Survey Trip Reflections, Part Deux

So apparently one good turn deserves another.

Trina and I just returned AGAIN from Chicago, our second trip there this semester.  Like most trips there, it was a world wind tour, though this one seemed to be right on target.   We had two main objectives.  Find an apartment, and meet with the CDEA.

When we left Chicago back in middle March, we weren’t sure whether or not we were following God or just chasing our own tails.  For the last 3 years we had been gathering contacts and notes about what we felt was a pull to Chicago to plant churches and to live as missionaries in an urban context.   When we went to Chicago in March, we were able to meet up with just about EVERYONE I had been in contact with for the last 3 years, and even pursued several job offers.

As we were flying home from Chicago, we both felt the same – we had worked our tails off to respond to what we felt was God’s call in Chicago.  We felt like we had tied all the knots, set the sails, and prepped the ship.  Now all we needed was God’s wind.  We felt like if he didn’t provide then, we could walk away from it all.  You might get the sense of this anxious waiting from my last post about it. 

A few weeks went by.   We waited.

Katrina went down to Austin, TX with the MRNA gang while I stayed up in Abilene to focus on my COMPS oral defense that was coming up.  She had an amazing time down there and met some amazing people (I really wish she would write a post about that!).  Through the workings of what can only be the Holy Spirit, Katrina came back a changed woman.  Her boldness in the face of some of our doubts was inspiring to me.  We had decided earlier that Katrina might be the one to hear from God WHEN we need to leave for Chicago.  She came back from Austin saying we were ready to go.

That was nice, except we still didn’t have a job, or any kind of church planting network to work with there.  But TWO days after Katrina got back, we got a call from Lance Hurley, executive director of the CDEA (Chicago District Evangelistic Association).  CDEA wanted to support us, and Lance wanted us to meet the rest of the board!  Totally a confirmation.  We didn’t know how we were going to afford another trip up to Chicago, but then God provided funds that we didn’t even ask for!

So our trip in April (2nd trip – 24-29) was a focused trip to pick out an apartment and meet with the CDEA board, mostly consisting of church planters, and ministers.

Our time in Chicago was very encouraging.  We found an AMAZING home in the city, close to the train, a wonderfully diverse neighborhood with a university nearby, not to mention the beautiful Lake Michigan only a few blocks away!  Our new friends in the CDEA were very affirming and gracious, and we were surprised by their ability to boldly consider this opportunity for an exciting, innovative, church plant in the city.   They also committed to supporting us financially in a big way and hope to help out even more in years to come.

We’re super psyched!!!

We’ll be moving to Chicago at the end of May.  Until then, we’re just waiting to see what God has up his sleeves!

Here’s a great shot of Katrina and our buddy Annie in a magnolia tree…g-e-oORGEOUS!

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