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I had heard about Pray First for months, even years, but always had a reason not to come. “I don’t like to pray out loud with people I don’t know. Sunday gets to  be a long day when it begins so early. I need to get things done before work on Monday morning.” You know the excuses. One night Pastor Dan Wells asked the choir to consider coming to Pray First and I decided to try it. What a wonderful evening it was. We begin and end with singing. Each ‘praying session’ is a directed time of focused prayer. It’s a well thought out, powerful, and God-glorifying evening. Now, I attend Pray First regularly. And I leave feeling more connected to Christ and with the vision and mission of The Orchard. I leave uplifted by all the young people there praying caring for Christ’s church.

If anyone undecided was to ask whether or not they should attend, I would say, “Give it a chance. Don’t use the excuses I always used and come. I promise you will leave nourished by bringing The Orchard and our ministries before the Throne of God!”

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Forest View Nursing and Rehab Center Testimony | Itasca

July 8, 2025
The Staff at The Orchard Itasca shared the following testimony about how they have seen God work through the ministry of the Forest View Nursing and Rehab Center. We began this ministry last year and have set up quarterly visits to the facility. Each time, 15 people meet there at 2 pm. Some people just engage with those in the common areas, talking with them, praying with them. Others, including Pastor Ryan go door-to-door and visit with those who are in their rooms. We take gift bags each time to hand out to both residents and staff.

Pastor Shohei's Testimony | Barrington

July 1, 2025
Pastor Shohei shared his testimony with the staff of The Orchard, and how he has seen God work through the ministry of the Welcome Desk. Every Saturday and Sunday, I stand by the Welcome Desk to greet new guests at our church. Over the past month, I’ve noticed more and more new faces attending. Since I’m always there, I can easily recognize who is new and make them feel welcome.

Matt Zabawski's Testimony | Arlington Heights

May 30, 2025
Matt shared his testimony with the members and attendees of The Orchard Arlington Heights, and how he has seen God work throughout his life. My name is Matt and I grew up here at this church. I accepted Jesus Christ into my heart on the first day of second grade but I never really thought more about Jesus until my sophomore year of high school when Pastor Brad gave me a book on theology. With that book I grew to understand more of who Jesus is and what he had done. Unfortunately, that only lasted until I went away to college.