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Before Sean's sophomore year of high school, his parents divorced. This news devastated him and all that he counted on as stable and secure. That entire year, Sean did not want to be home. He blamed both parents and didn't want to interact with either of them. Sean turned to racing cars four days a week as an outlet for his pain. But this didn't seem to satisfy the pain he felt inside. That's when Sean started attending Campus Life in Barrington, where he met students from The Orchard Barrington and Pastor Josh Newton. Josh invited Sean to attend a retreat in Branson, MO where he preached a Gospel-centered message to many students who were not connected to a local church or who knew Jesus Christ as Savior. While on the Branson, MO trip, Sean came to realize the only secure foundation in his life was Jesus Christ. Instead of staying out until 10 p.m. every night, Sean found solace attending Youth Group on Wednesday nights and worship services on Sundays. Sean, now a high school senior, realized that God has a plan for him, even in the midst of his parents' divorce. Sean realized that Christ died for him, and he is deeply loved.

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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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