Last week, a group of students and leaders from Fairhaven Church and our partner church in Puembo, Ecuador, embarked on a mission trip to Chicago. Partnering with the Family Empowerment Center in the Rogers Park community on the north side of the city, our team had the opportunity to serve and connect with the local community in impactful ways.
What We Did
- Cooked and Served Breakfast: Our team prepared and served breakfast to the homeless community and migrants, taking the time to sit with them and build relationships.
- Prayer Walks: We engaged in prayer walks throughout the neighborhood, lifting up the community in prayer and seeking God’s presence.
- Neighborhood Clean-Up and Yard Work: We helped clean up the neighborhood and assisted with yard work to improve the local environment.
- Relocated a Food Pantry: Our team worked together to relocate a food pantry, ensuring that essential resources were accessible to those in need.
- Painting Projects: We painted various locations, helping to beautify and refresh community spaces.
- Beach Outreach: Engaging with the local community through sports, we played volleyball and soccer at the beach, sharing the love of Christ in a fun and relaxed setting.
- Community Outreach for Second Location Development: We assisted in outreach efforts to support the development of a second location for the Family Empowerment Center.
- Day Camp: Our team planned and executed a day camp, providing a fun and safe environment for local children to learn and grow.
Lifelong Friendships and Cultural Training
Throughout the trip, students and leaders built friendships and experienced valuable cultural training. They learned that people are often open to conversations and prayer, deepening their understanding of God’s love and power in action.
One student beautifully summed up the experience: “I can because God can!”
This mission trip was a profound reminder of the power of service and the importance of community. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Family Empowerment Center and look forward to continuing our efforts to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.