Wow, how time flies as stop #7 of 200 is now in the history books with 193 to go.
Each stop to date has shown itself to be distinctly different and Chicago is a really Big City, at least to me. Chicago has the same elements of most cities just somewhat oversized. So many more people than I had imagined to date and all of them needing JESUS!!! Much to my dismay from the very first day and thereafter the rolling billbord and the cross were met with laughter, mockery and scorn. It was evident that I had left the Bible Belt and Oh, how I missed the power of the Cross that drew so many in days past. So much for the icebreaker that I had come to depend on. Now it seemed much more was left up to me and I had become somewhat discouraged at my frail attempts. Now I have seen more clearly, how small I am and how much more I’m dependent on GOD for all things!
Chicago Downtown
On Wednesday I was a bit refreshed as I attended prayer service at The Moody Church. There I met many brothers and sisters that encouraged me and that was exactly what the doctor ordered.
Then I went back to the streets of downtown Chicago and by the way did I tell you it’s a really Big City? People going in every direction all looking for something and sadly I say it was not JESUS, this at least not to my discernment. On most every corner was a street act of some sort, all of which took a degree of talent and boldness. (See picture).
Chicago Street Talent (Robotics)
So I took to the streets to share JESUS by way of using every business technique I had learned, this just to get people to look at me and then to take the message of the gospel by way of a tract. Since many would not accept the smile and kind words along with the gospel tract, I decided to try another way to share JESUS. Have I told you that the name of my home Sunday school class is, Bold Witness? Okay I’ll get on with the story. I stood near the corner where dozens of people gathered to wait about 2 minutes and twelve seconds for the walk sign to flash so they could cross the street. So can you say; speak loud and share the Gospel in about 2 minutes? Well that was easy to say, how about you try it? Please if I may suggest that you use a gospel tract as a outline as this will help one stay on task despite the best attempts of hecklers to disrupt the message. And that I may not lead you to believe otherwise, I did this less than a dozen times and was exhausted. I believe much in part was due to the stress involved mentally (staying focused) and more the stress of speaking loudly with Passion and Love! I’m sure that if I did this on a regular basis it would help. Please pray that I will allow the Holy Spirit to use me this way more often. Thank you!
By the way I miss my brother; The Street Warrior (Kris) from Louisville, Kentucky and I ask you all to pray that GOD will send more like Him or even better ones to join ranks along the narrow way!! (I added that part about better ones just in case Kris reads this as not to cause his head to swell). Thanks again!
This week there came no rain to slow me down. It was the lack of Christians that had taken it’s toll on me. Thank GOD that on Saturday I met up with such a man and was told of a local church body that was purely evangelical. So on Sunday I attended Worship Service at, North Suburban Evangelical Free Church. (Try writing that each week on your offering check.) Sorry about that, anyway the corporate worship is what I was first taken by. Not that it was a big emotional show, but rather an intimate unity gathering of praise to GOD The Father, JESUS The Son and The HOLY SPIRIT. Then without much to do the Message was given by Pastor Dick Loizeaux which was entitled: Surviving a Spiritual High. This to do with coming down from the Mountain Top expierence with GOD to living in the Valley and sharing the Glory of GOD with others all the while remembering the Mountain Top expierence to keep us going in the valley. Can you see just how appropriate this message and the timing of it was for me. Sounds like GOD to me! Then the service finished as it started, with intimate worhip. Afterwards I was privileged to meet many more brothers and sisters that I did’nt have to seek out. (Which I don’t mind seeking) I left with much more than I came with and then to top it off, I received a phone call from one of the members that I had met only an hour or two earlier and was invited to their home for dinner. Wow thats cool and by the way I said, Yes!
Now 6 hours later: Thank GOD for Charles and Christina. The fellowship that for days I’ve longed for. This and the home cooking too!
Charles and Christina
P.S. My impression was that this Church body has a passion for GOD and mankind that is most Christ like. (Please if you may have the opportunity visit this local church body and see for yourself. northsub.com)
P.S.S. They are looking for a fulltime pastor as they have been without for months.
Now I make ready to travel northwest of Chicago for my 4th and final stop in Illinois. I do not know where the next stop will be, but God willing I will update you about this time next week.
The week here has come and gone and unlike the others past I do not find it hard to leave. But I take stock in the fact that I have been light and salt and that GOD will provide the increase. I have much hope that someday soon I will see the result of the efforts made here. To GOD, Be the Glory now and forever!!! Amen
May the LORD bless You, keep You and make HIS Face to Shine upon You! In the name of JESUS! Amen.
Agape, david
Contact Email: david@hiscall888.com
For Ministry Information, Call Kris @ (502) 594-0451