Summer Exploration: Local teens join the Reach Chicago Mission Trip

Two local teens, Kyleigh Hilbert and Destiny Sewell of New Rockford, attended the Reach Chicago Mission Trip this past month. They joined a total of 212 students from 28 churches in North Dakota. First Assembly of God has sponsored this event for 26 years, and Bethel Church of Carrington was able to cover most of the costs for the girl's trip through generous offerings.

Hilbert and Sewell both said they really did not know what to expect going into Chicago. They said that at first it was overwhelming to see and work in the neighborhoods. The idea of voluntarily going into one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago's South Side, and preaching the word of Jesus, is not an opportunity most people would jump at.

The days consisted of work projects like cleaning up the streets and going door to door inviting people to nightly rallies and Vacation Bible School (VBS). It was such a change in culture, but they said the people were so kind and the kids from VBS would forever hold a place in their hearts. They also commented that it was such a humbling experience to go into these communities and just share Jesus' message with people who desperately needed to hear it.

This week's Summer Exploration feature is sponsored by Do it Best Hardware/NAPA, Central Pharmacy, Kickin Designs -N-Delights Mini Golf and Rockford Theatre. Express your appreciation for their sponsorship by patronizing their stores this summer and throughout the year.