Thursday, July 17, 2008

Feeding the homeless

Today was HOT!!!! The highest temperature we heard was 93 degrees!!! The team was stretched physically and emotionally. We headed downtown to feed the poor and homeless. The conversations were eye-opening and the stories were heart-breaking. After we offered each person food we asked if we could pray for them. Most people were grateful for the prayers. Some were bursting for joy but a few turned us down.

The team has been talking about the impact the day had on them. There are some major themes that have come out as the group has talked about our experiences. These are all thoughts our students have pulled from the things we've done.
  1. Be Passionate! Let your passion for God overflow so much others can't help but notice Christ in you.
  2. We are self-centered. We have much to be thankful for and we often take it for granted.
  3. Do not judge! We want to learn how to see others through the eyes of Christ.
We ended out day with a surprise birthday party for Hanna. We celebrated with cupcakes, cookies from Pakistan and Sugar-coated fennel seeds we bought in Little India. After that it was off to the pool to cool off from the long day.

Congratulations to Nick and Sue for being the first to post a comment. Your prize was a huge cheer from our students on the bus. We loved the comments from Dave's family too...even though we had no clue what they said. Keep the comments and prayers coming! We are thankful you are a part of our team and very thankful we have your support.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Chicago Team...You are all so INCREDIBLE. It sounds like you are doing an AWESOME job showing the people of Chicago how much they matter to GOD! I am SOOOOOOOO proud of each of you for giving your time, talents, and love. You are making a huge impact. Keep up the good work.

LOVE YOU ALL!!! Tammy

Anonymous said...

Hey Guys,
What a way to serve. i am so proud of you all. You guys could be doing a hundred other things this summer to serve yourselves but you are voluntarily choosing to serve others in "1000" degree weather. Your service is speaking volumes to our whole church, not to mention those you directly come in contact with. Run Strong and know i am praying for you.

Big hug to you all, especially the cute green eyed brunette named Sammy P.
yours, leslie petersen

Anonymous said...

Hey all! I am so proud of all of you! I really respect the fact that you are out there giving of yourselves. I am proud to know ya!
Hi Alexandria, I hope Harley made it!
LOVE & Prayers
The Bowers' family

Anonymous said...

Hey Everyone!!!
What a great thing you are all doing, way to set an example for how to follow Christ!! Your all making such a huge impact on so many peoples lives, keep up the good work!! Sending my prayers to you all!! Your my hero Sammy Petersen!!
Love, Rachel and Avery!!

Megan Stevens said...

wow you are truly amazing! i don't really remember who all's going except for sam P and Alex B... but i love you all! I so wish i was there! it sounds fun and moving and like god is doing amazing things through you! i'm SO coming next year!
Love ya!
Megan

Phil said...

You guys are AMAZING! I am so excited about what God is doing in you all and through you.
Keep loving each other, your leaders, the people you meet, and Jesus.
Love you guys! Can't wait to see you and hear the stories! Know that you are all being lifted up to Jesus in many prayers!
See all of you Wednesday night at the Bible Study!