The Time Is Near

The time is upon us...departure for Chicago mission trip. Forty-five students/adults will be leaving on June 17th for a week of service with "Here's Life Inner City."

“Here's Life Inner City” is the compassionate urban ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. Their mission is to serve and empower the local church to live out God's heart for the poor. Nearly 20 cities throughout the U.S. currently have active teams serving in them.

The Chicago team officially began in 1979. In the years since, they have seen much growth in their team as well as in the opportunities for them to serve the city. They are based out of the Roseland community on the Southside, though their efforts reach across the entire city. God has continued to faithfully rise up individuals that have a heart for the poor to both support and serve in this ministry.

The approach of Here's Life Inner City is best described by the Circle of Hope. The ministry seeks to reach the whole person, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Our vision is inspired by both the Great Commission---to go out and make disciples---and the Great Commandment---to love your neighbor as yourself.

The first aspect of connection, evangelizing with compassion, is a way of building a firm foundation for a long-term relationship with a family or individual. We use our Compassionate Products, which are designed to meet crisis needs and serve as a way to introduce a person to Christ. Whether we use food boxes, school supplies, or other materials, people are reached in a practical way with the love of Jesus Christ.

The second aspect of empowerment, the providing and sharing of resources, is how we can use the strategic positioning of the local church within an inner-city community. We offer training, manpower, and materials to help churches effectively minister to the people in their neighborhood. At various times throughout the year, out-of-town volunteers serve through our partnerships.

The final aspect of development, building for the long-term, is necessary because change does not happen overnight. Here's Life Inner City uses several programs, such as after-school tutoring and mentoring, youth development, counseling for addictions, and more, to bring deep and lasting transformation to these neighborhoods.

We will be helping put on a day camp that begins around noon as the students get out of summer school. We will be the manpower to help make these camps work. The camps are like backyard Bible clubs. We will be leading and helping with activities during these camps and most importantly, showing Christ’s love to the kids. The staff at HLIC will equip us and train us each morning to get us ready for the day camp. This is an incredible way to invest in the lives of children who need to know that Jesus loves them.