A second Ethnic Ministry Gathering was held Saturday, February 8, 2020 with over 35 in attendance. These gatherings remind us all of what Heaven will look like.
Ethnic Ministry in the LCMS Northern Illinois District is the story of how we, as a district, are intentional about reaching people in the incredibly diverse communities that are in our District. It’s the privilege of our participating in what Jesus is already doing to usher in his Kingdom. Christ’s commission is to “make disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19).
Rev. Dr. Tom Johnson led the participants through a discussion of cultivating vision and how God has enlarged their vision of Him and ministry. When asked what the various participants do to cultivate vision, many responded with “I make myself available”. This led directly into the following discussion point of how God has given them new opportunities for the Gospel. And God does provide.
Through the power of prayer, He has provided opportunities for us to share the Gospel, especially with the unchurched and de-churched in our neighborhoods. Time was taken to break into small discussion groups and to pray for each other in those groups. We were reminded that the District is now providing prayer requests on a weekly basis from our congregations so that we may lift each other in prayer.
The Gathering also had devotions led by Rev. Dr. Valdas Ausra and Rev. Jeffrey Howell.
Finally, the questions was asked “How can we partner together as the LCMS Northern Illinois District?” Additional gatherings are being planned to continue the discussions.
Together, we are filled with living hope in Christ, Confessing, Praising, and Advancing His Kingdom!
This is our Northern Illinois District!