Chicago

Dear friends,
The time here in Chicago has been difficult. I was sick for about a week and so I stayed home slept and prayed for the others. Much of what we have been able to accomplish is prayer too. There are so many people groups in such a small area it is truly amazing. However, people here are much more resistant to the gospel.

We have gone down to Little India, Little Pakistan, and Chinatown and prayed. God was able to make himself known in these times here and we got into some really good conversations with people about who God is. Many people think they know who God is, but they never really have understood just how much God loves them. They only see an angry God they don't see that he doesn't like them being seperated from himself.

When we went to the Little India/Pakistan corner of town we went to celebrate the Indian Independence day and we were able to give out hundereds of Jesus films. People came and would ask for multiple copies in their languages to give to friends and families. The next day we went to celebrate Pakistan Independence day and from what I heard the progress was much more slow. The Muslim population is very evident here and they are very resistant to hearing anything about Jesus despite him being their "prophet" and the fact that the Koran tells them to listen to what he says.

We went to the southside of Chicago (apparently the worst block for drugs and gangs and violence). While we were there it was obvious we were causing a scene as people stopped to watch us pick up the trash off of a block of land. We were just present, didn't talk to anyone and God did the work. I think that's how He likes to do things. Just show up and He will make them pay attention. Anyways, people have been going to this block and being present during the intense hours for about three months and have seen the crime drop to the extent that the police are in awe. I can't remember the numbers, but God showed up and big things happened.

This is a small glimpse of what God has been up to this past week here in Chicago. I pray all is well with you and that God will bless you for all of your prayers and that he will direct your steps.