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In the 2024 Fall Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC), I participated differently than in previous ESSCs I had attended – I had a willing heart to serve. It was not the first time I had duties in an ESSC or on a Sabbath, but previously it felt more like “I am assigned, so I have to do it.” This time, however, the “have to” had turned into a “want to.”
The year 2024 was not easy for me. It felt like being in quicksand; the harder I tried to pull myself up, the quicker I sank. God is truly merciful, He had guided me, chastened me, protected me, and comforted me all along. The quicksand is still there, but I have taken the hands that were extended out to me, and I know they’re from God. Therefore, I praise and serve Him in a cheerful, willing and meaningful way.
I was assigned to lead a hymnal worship session before a sermon. I put in the effort to practice the hymns, and thank God, the session went smoothly. Afterward, I passed by the Audio and Video (AV) control room, and the AV control crew approached me, “We have a situation here. We are short-staffed in another position. Can you help with the AV control?” “Great, I can serve God more,” I thought to myself as I sat down in front of the monitors. But what I hadn’t realize was, there would be a laying-hand prayer after the sermon. Laying-hand prayer is a special form of prayer where the pastors help us to pray by laying hand on us, which we don’t usually have on regular Sabbath days. To fulfill the duty thoroughly, those in charge should not leave their positions, meaning I would be staying in the AV control room and would miss the laying-hand for sure.
During the prayer, I spoke to God, “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for providing me with chances to serve You in different ways. I had been looking forward to receiving the laying-hand, but serving You is my greatest desire.” Suddenly, I felt the door behind me (which connects to the main hall where sermons are given) open, and a warm stream poured down from above. I lost control of my tears and continued praying. At that moment, I knew God was taking good care of me, He had been doing that and will continue to do so. This greatly strengthened my faith and made me want to pray more and more, so I can continuously ask Him whether it is the right path that He wants me to go. “Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” (2 Corinthians 5:5)
Someone once told me, “Be humble in the Lord and all will be well.” At the time, I didn’t understand what it meant to “be humble in the Lord,” but now I do. It is about setting priorities, putting others before ourselves, and focusing on glorifying His name rather than our own. I praise Him for guiding me on this path. Having experienced this transformation firsthand, I warmly invite you to join us and learn more about our loving.
Please find our church location below:
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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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