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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.   

Was I grateful? Yes.  Did I change my ways? No.  I just went on living my life, my way.



Fast forward to November 2023 when my only son died suddenly. When I learned of his passing, I cried out to Jesus “How am I going to survive this?”  And as I questioned if I could even go on … Jesus spoke to me. He said, “Seek me.  I am your comfort.  I am here, as I’ve always been.  With me you will survive this.”  …. and in that very moment I surrendered my life to Jesus.


A Christian friend suggested I go to The Orchard, and I got connected to LIFE Groups and GriefShare. I am now learning how to actively walk with Christ.  Not only is Jesus my comfort through my grief, but he is with me every moment of every day.  I am committed to live my life to honor him, learning and doing what he wants of me.

Praise the Lord!  He has saved me and cleansed me by his sacrifice on the cross. Hebrews 10:22 says “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Today I want to publicly confess that I know Jesus Christ to be my Lord and Savior, and in my decision to be baptized, I am choosing to be obedient to Christ.

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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!

The Lanci Family Story | Marengo

December 18, 2024
Jonathan and Ryan Lanci began attending The Orchard about 3 years ago. Jonathan is a disabled Veteran with a traumatic brain injury that occasionally causes him to slip into a "waking coma." He says it is like a person who is sleepwalking but appears alert. The first episode of this went on for almost two weeks while he was on a mission in Iraq. He regained conscious awareness in the middle of the desert while walking with his squad, fully loaded, and equipped with a rifle. He was unaware of where he was or what he had been doing for many days. Doctors say he acquired the condition when shockwaves from firing large munitions passed through his brain. After being discharged, Jonathan spent years in drug and alcohol addiction. The Lord drew him back to church and led the way to recovery. He eventually met Ryan, his wife. Their first date was to a shooting range where Ryan easily outshot Jon with his own gun. While humbled, he fell in love. Fast forward. Jonathan and Ryan were serving on a security team for a large church about 45 minutes away from their home in Marengo. Their growth was stagnant, and their faith was growing weak. The cares of the world began overwhelming their commitment to the Lord.
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