At the end of June, Kevin, AJ, and I had the honor of leading our fifth mission trip to Pilsen, Chicago, alongside a vibrant and passionate team of 46 participants from Nappanee Missionary Church (NMC) in Indiana. Year after year, we return with expectant hearts—and God never fails to meet us there.
From the moment the bus rolled in on Saturday—packed with joy, anticipation, clothes, and supplies to give away—we knew this week would be different!
We partnered again with our beloved friends at Bethel Temple in Chicago, a ministry rooted deep in the heart of Pilsen’s diverse community. The trip kicked off with a moving act of service—joining Brother Chuyi, a local (a former homeless and alcoholic) in feeding the homeless before Sunday service. We handed out tamales, champurrado, and hot coffee to our neighbors on the streets, warming their hands and hearts. And yes, we enjoyed some tamales ourselves—because food shared in love is holy too.
After church, the street outside Bethel Temple transformed into a place of joy and connection. Our team hosted a community cookout, with some members walking the neighborhood to share the gospel and invite people to join us. Others stayed behind, managing the clothes drive, listening to people’s stories, and offering the kind of love that doesn’t come with strings attached—just open ears and open hearts.
That morning, Chuyi shared a powerful prophetic word from Luke 5:37-39: “And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins.” He called our team new wine—not bound by tradition or mere ritual, but alive, elastic, and ready to stretch under pressure. He reminded us that old wineskins burst when filled with new wine—but not this team. This team was different. And he was right.
On Monday, we headed downtown to The Bean. But this wasn’t a sightseeing trip—it was a divine appointment. Armed with prayer and a burning desire to be used by God, our team stepped out in boldness to share Christ in the city. A heatwave scorched the streets, but instead of discouraging the team, it seemed to ignite their passion even more.
That afternoon, we served at Devon Oasis, a refuge for mostly Middle Eastern families. We laughed with children, played sports with teens, offered tired moms a moment to breathe, and cooled off with Popsicles and a water balloon “fight.” In that park, surrounded by cultures and faiths so different from our own, we experienced a unity only the Spirit of God could weave. Joy transcended language, race, and religion.
Tuesday came quickly. That morning, five teams walked the surrounding neighborhood, inviting people to our worship night and praying over the homes they passed. That afternoon we set up at a busy intersection and gave away clothes, backpacks filled with toiletries, and, most importantly, prayers. The presence of God was thick. We were sowing seeds with every step.
But nothing could have prepared us for what happened that night. Worship was outdoors. The air was hot. The grill was hotter. But our spirits—they were on fire!!!
Nine people gave their lives to Jesus. One person re-dedicated their walk with the Lord. Another was anointed and commissioned to go to the nations. As music soared and hands lifted, something holy fell on that corner of Pilsen. The homeless, students, addicts, and believers danced and sang together—unapologetically free.
Across the street stood the local satanic temple. A group quietly prayed as they worshiped… and they witnessed paint start peeling off the building’s facade. That night, strongholds broke, chains shattered, and God’s Spirit poured out like new wine, unable to be contained in the old skins of our comfort zones or expectations.
It was revival. It was beautiful. It was Jesus! To God be the glory!
It was a deep honor to serve alongside Nappanee Missionary Church and Bethel Temple again. We saw miracles. We witnessed transformation. And we left with hearts overflowing.
Chicago—we’re coming back for you next year!
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” — Psalm 96:3
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Please pray about what is calling YOU to do next!
- Is HE calling YOU to intercede in prayer?l
- Is HE calling YOU to GO?
- or is HE calling YOU to give?
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