Loyola Fellowship hosted a Bible academy for 7 days at the Leningrad House from June 3 to 8 (Monday to Saturday). The theme was ‘Shout,’ based on Joshua 6:16b: ‘Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!’ Each day, different families led Bible studies using unique methods to represent each chapter. It was a time for young and old generations to come together, bridging generational gaps as the strong walls of Jericho were overcome by the power of God.

After the 7 days of Joshua Bible studies, on Sunday, they had a campus potluck and a group prayer walk on campus to practice what they learned. Please pray for the 70-day Jericho prayer walk on campus by each family that will participate at least once a week.

“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.” – Proverbs 23:24

On Sunday, June 16th our church hosted a Father’s Day brunch. Many fathers got together in the church basement just before the 11 am service. It was a hot day so refreshments made the event all the more memorable.

For this month’s UFM 10 recent graduates shared their testimonies. Below is an overview of each individual’s thanksgiving and prayer topics with their chosen key verse.

5 high school graduates

Nehemiah: For his freshman year of high school, he wasn’t ready to switch from in-person to online classes. He felt like school wasn’t worth his time or attention and got bad grades. These bad habits also affected his spiritual life. Remembering the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, he learned that God entrusted him with His wealth. This made him realize that he should change his ways and put more work into his school studies. His key verse entering into college is Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

Andrew: Entering into high school he was looking forward to the high school experience to meet people and make friends. But due to COVID-19, his first year was online. Because of this, there were not that many ways he could talk to or meet people. HBF to him was encouragement because it was full of smiling faces and people who prayed and studied the bible with him. At first, he wanted to make friends at school but later changed his mind to making friends at HBF and being a blessing to the fellowship. He prays to grow in his love for God.

Hannah: She asked God to instill in her faith and to have a firm foundation in his steadfast love. Through therapy, she started to see more clearly how she was trying to control her life. She thought repentance required self-hatred but learned that’s not what God desires.  She learned God wanted to show His love to her first. She learned how to forgive herself and love her friends more.

Jane:  When first applying to high school she was very nervous about taking her entrance exam. But while taking the entrance exam she began to put her trust in God alone after passing with a good grade she experienced a glimpse of what it was like to trust in the Lord. She began to understand God’s authority over her life. The key verse she chose is Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”

Sammy: John 9:38 “He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.” He felt guilty and powerless to overcome his sinful nature. One day he was so moved by bible study and realized Jesus was his personal savior. He kept trying to get things done by his own way but Jesus had already done it for him. He prays to prayerfully persist in his journey throughout college. And to trust and rely on God for spiritual and physical needs.

5 college graduates

Andrianina (Lake Forest College): Started college in the fall of 2020 the same year she started one-to-one bible study. Throughout the ups and downs of meeting new people, God led her to meet Jesus. She held onto Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Annie (NU): She is thankful for her bachelor’s degree but more thankful for how God opened her eyes spiritually. In her sophomore year, she was saved after studying the parable of the prodigal son, when she first accepted God’s love for her as a shameful sinner. She then accepted Luke 9:23 “And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” After hearing this word she was convicted to seek a pure and righteous life in Christ.

Rafael (UIC): Ephesians 2:8-10” For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” He was invited to bible study at the beginning of his freshman year when he was an agnostic atheist. Ever since his first bible study, he learned a lot about God and himself. 1st: he learned that he is a sinner. 2nd he learned to repent. 3rd: to accept Jesus as his savior. 4th: he learned to trust Jesus as his lord and surrender control into his hands. He prays to have a life deeply rooted in Christ.

Dylan (UIUC): Luke 1:46-48 “And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;” He dropped out of college in 2016 and didn’t have any plans to return to college. But God rebuilt what he had torn down. Joined the ministry in Urbana champagne and started boldly witnessing to students on campus. And it confirmed his faith and made him more certain of Jesus as his savior. His prayer topic is to continue to serve Jesus more joyfully.

James (Midwest Baptist Theology, Seminary): Isaiah 9:6-7 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” Even though he felt like giving up a couple of times God helped him with his words of counseling. It was an opportunity for him to find himself and refresh his calling and direction to live for His glory. One word: Jesus is my wonderful counselor.

Intern Testimony-Victor: Acts 9: 15-16 “But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” A year ago he started his one-year internship at Chicago UBF after experiencing burnout after graduating from college. He had his expectations but failed to meet them. But he learned about God’s amazing grace. It is free of charge because God has already paid the price on the cross. It’s not because he earned it but because of his grace. God took his pride and showed him that he had to rely on God.

Please pray for the other graduates: Nek (Wheaton), Brandy (NEIU), Crystal (NEIU),  Pablo (NP),  Lydia (OCC),  Elijah (OCC),  Sohyun (NU), Ine (Marquette), Daniel (School of Audio Engineering), John (Kendall College), and Tim  (NEIU).

Pastor Mark closed the meeting with a prayer topic focused on Ephesians 5:16, “making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”. May God help us to make the best use of our summer time spiritually.

Our church recently planned to start a young Dads’ Bible study group. The first meeting was held on Saturday, June 8th. Many young dads gathered at the Leningrad House to eat, have fellowship, and play sports. This group is for Dads with kids in elementary school or younger. It was a joyful and meaningful occasion for them to get to know each other, share burdens, and support one another through prayers. Above all, we pray they will be encouraged by God’s word through in-depth Bible studies.

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.“

-Acts 2:42

Our annual church-wide picnic occurred this year on Sunday, May 26th from 1-5 pm, right after the Sunday Worship service. Originally the church planned to have the picnic at Lovelace Park in Evanston, IL about a 12 min drive from the church. Due to heavy rain and stormy weather, we had to move the picnic indoors. Even though we had a change of plans it was still a very joyous event! Many church members brought homemade food, and their friends and family. Dindo from the UIC ministry led a Bible trivia game in the church sanctuary. Even through the stormy weather, God blessed the annual church-wide picnic for this year and as a church, we got to enjoy holy fellowship and good food together.

‘Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. ‘

-Hebrews 13:16

Our church is praying to help our refugee neighbors by raising money and providing necessities to help refugee families adjust to new life in Chicago. Our refugee welcome team is getting close to supporting a new refugee soon. To help them meet their goals you can donate money at their GoFundMe page here: Chicago UBF Refugee

Or if you would like to donate a new or used item ranging from materials such as dish soap to furniture you can sign up on the list here: https://docs.google.com/

This past Friday, May 31st HBF had their Senior night! They celebrated their seniors Andrew, Hannah, Jane, Sammy, and Nemo who graduated from Lane Tech last week. The seniors shared their testimonies and parents came to pray for and support them. May God bless and guide them as they go off to college in the Fall!

‘Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” ‘ – Ephesians 6:1-3

We had our Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 12th, at 10 am in the church basement, just before the 11 am worship service. It was a beautiful, warm, sunny day and truly felt like a blessing from the Lord. Thank God for the amazing mothers in our church who bless our church with their prayerful and serving hearts.

by Elder Joe G.

Semi-Annual Members Meeting

The Semi-Annual Members Meeting took place on Sunday, April 14, 2024. There were reports given on the many aspects of Chicago UBF. Reports on the World mission, Campus Ministry, and Children’s ministry were presented along with Church-wide updates and prayer topics. Through the reports, members could see God’s new work going on in the last 6 months in Chicago UBF.

The 2023 Finance report detailed the year-end financial results and trends in offerings, expense management, and investment of church assets. The Chicago UBF Properties report explained the new building management process and future 2024 building projects. The Member Care and Visiting Report highlighted the visiting ministry by pastors and elders, care for sick coworkers, and guest serving. The 2023 Annual Survey of Chicago UBF members summarized the feedback of members, identified trends, and detailed action steps taken in response to the survey.

In this meeting, members also divided into 8 small group discussions on Finance, Sr. Missionary Member Care, Hospitality/Serving, Parenting/Young Families, Daily Bread, World Mission, Campus Ministry, and Next Gens. The discussions provided a forum for members to openly share their ideas, give feedback, ask questions, and connect with other members. The small groups were well-attended and attracted a diverse range of participants.

May God lead Chicago UBF with his wisdom and guidance in carrying out his kingdom work. May all members be open and receptive to the new work God desires to do in them, in our church, and in the world.

*Read up on our previous meeting: recap-on-the-semi-annual-members-meeting