In with the New

Young Life Lincoln Park

          In response to some friends I've decided to post an update on my blog. Over the last six months I've been living in Chicago at Moody. In summary I've been taking 18 credits at school as well as ministering through Young Life, apart of big brother and sisters, as well as my relationship with Natalie.
         Last semester I was challenged a lot and learning a lot. I studied the early Christian church and its development's, studied Hermeneutics, as well as race and poverty, and the multicultural history of America. Exciting semester filled with a lot of growth both on the educational side as well as the spiritual side. One thing I've been lacking in though is community since leaving Sunshine I've really noticed my the absense of. So I've recently joined a Men's prayer group and a small group to add some fellowship with other Believers.
          Young Life has been tremendous for me and for Chicago. Amazing growth, Luke Schmitt came on staff for north side of Chicago, Which is the area I've been apart of. The 5 Area directors for Chicago have brought back an old element to Young Life in Chicago, citywide fellowship between volunteers and leaders. Over the past weekend we took some time for a Leadership retreat going through the vision of Chicago Young Life. By Re-visting our roots in the city as well as the history leading up to the different schools and the stories of whats going on! We then looked  to the future of Young Life in Chicago. The past 2 years have seen many new Young life groups, Young Life Lasalle, walter Peyton and Lasalle came back on the map with there new area Director Kimmy Taylor! Brand new this year came Young Life DePaul for college students! Young Life Lincoln Park is now up and running as well.
         The past six months I've been pouring into Young Life as a team leader in Lincoln Park. Prior to this year we've had one to two leaders volunteering at the school and dreaming big about the school. On December 2nd three Lincoln Park kids joined Lane Tech for camp. And decided they wanted to have Young Life in their school. So on wednesday, December 7th Young Life basketball outreach began. New Life Lincoln Park opened up there campus for us to use their gym every wednesday to reach the local high school. 25 students came out to play ball and so it began.  We met once more before break and  came back together on Jan 11th which we had 30 students come out. Since then the Ministry has been growing and we now have 3 leaders on the team  and 2 helpers from DePaul and Moody.

      Last six months have been exciting! This semester along with school I will be continuing to Meet new students and grow the trust in order to speak into their lives and to share the gospel. As well as develop a solid leadership team at Young Life Lincoln Park. Im also preparing to go on Student Staff with Young Life for the fall. Keep praying for the ministry and for next steps for me!

-JR