Leah Baumgart | Vernon Hills

June 1, 2022

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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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January 5, 2026
Mark Wilson, a long-time business owner and faithful member of The Orchard, recently took a bold step to share his faith with his team of 50+ employees. While known for his kindness, Mark realized he had never openly shined for Christ at work. So, he hosted a voluntary lunch to share his story of faith. The impact has been incredible—sparking new conversations and inspiring others. Watch Mark’s story and consider how you too can shine for Christ. Do you, or someone you know, have a SHINE story? Let us know!
December 19, 2025
The Orchard Itasca shared the following testimony about Kenny's baptism during their weekly Sunday service. Kenny is a resident of the Forest View Nursing and Rehab Facility in Itasca where our people have been ministering for the past two years. Kenny and his friend, Karen now regularly attend services, and Kenny was baptized on Sunday, September 28. We rejoice in the fruit that is being born through this ministry! We are also excited that one of the couples who regularly participates in the ministry has plans to offer a Bible study at the facility. We pray that The Orchard Itasca will continue to bring light and hope to the residents and staff!
December 12, 2025
The Orchard Itasca shared the following testimony about how they are ministering at Forest View Nursing Home. A man named Christian is a resident at the Forest View Nursing Home where our people go to minister quarterly. He likely has some form of Parkinson’s Disease and because of this has lost most of the function in his hands and feet. Some of our people have visited with Christian on previous trips. At our July visit, a couple from our church Mike and Deb Marunde went to his room. Since it had been a few months since our last visit, they didn’t think he would remember them. However, when they introduced themselves, Christian looked up and said “Mike!” He remembered! He looked at Mike and said, “I miss you.”