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At my baptism, I shared the story of how I first came to know Jesus and how He used my burdens to grow my faith in Him. I grew up going to church, but with my autism, it was hard for me to sit still and focus in Sunday School or church. I wasn't interested in gaining the knowledge of God or wisdom from Him until middle school, when I recognized my need for Jesus, and that I was a sinner who needed to be saved. Nothing I could do would ever be enough to get me into heaven. I then decided to believe that God really did send his son to pay the price for me - even though I did not deserve it - because He loved and cared for me so much. It is the best gift any of us could ever receive. 


After high school, as I transitioned from school to work, I became more aware of the causes of my heavy emotions and anxious thoughts. I really feel that God used this awareness to show me my need for dependence on Him to get through each day and to trust that my future is secure. Proverbs 3:5-6 has really been an encouragement to me over the years.

The Message states, "Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track." These verses remind me that I can give God full control of my life and trust that He's going to keep me on track. I'm grateful and filled with joy and peace that I get to share my faith with you. I may not know all the plans God has for my future, but I do know that He is always with me, guiding me each step of the way. With His Mighty strength, He can help me overcome any obstacles I face, and He can do that for you too!

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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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