he didn't want any money. Demano asked the man if the man was a Christian, and he replied that he was! What a blessing to have another Christian living out Jesus' love right in front of Demano!

Hip and cool...but where's Jesus?

Shawn seemed like a really cool dude, but to my surprise he wanted to talk, even about spiritual matters. He just moved to Chicago and is looking for a job right now. He graduated with a sports medicine degree and obviously wants to use it. He was raised Catholic, but no longer faithful goes to Mass now that he is on his own. I explained to him his problem and why he desperately needs Jesus. Pray that he won't be too cool to receive Jesus!

Many ethnic backgrounds; still one Jesus

As I glanced at the lady sitting next to me on the train, I realized she was reading a Spanish magazine. Wondering if she even spoke English, I asked her about what she was reading. Carmen turned out to be a nice woman who immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic. She grew up with a mixture of Pentecostal and Catholic influence, but she isn't extremely committed to Christianity or religion in general. I brought her to what the Bible says about Jesus and salvation, and then she had to leave. Pray that her life will be radically transformed by Jesus!

Religion and Jesus

Carrying two old chairs on the bus, Matt looked like quite an interesting guy. He is currently working on a graduate degree, and he told me that he received a comparative religions undergraduate degree. He knows plenty about the Old and New Testaments and has even done some of his own archeology. The sad part is that his knowledge hasn't done anything for him. He believes that Jesus is an inspiring figure, but not the one and only God. Through his extensive knowledge of world religions, he tries to find truths in every belief system and develop his own eclectic form of spirituality. Pray that he will meet the living Jesus!

A Buddhist and a Christian

Within about half an hour, I met two people with almost the opposite beliefs. First, Jakamano is a Buddhist who moved to the States a year ago. He doesn't go to the temple as often while in America, but still considers himself a devout Buddhist. He had to leave right as I was starting to explain Christianity, but God is in full control of the timing. On the other hand, I met a Korean college student named Catherine. She loves Jesus and believes that He is the only way to God. She witnesses a little bit through a Christian fellowship on campus, but I encouraged her to ask God for greater boldness in sharing the good news of Jesus.

Jesus the Messiah

While waiting for the Red Line train to come, I had an opportunity to talk with Carol. Being a retired teacher and avid sports fan, she was on her way to the Sox game this afternoon. Somewhere throughout our conversation I told her I am a Christian, and she responded that she is a Jew. She claims to go to the synagogue once in a while, but by her own admission isn't strong in Judaism. I explained to her that I, as a Christian, believe that Jesus is the Messiah who fulfilled all the Old Testament messianic prophesies. She said that she would be tough to convert, but God can change even a heart of stone!

God can bring them in

After receiving fliers on Saturday, Paulina and Dennis came to Sunday School and the morning service today. Paulina is looking for a job and is living meal-to-meal right now. She doesn't seem to have a relationship with Jesus, but she is very interested in coming back especially to our fellowship meals and homeless ministry. Dennis is retired and living just a couple blocks from church. He showed a lot of interest in our evangelism program because he truly desires to be a bold witness for Jesus. Also, praise God that Michelle came to our Sunday services for the first time and Hector's brother Alehandra (sp?), who isn't a Christian, came too!

Passing out church fliers

Praise God for the team from Village Baptist Church that helped pass out fliers for over 3 hours today! We were able to contact many interested people and hopefully a few of them will come to church in then next month, years, or maybe even years...and then come to Jesus - our ultimate goal and joy!

YOU NEED JESUS!!!

While riding the bus today, God especially burdened my heart to talk to this guy in his twenties right next to me. I found out that Juan was on his way to work because he gets Sunday and Wednesday off each week. He said he goes to church once in a while and considers himself to be somewhat spiritual. I explained my relationship to Jesus with him and then asked him if he had that kind of a relationship. He said, "No." Then, the Holy Spirit led me to be frank with Juan and encourage him by telling him how much he is missing without Jesus - the greatest gift for him and the entire city!

Update on Demano

Demano went to the hospital for his eye procedure today and came back to work a little bit later than he expected. When he returned, I continued my shift for another half-hour and was able to talk with him about Jesus. He has went to a variety of churches and has come to the conclusion that all he needs to do is be a good person. I was able to explain some of the Gospel to him, and please pray that I will be assigned to his parking lot again to continue our conversation.

Grumpy Servant?

When I sat down on the train, I thought I had sat next to the wrong person. Amy looked upset at life and a horrible candidate with which to try to start up a conversation. I had the guts, though, to try to talk with her. She was mad at the subway, mad at work, and probably more things than just those. She works for the city in the environmental and waste department even though she really doesn't like the city. She told me she has come into contact with many churches through her job and that she is convinced that she doesn't need to go to one. She is persuaded that serving the city in her role makes her a good enough person. Please pray that she will realize her own goodness is like filthy rags and that she needs Jesus' righteousness.

Many interpretations...sure!

On the train home from downtown, I got talking with a stage manager named John. He has been a Catholic ever since he was young, and he claims to be very faithful in attending Mass. I started to explain who Jesus is and how He is the only way to salvation. John just said that everyone has his or her own interpretation and that he was glad I had mine. I told him that certain truths which the Bible is explicit concerning aren't up for anyone's interpretation. Right as I was getting deeper into the Gospel, John had to get off the train, but pray that our small conversation will have a lasting impact in his life.

Talkin' about prophesy

God opened a door to talk about Him even when I had no clue it was coming. I was sent over to learn from Demano before I cover part of his shift tomorrow while he has an eye appointment. While explaining the responsibilities at the garage, he showed me a magazine about prophesy he had been reading. We talked for a little bit about it and pray that he has/will have a relationship with the God and object of prophesy, Jesus, and that he doesn't just enjoy the fantasy and mystery of prophesy without that wonderful relationship.

Quieres voy a ir a Mexico?

After talking with my supervisor, I found out that I'm going to spend the next 3 weeks at a garage filling in while Roberto is on vacation. While Roberto was showing me around today, I was able to get to talk with him about spiritual things. When Roberto found out that I go to a Bible college and that I attend church every Sunday, he thought that I was doing that right thing because I would stay out of trouble. I explained to him that just going to church doesn't make a person good. Besides, some of the worst sinners in the world go to church! Just as I started to tell him about why I want to do good things, my the garage manager Robinson piped in and supported what I was saying. Praise God for another Christian at the parking lot! Pray that while in Mexico Roberto will think about what I said about Jesus while and then I'll be able to talk more with him when he returns.

Something to think about...

Freddie was on the Blue Line train today on his way to the UIC. He came over from Guatemala 20 years ago, and has been working for many different types of employers before deciding to attend medical school. He said that he hasn't thought much about eternity or spiritual things and that he has only read bits and pieces of the Bible. Pray that God through my words would cause Freddie to study out what the Gospel is, and that he would be drawn to Jesus.

Go to church & still need Jesus

What providence! God allowed me to get on the same bus as Mark today. The odds are certainly against something like this happening, but we serve the God of the impossible! Mark has just started coming to River North Baptist Church these last two Sundays. He has left church early both weeks, but this past Sunday I was able to connect with him a little bit and start to get into his life. He dislikes the living conditions at the YMCA, and as a church, we are praying he will find a full-time job. Even more than a job though, he needs to meet Jesus. Please pray!

Think about eternity

On my first time going to a parking lot near Michigan Avenue, I met Pedro on the 66 bus. Being on his way to work as a chef, he was very personable. Sadly, his life is overwhelmed with work and busyness, but he doesn't know the direction he's going in. He admitted that he hasn't thought about eternity much and doesn't have time to go to church. I explained that Jesus is the only reason I have to live each day. He told me he has only read a little bit of the Bible, so I encouraged him to read the whole story. Pray that God will make him contemplate Himself and eternity.

Why the church?

Dan, a carpenter, was riding the the train to see his children and grandchildren today. He professes to be a Christian and has been "church hopping" for most of his life. When he lived in the suburbs, he went to Willow Creek and loved the church. Now, he goes to a nondenominational church on the north side. He seems to love that within a church body there is community - a God-given blessing, but definitely not something to elevate above the Gospel. Pray that he will get involved in serving God, not just being served by different churches.

God knows...

At our Sunday night Pizzology ministry, God privileged me by giving me the opportunity to talk with Judge while we were eating pizza after the video and Gospel presentation. I noticed that he stayed awake throughout the entire video (quite a feat contrasted to the concentration of most of the guys). He wanted to talk and was fairly open with me about some of the struggles of being a homeless man in Chicago. Judge said all the right "Christianese" words, but I don't know for certain if he has that saving relationship with Jesus. Isn't it wonderful that God, not us will determine who truly is a Christian and who is just faking it?

Real or Fake?

Today, Donald attended our morning church services. I didn't recognize him, but he seemed to fit in like he had been to River North Baptist Church before (even though he hadn't). After the prayer time, he stayed around, and we were able to get to know each other. Donald is homeless right now, and he told me of a couple of the things that have happened to him which have scarred his life. I offered to take him out for lunch, so we went to Quizno's and ate humongous subs. He talked all the right talk and appeared to be genuine, but it is so tough to know for sure. Pray that he will see that God loves to show mercy!

Is Jesus the only way?

I met Steven on the gorgeous Millennium Park bridge. He has a religious background, but seems to be in the period of time where he's deciding whether to hold it as his own. Although he professed to be a Christian and knew most of the right doctrine, he also said that Jesus wasn't the only way and that people can get to God through other religions, beliefs, and perspectives. Pray that the Holy Spirit would change his thinking about Jesus and make a relationship with that Jesus a reality if He hasn't yet done it already.

Reform or Regeneration?

I talked to Brenda while she was waiting in Millennium Park for her favorite Gospel music group to take the stage later during the day. She seemed like she wanted to change and be a moral person, but it was tough to tell if she actually had a relationship with the living Jesus. God allowed me to go through His entire plan for salvation with her, and Daniel challenged her to go home and think about the things she had heard. Pray that she will meditate on the cross and the right response she needs to have to it.

Messed Up

Daniel (one of my roommates) and I went out witnessing at the Gospel Music Festival on Saturday, and the first guy we met was Tony. He was open to talking and was very honest with us. Sadly, his views on Jesus, the Bible, and salvation are totally messed up. He thinks he is Jesus! I was able to give him my testimony and tell him what Christians truly believe - that the Jesus of the Bible is the only way to God. He admitted he has had some mental issues lately, so pray that God will allow him to think clearly and reasonably. Also, pray that his sinful lifestyle will show him that life isn't worth living for himself and that he desperately needs Jesus.