2 Weeks Down

Hey Everyone

I'm sorry that my posts have been so infrequent. We have a really busy schedule but I am going to try to post more frequently. We have finished 2 full weeks of Summer Project thus far and are pretty much in the swing of things. For some reason, though, it doesn't really feel like it has really clicked yet that Project has started.

One of the major focuses on this project is to tell people about Jesus Christ and spread the Gospel message. We do this by going out and sharing on college campuses throughout the city. Each student is assigned to one or several campuses that they travel to at least once a week on either Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday with other students and staff. I am assigned to the University of Illinois at Chicago, which is just a short walk away. It has been great talking to students on campus, and I have had several great conversations so far. I even got the opportunity to share the Gospel in one of my conversations!

We have the days open Monday through Friday so that we can work. I recently got hired at Jimmy John's, and I start this Wednesday! Each Monday night we sample pizza from a different pizza place in Chicago. That has been delicious! Following our dinner we have a large group meeting where we hear a message from a staff member, hear how God has impacted one of our fellow student's life, and worship through song. On Tuesday nights we have "action group" which is a Bible study lead by staff members. Wednesday night is our "date night with Jesus" where we have the night open to take a step back and spend time with God. Thursday nights we have another large group meeting similar to the meetings on Mondays. We also sample a different ethnic food each week from around Chicago on Thursdays. Friday nights are open for working or to hang out with other students. Saturdays are our campus flex times where we can do different activities throughout the city or within our group. On Sundays we have church in the morning, then have a meeting with our impact teams, which is comprised of all of the people that are assigned to the same campus. Following the impact meetings we have mens and womens time.

It has been an amazing time here so far! The community has been incredible. I have been so encouraged and loved on by my brothers and sisters. The teaching has been amazing as well. We are studying the book of Galatians in which Paul is affirming the true Gospel of Jesus Christ, that we are saved by faith and not by our own works. God has definitely been present on this trip and I know He is not done shaping all of us into the likeness of His Son.