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Warmth in the Castle
Many people have similar experiences when they travel: they might lose their appetite or struggle to adjust to new places. Sometimes, even in front of beautiful scenes in foreign lands, they can’t enjoy it because they feel unwell. For students studying abroad, adapting to new food and lifestyles can be especially challenging, creating a mix of excitement and loneliness. For someone with health issues, deciding to travel abroad takes a lot of courage.
A sister from our church had been sick for a long time, and over time as her health worsened, the hope on the possibility of getting married got slimmer. Then, she was invited to an international youth event by the church, giving her a chance to travel and meet young people from True Jesus Churches around the world. She thought, “I have cancer! I don’t expect much on my chances of getting married, but I’ll sign up.” She packed her bags and went to England in the winter.
It was the first time the event was held, and several UK churches, despite not having done this before, carefully planned and prayed for it. They made sure to take good care of her, knowing she couldn’t eat cold or raw food because of her health, preparing warm meals to make her feel physically and emotionally comfortable.
One day, all the youths from the event decided to visit a famous castle in a rural area. Tickets were hard to get, so only one local youth from the entire group could go inside to get the tickets while the rest of the youths others waited at the entrance.
The visiting youths of the event stayed with families from the church nearby, who continued to show great hospitality. The sick sister and other sisters of the same visiting group were arranged to stay at the home of a quiet and warm-hearted elderly brother.
The night before the castle visit, the sick sister shared her fears with the other sisters, and they spent a warm evening encouraging each other, while the elderly brother just listened.
The next day, the organizers felt bad because they couldn’t find any hot food in the rural area. The sister kept saying, “It’s okay, it’s okay,” not wanting to trouble anyone. Just then, an elderly man who had been standing far away came over with a thermal bag. He was the elderly brother who had hosted them. He had made fried rice early in the morning, packed it in the thermal bag, and brought it all the way to the castle, waiting quietly. He had heard her share her story the previous night and guessed that she might only find cold food like sandwiches or salads at the castle.
At lunchtime, everyone was moved to tears by the kindness of the elderly man. They gathered inside the winter castle, sharing the warm fried rice he had brought.
Paul in the Bible said: “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” (Ephesians 5:1-2). He also encouraged: “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord of one mind.” (Philippians 2:1-2). The elderly brother’s actions spoke louder than words. He listened, cared and showed love for this sick sister. His attitude and actions showed how peace (in face of unfavorable health conditions) and love looks like in real life. Let us all be inspired by Christ’s love to bring peace and love by serving one another just as Christ showed us so Himself.
We warmly invite you to come to the Chicago True Jesus Church’s Fall Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation in September and get into the spirit of peace and love together.
Thursday, September 26,2024 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, 27-28, September 2024 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, September 29, 2024, 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Complimentary lunch and dinner will be served.
Please find our church location as follows:
True Jesus Church
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
Google Maps
In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.
Friday Evening Service: 7:50PM – 9:00PM
Saturday Morning Service: 10:50AM – 12:00Noon
Saturday Afternoon Service: 1:30PM – 2:40PM
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org