The theme of the trip, “Restore,” was chosen after months of prayer and discussion with
others at WBC. It is a theme that can resonate with everyone, because we all need a
restoration by God. We need to be restored to the image in which God created us. So many
people I meet are trying to find restoration through human ways, but only God can restore the
longing of our souls. The best way to restore the lost, broken, and hurting is to point them to
Christ, our Healer.
We will be spending lots of time on the trip meeting people’s physical needs through donating our time, energy, and resources, but the ultimate expression of restoring Chicago is to give them the Gospel. Being obedient to Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we use the gifts that have been given to us as we sing and speak the name of Jesus. I believe we all need a restoration; yes, even the choir students and sponsors. I pray that we would not be so busy doing the work of the Lord on this trip that we miss his voice speaking to our hearts. Pray now that God would reveal areas that need a restoration in your life.
The ministry we engage in will be diverse and is intended to give students a brief glimpse of different kinds of ministry. Concert venues include churches, homeless shelters, public squares, a school, and community areas.
Our students will be exposed to the realities of a fallen world: people that have been neglected, who are hungry, and who have no one that loves and cares for them on this earth. It will be difficult. It won’t always be pretty. But that’s reality. The experiences that students often have on these kinds of mission trips can impact them for a lifetime. It can break down the walls of selfishness and expose the compassion that Christ-followers should display.
The adult sponsors accompanying the students on this mission are all gifted, trusted individuals who have a heart for students and evangelism. They each pay financially for this trip and sacrifice throughout the year as servant leaders. Please be in prayer for them as they teach and exhibit the attributes of Christ during our time on the trip.
In closing, please know that I will do my best to provide the leadership you expect on this mission trip. It’s hard to believe, but this is my 19th student choir mission trip at WBC. In the past ten years I have learned that there are always unpredictable situations and difficult decisions that have to be made. Please pray that I will have divine wisdom in making those decisions. I am excited to be ministering with your student on this mission trip!
Love,
Rev. Matthew D. Sloma
We will be spending lots of time on the trip meeting people’s physical needs through donating our time, energy, and resources, but the ultimate expression of restoring Chicago is to give them the Gospel. Being obedient to Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we use the gifts that have been given to us as we sing and speak the name of Jesus. I believe we all need a restoration; yes, even the choir students and sponsors. I pray that we would not be so busy doing the work of the Lord on this trip that we miss his voice speaking to our hearts. Pray now that God would reveal areas that need a restoration in your life.
The ministry we engage in will be diverse and is intended to give students a brief glimpse of different kinds of ministry. Concert venues include churches, homeless shelters, public squares, a school, and community areas.
Our students will be exposed to the realities of a fallen world: people that have been neglected, who are hungry, and who have no one that loves and cares for them on this earth. It will be difficult. It won’t always be pretty. But that’s reality. The experiences that students often have on these kinds of mission trips can impact them for a lifetime. It can break down the walls of selfishness and expose the compassion that Christ-followers should display.
The adult sponsors accompanying the students on this mission are all gifted, trusted individuals who have a heart for students and evangelism. They each pay financially for this trip and sacrifice throughout the year as servant leaders. Please be in prayer for them as they teach and exhibit the attributes of Christ during our time on the trip.
In closing, please know that I will do my best to provide the leadership you expect on this mission trip. It’s hard to believe, but this is my 19th student choir mission trip at WBC. In the past ten years I have learned that there are always unpredictable situations and difficult decisions that have to be made. Please pray that I will have divine wisdom in making those decisions. I am excited to be ministering with your student on this mission trip!
Love,
Rev. Matthew D. Sloma
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