Last Flight

So we made it to the airport, through security, and to our gate with a little over an hour to spare. The students are off grabbing some food and then we'll board the plane and be on our way to California. John Powell was gracious to drive the bus, so he'll be picking us up at LAX in just a little while. It really has been a good trip. The students had a good time, did an AMAZING job not only singing, but planning and executing a VBS pretty much all on their own.
Our flight is scheduled to land at 6:20 pacific time.

I was chatting with several of our students last night asking them what the highlight of the trip was and got some great responses. Some really enjoyed the significant ministry with the children and some pointed to singing live on the radio (scroll down for a previous post). I think every student learned something, was stretched, and has grown as a result of being a part of this mission project.

Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob

Last Train Ride

So we're on the Orange Line headed to Midway Airport. Our last train ride of the trip. So far, it's all smooth. We all made it on the train pretty smoothly and we're on schedule! All is well!

Tyler Closing in Prayer

Tyler finished things out reminding the children of all we had taught them about the Gospel and then prayed for them.

Concluding VBS

Even in the midst of being pretty tired, the students did an amazing job today of concluding our time with the kids here. It is such a joy and a privilege to be able to serve with our High School Students. I had no doubt they could pull off this VBS and this week and it was great to watch them plan and carry out an amazing VBS with only some basic structure to build on.
Be very proud of our students. I know I sure am!

Alex & friend

Snack Time

Two more of the children from the week.

Just a glimpse of the faces of the kids we had the privilege of ministering to this week.

This is my kind of VBS

In Chicago, the VBS snack is pizza! Doing VBS Chicago style!

Two of the girls in VBS with us this week.

We had quite a few children this week and everyone had a great time.

Rob, Ciara, Erin

The real question is, "why is Rob wearing a shirt from that little state up in the Northwest?"

Amy & Friend

Casey!

Krystyl & Friend

Sara & Friend

Transfer Point

Every day's travel included a trip on the Orange Line to Western where we transferred to a bus for the rest of the trip. Using public transportation is distinctly different than what we're used to, but kind of fun too.

More snacking

Bus Station Snack Time

Jarrett Payton

The SWC with Jarrett Payton, Walter Payton's son right after meeting him and singing live on his radio show tonight. We were just walking down the street, saw the show through a window, waved and cheered, got invited in, 10 minutes later, we're singing live on his radio show!

The Voice of Immanuel

Larry introducing us live on Jarrett Payton's radio show.

Amanda's solo

Singing

Singing live on the radio

Jarett Payton

Jarrett Payton(Walter Payton's son) listening to the choir sing live on his radio show.

Meeting Jarrett Payton

Jarrett came out and we chatted with him for a few minutes. We're about to sing live on his show! Go listen right now! www.chicagolandsportsradio.com

Live on the radio in 5 minutes

Go to www.chicagolandsportsradio.com
We're about to sing live on the radio. We were walking down the street and saw a radio show through a window. We waved and they invited us in. Met Walter Peyton's son Jarret. It's his show! Listen!

Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob

The Children listening to the Bible Story

Bible Story

Our Bible Story team is sharing the Gospel. Today's Bible lesson focused on what Christ has done for us. The story unfolds every day. Yesterday they talked about sin and today was presenting the only genuine solution to the sin problem.

Getting ready for tonight's puppet thing

Puppets

One of the projects this week is making puppets with all the children. They'll get to perform with their puppets tonight at VBS Family Night here at the church.

Casey.

This is Casey, one of the guys who's been coming is week. We had the privilege of sharing the Gospel with him and another guy this morning.

Leading the music

Another good group of children

We had 23 children today. Several more children came that haven't been here yet.

New Route

So we found a new route to the church. This one goes through a fun tunnel! It was a bit too long to hold our breath through...

Ellen's newfound skill

So every time I turned around, Ellen was texting again...

Every time I turn around...

Ellen is texting someone again. She's a texting machine!,!

Amy & Mikaija

Amy LOVES having her picture taken!

Hey Alex! Which way to the Train?

Had Coffee yet?

Heading to the church

So we're up, had our Quiet Time, and we're getting ready to jump on the "L" and head out for day 3 of VBS!

Sharing Cotton Candy is always a good idea!

Always a great surprise

It's always a great surprise when a friend shows up unexpectedly. We were sitting watching the game, when I turned around and who showed up? Larry! What a great surprise!

The American Pastime

Nothing like going to a baseball game with a bunch of your good friends.

Let's Play Ball!

Total Count today: 24 at VBS

We more than doubled what we had yesterday. These girls came today, had a great time, and stayed after to chat and even helped with the cleanup of the church.

Umm.... Guys....

I don't think that's an OSHA approved method of cleaning vents...

Polishing the pews...

Look Mom! I can clean!

No more excuses Lindsey! Here is proof that you know how to vacuum.
Actually all the students did a great job today during our church cleanup time.

Video Report

Check www.immanuelswc.com for the daily video updates. There are three videos so far detailing our time in Chicago.

Abducted!

So apparently Leo has been abducted. Until some demands are made, we're probably not going to contact the authorities. We're putting together an investigation. Here's what we know:
1. Leo was hanging out on the stage.
2. He was last seen during the snack time.
3. He disappeared and this note was found in his place.
4. It seems that everyone has an alibi as to where they were when he went missing...
If you have any evidence or clues, please let us know. We'll make sure to pass it on to the investigator(s).

Today's Count

We have twice as many children today as we did yesterday. Several of the children who were here yesterday not only came back, but also brought a friend. We were also able to pass out some flyers in the few blocks surrounding the church. Additionally, we've been able to invite a few children to VBS as we walk to the church from the bus stop.
Right now (even as I type this) the children are having a snack. After that, there are some puppets to make and we'll finish with the Bible Story which focuses on our sinfulness today. Pray for Tyler, Stephen, Amy, Lauren, and Mikaija as they lead the Bible Story that they would effectively communicate to the children today.

Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob

Be strong and courageous!

We begin with singing each day.

Registration

Gabby is registering new children today. We have almost twice as many children today as we did yesterday!

Hello from Chicago

Yes, I'm wearing my blue shirt

Cody was showing off his brand new blue shirt, that he had just changed in to, when someone who shall remain nameless (coughjeffcough) decided to interfere with the picture taking process. :-0