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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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Dan and Betty Chung | Crossing Boards

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.

Tom Hutchison Story | World Vision

By Annie Aiello • September 20, 2024
Tom Hutchison and his son-in-law, Andy Reimink, are not only members of The Orchard, but also two men who are making a lasting impact for the gospel of Jesus Christ through their industrial water treatment company, HOH Water Technology. Together, Tom and Andy shine both personally and professionally to serve the most under-resourced and desperate communities around the world through the establishment of basic water systems. These systems offer clean water to thousands of children and families, and is truly, “living water,” – their source of life and sustenance. Do you, or someone you know, have a SHINE story? Let us know!
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