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I grew up believing I had a “boring” testimony. I was raised in a Christian home, attended church and Sunday school regularly, and went to a Christian school. I don’t remember a specific moment of putting my faith in Jesus, but for many years, I had a recurring feeling that something was missing. That feeling continued through high school, college, and graduate school. When I moved to Illinois in 2017, I had no idea what to look for in a church, but I began searching. I started attending The Orchard Arlington Heights in the fall of 2017 at the suggestion of a friend. Several weeks later, I was welcomed into a LIFE Group of other women in their 20s.

Through the gospel-centered sermons at church and the LIFE Group I joined, I had finally found what I had felt had been missing for so many years – a place where people were actively studying God’s Word and being transformed by it. Over the past several years, The Orchard has become my primary community, and the Lord has used its people and ministries to draw me nearer to Him. When the Vernon Hills congregation was getting ready to launch, I was excited to be a part of this new community. It has been a huge blessing to see God at work in Vernon Hills already. I recently had the opportunity to be baptized, publicly declaring what God has done for me through Jesus Christ. I am so thankful for a church that feels like home and consistently points me to the gospel. I have been especially blessed by the words of Romans 5:1-5, which remind me that I am justified by faith in Jesus, have peace with God, and have hope for the future. My testimony is ongoing, and I am excited to see what the Lord will do next!

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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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