Don’t Miss Jesus in the News

For the last couple weeks now we have been actively involved in this migrant crisis in Chicago.  It is literally at our doorsteps.  The police department (a 4-minute walk from the center) is overwhelmed with people sleeping in the lobby (children as small as 3-months old sleeping on concrete floors).  It is a gut punch to see faces bunched up with all their belongings with hardly any space to walk, not being treated in the kindest.  Despite many community members stepping in to help, despair is evident and systems are not running efficiently.   On Sunday we had one young man in tears as he spoke about being separated from his wife and how he had not heard from her in three days.  We prayed for him, and Wednesday he grabbed me and with a big smile told me that he had heard from his wife and she was going to be with him the next day.   Praise God!  The system for these migrants to receive aid is complex.  First, you need to be present at the police station when organizations for the second stage arrive; otherwise you are passed over.  The second stage is no better than the police station.  It is the third stage that they receive more permanent housing and someone starts working assisting one-on-one.  We are active in the first stage (the police station) which can last seven to ten days for some.  The second stage lasts for weeks or a couple months as long term sheltering is at capacity; therefore, new locations need identified and prepared.  We have been able to journey through with some people into the second stage, as well.  In addition to this, it’s the busy season for short term teams because we are a domestic Envision site and preparing for two fundraisers that allow us to continue to minister in gospel-fueled spiritual and practical ways in both immediate crises and ongoing relationships in our neighborhoods. 

It has been quite the opportunity and it is getting overwhelming on so many levels.  The challenge is, how do we represent Christ in such a way that it separates us from all others in our care for these Migrants so that not only do the Migrants experience Christ but the community around us would see our light and good works and give glory to our Father in heaven?  We have opened our facility from 8am-1pm each day to feed them breakfast and lunch, let them shower, and help with essential needs (like underwear and sandals for the children).   The whole sum of that would be in my opinion an expression of “Thy Kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

What’s Next?

Redemption Church, the church that meets at Family Empowerment Center, is launching to Albany Park!  FEC has partnered in Albany Park for years, but Phil and Kristen Palmer have felt a compelling call to personally invest in the cultivation of gospel impact on the lives of people in Albany Park.  Their launch team has been identified, and they will officially launch with community presence June 5.  They will continue to meet spiritual and practical needs in the neighborhood with a vision of launching disciples into the world from Albany Park.  As Phil said, “Jesus told us to reach the nations!”

Golf Outing Fundraiser + Silent Auction

Monday, June 26 is the 3rd Annual Golf Outing for Family Empowerment Center. Proceeds from this event will directly support their food pantry and the myriad of mentoring programs offered to children in the community, such as summer soccer camps, summer day camps, football camp for the local high school, and the after school program.

Not a golfer? No problem! You can also sign up for lessons. Just think of the relationship building conversations you can have in your community if only you knew how to golf!

Still not interested in golfing? You can still help raise money for this ministry!  Donate something appealing (material, services, fluffy puppies, etc) or participate in the Silent Auction.  Items that need to be donated are due by June 14.More information can be found at: https://familyempower.org/golf-fundraiser/