Here are just a few random pictures taken from my cell phone during our first few weeks in Chicago:
Try finding this combination in the South!
Go ahead, just ask this guy about his views on politics…
Last week, I took a bike ride on the Lakefront Trail from our place down by the beach, to the loop and back. It was long but well worth it!
Always-fun Navy Pier and my half way point on the bike adventure.
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.Â
A few weeks went by. Â 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!
Katrina and I just returned from our survey trip to Chicago. We connected with a bunch of leaders involved in different ministries and job opportunities up there – just about everyone I’d been connecting with for the past two years were on our two week schedule.
As a church planter, there’s only a few ways to make a living (in no particular order):
1. Work for a church planting organization.
2. Work for an established church, either as a “church planter” supported by the congregation, or doing church planting as part of your pastoral duties.
3. Get a job in the workforce.
All of these have pros and cons. All of them are being considered/prayed through right now by yours truly and my beautiful bride. I’m waiting on hearing back from several groups, and I know that now this whole thing is in the Lord’s hands. For three years we’ve worked toward what I’ve described as a “calling” to Chicago. If everything fell through right now, I’d be okay; I’d know I worked hard to check every “open door” we felt drawn to.
I’ve heard that sometimes one spouse hears a specific call, but the other spouse hears the timing for that call. As we’re considering all this, I’m really listening carefully to what Katrina is saying regarding timing.
What makes sense in the midst of all this discernment? I KNOW that the Lord has called me to Katrina. Before Chicago, before jobs, before ministry…she comes first. My calling to her is real, and now. This process of discernment has propelled me to love her more than ever, and to appreciate how the Lord has gifted me with an amazing woman. Everything else could fall through, and as long as I was still with her, it would be enough.
Please be in prayer for us during this important time of waiting and listening.
If you’d like to see photos of our trip, you can check them out here:
hey mark and katrina,
i stumbled onto your site via a simple google search. i was reared in the CCOC and attended lincoln christian college and seminary. i am currently living, working and ministering on the north shore of boston.
on one of your survey trips to chicago, i’d encourage you to touch base with the good folks at community christian church in naperville, il (if you haven’t already!). that is a truly missional community that is committed to church planting in all its iterations.
God’s blessings upon your journey north. Go forth, make disciples, learn to hate the cubs.
Pax,
gentry
Julie Elander (via Facebook) 2:08 pm on May 1, 2008 Permalink
That makes TWO whirlwind trips on top of school! You guys are BUSY!!!
That's exciting, guys!! And the house/location sounds perfect! So, do you have to do an internship with them or do they think having your degree is the same as? I'm assuming since they are related to the Christian church, the CDEA is OK with you teaching baptism as a necessity? Once you are there, do you think you'll be able to get others (A & H, for example) to join you??
Pretty pic with the magnolias!! : )
Mark Willis (via Facebook) 3:53 pm on May 1, 2008 Permalink
thanks julie! yeah, things are a little hectic, but manageable. the CDEA is interested in hiring me as a church planter. its most of our financial support, though we still will raise some of our own. and yeah – we're hoping that we can team up with A and H next summer when they move up there! Know that you've got a place to stay up in Chicago next time youre heading through!
Julie Elander (via Facebook) 4:33 pm on May 1, 2008 Permalink
Thanks! We def will come to see you next time we are in Chi-town!!! So, do you have to go thru some sort of training with them before you plant?? I know they often do that…but with your degree, I wondered what they were thinking about that…(if it's needed).
Mark Willis (via Facebook) 4:36 pm on May 1, 2008 Permalink
no, no extra training was needed. they talked with me about the training i already went through in my degree and my missions residency program. they're really amazing people, and i'm looking forward to working with them!
Julie Elander (via Facebook) 4:56 pm on May 1, 2008 Permalink
That's great! : ) I just saw on their site a testimony of a guy baptized in Lake Michigan. Wouldnt that be AMAZING? BTW, I was baptized in the Hudson River in October—brrrr!
Mark Willis (via Facebook) 5:00 pm on May 1, 2008 Permalink
wow…now THAT sounds cold! talk about new life!
Julie Elander (via Facebook) 5:10 pm on May 1, 2008 Permalink
yeah, it was very memorable–which i wanted it to be! Lol!
angelabaggett 10:11 pm on May 1, 2008 Permalink
so excited for you- most of all the part where God just slammed dunked it all so that you know it’s totally him. That is the best feeling in the world- You’re on track. Awesome. It’ll be great to see what all the Lord does in this grand adventure you’re on.
Sean 12:55 am on May 3, 2008 Permalink
Man, hearing your story in person tonight was awesome. God is doing some great things with you and Kat brother.
Mark 1:35 am on May 3, 2008 Permalink
Angela and Sean- thanks for the encouragement. You two rock!
thepriesthood 6:43 pm on May 3, 2008 Permalink
that’s sweet stuph. movement in mysterious ways. rock on.
Amber Joy 2:09 pm on May 4, 2008 Permalink
I’m so excited for you guys! I know this has been a long time coming. Kent and I will be in Chicago near the end of June for the CMDA convention; I hope we can meet up and hear more about your work there!
Jess 1:03 pm on May 6, 2008 Permalink
Wow ~ THIS May??? How exciting! Many, many prayers for y’all:)
Mark 1:19 pm on May 6, 2008 Permalink
Thanks Jess! We should be sending out an update here in a few days! Thanks so SOOOOO much for your love and prayers. Love seeing new pics of Hugh. Blessings, mark