Daily Devotionals

Shining in Chicago

Posted in Spiritual Growth

Scripture:  “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

Being able to serve others is extremely rewarding. I’ve experienced this feeling several times with Eastminister, but nothing like my recent trip to Chicago.

Our high school youth group served in several different communities in the city. We got to experience God from the new perspective of seeing him in a city like Chicago. Although there are many people in need in Columbia, the number of people in Chicago is so much more.

A Bible verse that I believe relates to this mission trip is Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

We had the opportunity to serve in a large food bank, help clean up the grounds of a community garden and see the work being done at a health authority. These were all valuable experiences because they were different and served others in a unique way. The food bank was especially meaningful to me because of the amount of food we packaged for people in need.

Through these experiences, we saw God in the work we were doing. We also met several people along the way who were very appreciative of our group. In addition to serving, we explored Chicago and saw many of the sights that make it such a great city.

I will remember this trip forever and am very thankful that I was a part of it. I look forward to serving again in both Columbia and other cities.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for leading us to Chicago where the light of Christ was shining through our service to people in need. Amen.

Submitted by Harris Rivers, HS Youth

(Harris was a rising 10th grader at A.C. Flora High School when he wrote this devotional. He is the son of Del and Amy Rivers.)