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I have been blessed with strength and good health for most of my life but recently, my doctor referred me to a surgeon who recommended that I have surgery as soon as possible. I found myself facing a daunting procedure. I prayed that God would give me courage and discernment to make the right decisions. Today I thank God for leading me to attend a Women's LIFE Group when I first came to The Orchard. We meet once a week to spend time in the Word, discuss the sermon, offer prayer requests, and encourage and pray for each other. The women in my LIFE Group listened patiently to my concerns, "Would the surgery go well and be successful? Who would be with me and help me as I recovered at home? How would I navigate the stairs in my house? Would I be leaving the hospital to go home on the day of surgery?"

God richly blessed me through the prayers and efforts of these faithful friends and sisters in Christ. They prayed for me, texted, phoned, offered to make meals, drive me to appointments, came to visit and bring lunch, sent books to read and even offered a day of their time. They took on my cares and anxieties and gave me a sense of peace during a difficult time. I'm reminded of the verse Matthew 25:36, "I was sick and you visited me..."

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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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