We had some incredible experiences and encounters during our week of outreach in Chicago, and I’m excited to share it with you. This is just a brief recap of the week, feel free to reach out to me if you want to get together and hear more about it! 
Day 1: Homeless Outreach and Prayer walks
The team arrived shortly after church and we shared lunch and then got the church set up to serve as our base of operations for the week. After dinner, we went out to meet with a homeless outreach initiative and share in their work. The team engaged in heartfelt conversations, lending a listening ear to the stories of the homeless, as well as individuals that we encountered on the street. During our prayer walks, we witnessed miraculous moments of transformation—a drug dealer found salvation, and a man with chronic back pain experienced divine healing. These encounters served as powerful reminders of the impact the Holy Spirit has in our lives, and how we can share that to impact the lives of others.
Day 2: Holy Spirit scavenger hunt
We started the day filling out the Holy Spirit scavenger hunt form in our 4 ministry groups. The activity involves recording a variety of characteristics of people that God might be leading the group to connect with that day, then as we go about the activities of the day, to seek out people who have those characteristics. We then headed out to a local McDonald’s, and each group started walking in a different direction. During this time, we encountered multiple people with characteristics from the scavenger hunt, including a woman with purple hair, a woman who possessed both the exact shoe size and name revealed during the scavenger hunt, and many other characteristics with varied degrees of specificity. The woman with a size 10 shoe happened to be a native Russian speaker, and the group of 4 that interacted with her, happened to have a member that spoke Russian and was able to have a conversation with the woman in her native language. After the walk we returned to McDonald’s where we shared a meal with patrons from all walks of life.
During the afternoon, we engaged in acts of service, cleaning sanctuary chairs while intentionally praying over each one. We also crafted encouragement cards to give to people we would encounter during our prayer walks later that day, or later in the week. 
Day 3: Venezuelan Ministry & Cloud Gate
In the morning, one team spent time doing a VBS for the children of the Venezuelan refugees at the District 20 police station. Another team undertook a laundry ministry, assisting individuals in need of clean clothes and basic necessities. Two teams embarked on prayer walks, interceding for the city and its inhabitants. In the afternoon, we took the L-train to Cloud Gate. We had multiple opportunities for prayer and ministry on the train, and then at Cloud Gate each team went out on prayer walks praying for people they would encounter, and handing out the encouragement cards that were crafted the day before.
We finished out the day participating in Night Church, which was an opportunity to hold a “pop-up” church service on the streets of Chicago. We handed out snacks and beverages, and worshiped the Lord with homeless and other residents of the area.
Day 4: Venezuelan Ministry
Continuing our ministry to the Venezuelan refugees, one team went shopping for essential items such as clothing and sleeping pads, while a 2nd team continued the VBS ministry from the previous day. Simultaneously, another team extended their laundry ministry, paying for and assisting patrons of a laundromat, in addition to washing, drying, and folding laundry for the Venezuelan refugees. The 4th team embarked on a prayer walk, seeking divine guidance and intervention. In the afternoon, we shifted our attention to District 25, further supporting the Venezuelan refugee community with prayer and providing necessary clothes. To celebrate our achievements and share moments of joy, we indulged in a Chicago-style pizza party at Lou Malnati’s—an experience that brought our team closer together.
Day 5: Responding to Crime and Venezuelan Ministry
On our final day, we engaged in a response to crime initiative, acknowledging the impact of criminal activities on individuals, families, and communities. At Location 1, we fervently prayed for the affected site, its victims, and their families. Communion was shared to sanctify the land and invoke healing and restoration. At Location 2, we offered personal support to the parents of two victims, sharing their pain and providing encouragement.
Once again, we prayed over the land, the perpetrators, and the surrounding neighborhood, believing that no matter how dark a situation may seem, God can use what the enemy intended for evil, for His good. In the afternoon, some teams continued their Venezuelan refugee ministry, this time at district 21, while others dedicated themselves to laundry ministry (at a different laundromat) and prayer walks.
Conclusion:
Our week of impactful outreach in Chicago was an extraordinary experience, filled with awe-inspiring encounters, healing moments, and meaningful connections. Through our actions and prayers, we sought to be vessels of God’s love, hope, and transformation. As we reflect on these remarkable days, our hearts overflow with gratitude for the privilege of making a difference in the lives of those we encountered. I hope that these stories inspire you to seek opportunities of outreach and compassion in your daily life, being an example God’s love to all of those you encounter.
