Experiencing the Face of God in Chicago
I came to DOOR not knowing what to expect,
Not knowing who I would meet and like or who I would regret.
Throughout the week I learned what love really means.
Loving children and homeless and buildings that lean.
I saw a lot of things that tore at my heart,
A beggin man, a sickened girl, a woman pushing a cart.
These things have helped me realize that God loves everyone.
He loves the Muslims, He loves the old, He loves the younger ones.
He loves me and gave me gifts I got to use these five days.
I grew in friendships and knowledge that will help in many ways.
Thank you Jesus for who you are and what I have become.
You are my one and only, you are number one.
 |
“I was amazed at how our group came together on Thursday night. We’ve always been sort of a superficial, clique type of group but that night in the park, everyone opened up and we talked a lot about how we’re going to go back and change our church and ‘Be the Church’. It was awesome to finally hear people open up and express fears and things they don’t like about our group. This was an awesome step for our youth group!” |
“DOOR gives youth and sponsors a wonderful diverse look at inner city problems and issues. I like the opportunity to work at a different agency each day; it gives us a more rounded look at the city. It gave youth opportunities to serve in a variety of ways. The evening reflection was a way to have them open up and talk about how they saw God throughout the day. We also used it as a time to think about our own Mission field in Iowa. We did our journals as a group with our work teams. What a great way to start the day!” Baptist, Iowa |
 |
 |
“Once upon a time, 12 people from a little town in Iowa traveled in fancy vans to a big city in Illinois. Although they were sure they were bring God with them on their trip, they were somewhat surprised to find Him already in the big city. He was in the people and in the trees, He was riding the train and walking the streets. He was everywhere. He just WAS.” |
“My faith was encouraged this week. Sometimes during the school year and the summer you seem to kind of turn away from God, and skip church. This was an eye-opening experience, that made me realize what kind of changes I need to make and how important He is to me. I will never forget it.” |
 |
 |
“We had exposure to a wide range of very good experiences. Person to person contact which builds relationships. Exploration of experiences in reflection and discussion and connecting experiences to being followers of Jesus. Opportunities for breaking down stereotypes. The experience of reaching out, risking. Breaking down of stereotypes. Wonderful group building experience. It opened up new possibilities for people (service, city, relationships). We were encouraged to think in new ways, trusted and given responsibility.” Mennonite, Kansas |
“I think that my faith was strengthened in many ways this week. I think, thought, that it changed my perceptions even more. I now look at hunger, homelessness, and God’s work in urban areas in a new way.” |
 |
 |
“Our group needed a guided experience in a city. Having people who can advise you and teach you along the way, especially locals, is invaluable. The reflections and the speakers were all such wonderful benefits of being a part of such a great program. By far, the best mission trip our group or myself have ever been a part of. Incredibly well organized-everything was covered and accounted for, very competent, caring, responsible, dedicated, kind staff, great urban experiences complete with reflection and phenomenal philosophy was reinforced by all activities. We thank you so much! ” Presbyterian, New York |