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In my 20s, I decided to explore Christianity, doing everything a good Christian would do: I attended a church, signed up for Alpha, I participated in a church retreat, attended faith-filled events, and joined a bible study. All the boxes were checked, except for one: I never believed Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I wasn't ready to embrace Christ and I certainly didn't understand what that meant. During that time, I also studied New Age practices. The sparkly phrase of manifesting captured my attention. This pursuit of answers lead to the craving of travel, art, clothes, experiences, events, and false spirituality - all earthly things to fill a void. One night while searching YouTube, I clicked on a video testimonial of a woman's transition from New Age belief to finding Jesus Christ. I watched as she explained her void - just as I had been feeling for years. She explained that although her life was abundant and successful, there was still an everlasting emptiness in her heart. Her acceptance of Christ began when a friend told her, "Jesus is at the doorstep to your heart, waiting like a perfect gentleman for you to let him in."

I knew what I had to do. I closed my eyes and pictured myself opening a door to Jesus Christ and letting him into my heart. I tearfully prayed, "Come in! Come in, Jesus! I believe in you. You are my Lord and Savior. Come in and fill my heart!" And there he was, waiting like a perfect gentleman. At that moment, the scales fell from my eyes and my life was transformed: my heart was FULL. I didn't wake up with emptiness, but with COMPLETION. Life was brighter and more loving, I was more loving. I finally understood what the songs in church were about! God baptized me in the Holy Spirit and Jesus became my Lord and Savior, and my best friend. I knew with all my heart that life had a purpose: to love God, to love his Son, and to love others. I was made new in Christ, breathing the fresh air of a believer. With the conviction of the Holy Spirit, I easily cut ties with the New Age practices and threw out books, cards, crystals, anything related to deceiving practices. I am now liberated from a life of falsehood, and fulfilled with the loving truth of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

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Barbra May Baptism | Arlington Heights

February 13, 2025
At my baptism, I shared how God has worked in my life, and how He continues to work to this very day. I was baptized as an infant in the Catholic church and had some early religious upbringing. I always knew of God and cannot remember a time without this faith. However, I took it for granted. I did not live my life in relationship with Christ; rather I lived in utter disobedience. I was a sinner, and while a sin is a sin, I counted many of mine as absolutely unforgiveable. I never humbled myself to even ask for forgiveness. I just kept living my wild life. I would cry out to him for help when I was in dire straits, and despite my sinful ways …. he would rescue me. Time and time again.

The Orchard North Shore | Children's Ministry

January 10, 2025
In 2024, The Orchard North Shore hosted their very first Orchard Kids Week, a VBS-style program geared specifically toward unchurched kids and families. The Orchard North Shore had 61 kids attend (21 of whom were unchurched!). Their hope was twofold: that kids would hear the gospel and that some who don’t know Jesus would sign up for Awana in the Fall. One young girl did sign up for Awana and was given her first Bible. When she was told that the Bible was hers to keep, she couldn’t wait to start reading it! From an invitation to VBS, to signing up for Awana, to consuming God’s Word, it’s evident the Lord is at work in this young girl’s heart. Praise God for all the work He has done at The Orchard North Shore!

Dan and Betty Chung | Crossing Borders

December 27, 2024
Dan and Betty Chung are members of The Orchard and co-founders of the mission of Crossing Borders. Crossing Borders was established in 2003 by several Christians of Korean and Chinese descent who felt a burden for the North Korean people during a time of severe famine and starvation. During (and following) the Great North Korean Famine from 1995 to 1998, there has been a large exodus of refugees from the country. Watch this SHINE Story to learn more about how Dan and Betty are shining with the compassion of Christ to North Koreans and their children in China and South Korea. Do you, or someone you know, have a SHINE story? Let us know!
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