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When I first started going to Youth Group back in 6th grade, I remember being super nervous and skeptical. I didn't say it to my parents, but I didn't want to go. However, upon arriving, I remember getting a warm greeting at the door, "Welcome! We're glad to have you here and hope you have a great night!" I remember meeting my teachers for the first time, reassuring me that their desire was to point me to Jesus, which was really encouraging. Soon after that I went from being nervous to feeling comfortable.


Over the years I've gotten to know my teachers & friends, and have started enjoying going to Youth Group and Sunday School. After some time, I started listening to what the teachers were teaching about being holy and serving God. I realized that I lacked being holy and serving God in my day-to-day life, which bothered me. I realized I needed roots for myself. I needed to get planted in God's Word, and my teachers and friends were able to help me do that.

Soon after that, the lessons went from being informational to being transformational. This past year Pastor Albin has walked us through the Book of John, asking the question: "Who is Jesus?". This series has helped clear up some of the misconceptions of our day & age and has prepared us for defending our faith. Through the lessons, I've learned more about how to defend my faith and have grown more secure in my faith.

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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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