by Elder Joe G.

Semi-Annual Members Meeting

The Semi-Annual Members Meeting took place on Sunday, April 14, 2024. There were reports given on the many aspects of Chicago UBF. Reports on the World mission, Campus Ministry, and Children’s ministry were presented along with Church-wide updates and prayer topics. Through the reports, members could see God’s new work going on in the last 6 months in Chicago UBF.

The 2023 Finance report detailed the year-end financial results and trends in offerings, expense management, and investment of church assets. The Chicago UBF Properties report explained the new building management process and future 2024 building projects. The Member Care and Visiting Report highlighted the visiting ministry by pastors and elders, care for sick coworkers, and guest serving. The 2023 Annual Survey of Chicago UBF members summarized the feedback of members, identified trends, and detailed action steps taken in response to the survey.

In this meeting, members also divided into 8 small group discussions on Finance, Sr. Missionary Member Care, Hospitality/Serving, Parenting/Young Families, Daily Bread, World Mission, Campus Ministry, and Next Gens. The discussions provided a forum for members to openly share their ideas, give feedback, ask questions, and connect with other members. The small groups were well-attended and attracted a diverse range of participants.

May God lead Chicago UBF with his wisdom and guidance in carrying out his kingdom work. May all members be open and receptive to the new work God desires to do in them, in our church, and in the world.

*Read up on our previous meeting: recap-on-the-semi-annual-members-meeting

April UFM 2024

For this month’s UFM campus ministries across the Chicago-land shared about God’s amazing work through the Easter conferences.

UIC Report: Presented by Paul S. the title of UIC’s Easter conference was “Life in His Name” and took place from March 22-23. A total of 84 people attended. The conference theme was based on John’s Gospel and the messengers shared a joyful and engaging gospel message on the death and resurrection of Jesus. Through the conference, they could feel and experience God’s love and presence.

MVCC: Presented by Theresa S. Tony G. wrote a report on their on-campus one-day conference which was packed full of God’s word and great fellowship. There were 12 attendees about 4 being students, a message based on 1 Corinthians 15, and bible studies. The bible studies were divided into two groups, men and women and they were very engaging, everyone shared something they learned. To conclude the conference they went on a hike in a lake nearby. They prayed for the students who attended the conference to be resurrection witnesses on campus.

NU/LP: Annie L. Jr. shared a report/testimony on the joint conference. She also shared a message at the conference based on Romans 6:11

“So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

All 3 messengers struggled with the word of God and personally accepted God’s word in their hearts. The students who attended the conference shared how God blessed them with genuine Christian friends. 3 students shared that they were encouraged to serve God, 2 volunteered to be GBS leaders, and 2 received healing from the conference. Caleb C. shared a report on Lincoln Park’s experience at the joint conference. The conference was titled “Be Alive”, many of those in the LP ministry volunteered to be, testimony sharers, and GBS leaders and helped with setting up and serving the conference. It has been a year and a half since LP joined Chicago UBF and this conference was an engaging experience to worship together and bond with the Northwestern fellowship.

Oakton: 38 people attended the Oakton Easter conference 24 of them were students. Their primary focus was to raise student leaders, God answered their prayers by raising seven GBS leaders among the students. God blessed Oaktons faith and labor as they are growing in students eager to learn the word of God. Jack. M shared the message with the theme of holding onto the word of God as a first importance. Other activities included signing, art activities, testimony writing, and group talent shows.

HBF: John L. shared on HBF’s conference. The key verse was John 20:18,

“Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.”

They were very happy and thankful for Ivonne being able to attend after suffering from illness. They kept with the HBF tradition where seniors prepared and shared a message. Everyone in HBF had an opportunity to participate in the conference either through GBS leader, signing, testimony sharing, or praying.

NEIU/Loyola: There were 97 attendants at the joint Easter conference, 72 adults, and 25 children. The messengers shared a powerful life-giving word of God, you can watch them here: watch There were 4 life-giving testimonies, which revealed the love and grace of God in their lives. They had interest groups led by young members and a skit. The interest groups’ topics were Mental Health, Gender & LGBTQ, and Christian Politics. There was a fruitful children’s program where the children expressed they didn’t want to leave.

Joaly from Loyola Fellowship shared her life testimony. The title of her testimony is “Jesus is All I Need” and her key verse is Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

To conclude the meeting elder Daniel Y. shared an appreciation letter. He shared gratefulness for his daughter who will be getting married soon. Pastor Mark gave announcements where he concluded that over 80 college students attended the Easter conferences in Chicago land, and 13 messengers. May God bless the messengers and life testimony speakers from the conference to be future spiritual leaders.

Chicago UBF’s Children’s Bible Fellowship had a vibrant Easter celebration on Saturday, March 30th, 2024! The main message was led by Anthony L. based on Luke 23:50-24:12. For this year they had an unconventional easter egg hunt where the focus was on Jesus’ Resurrection! CBF aims to steer children to Jesus and not the secular views taught in common holidays today.

The easter egg hunt started with teachers handing out coloring pages to each grade and the students were instructed to think about how the image is related to Jesus’ resurrection. There are 12 eggs with 12 different images symbolizing an event of the Ressurection. A palm branch, silver coins, a cup, flowers, a rooster, a crown of thorns, the cross, dice, a spear, linen cloth, a stone, and the final one is blank representing the empty tomb. The egg hunt/ coloring was followed up with a “Resurrection Egg” storytelling, where students were encouraged to share what they learned about the Ressurection. After the service, there was a pizza party held in the church basement. May God continue to bless the CBF ministry for the children to be raised up on the word of God.

Read up on how CBF celebrates Halloween with Christ at the center: cbf-had-their-annual-hallelujah-light-festival

This past weekend March 23-24 “Weekend to Remember” Marriage Retreat took place in Oak Brook, IL. Out of 1100 people who attended this conference 4 Chicago UBF couples participated. They expressed that it was a blessed experience. This is the second year Chicago UBF has been attending this retreat as a church. Last year about 8-9 couples attended you can read their article here: https://www.chicagoubf.org/ubf-blog/chicago-ubf-members-joined-a-marriage-retreat

Prayer Topics for Each Ministry Regarding Easter/Spring Retreat

HBF: March 29-31, “I Have Seen Him” (John 19-20)

1. Each of our students, especially seniors and juniors can accept one word based on John 19-20.

2. (The Senior messengers: Andrew A., Hannah A., Sammy S., Jane K., and Nehemiah K. The Junior GBS leaders: Joshua W., Theresa J., Elizabeth H., and Esther M.)

3. God may bless and watch over HBF as we continue to transition leadership.

4. God may provide one female leader to lead a devo group/Bible Study on Fridays for our Praise Nights.

Oakton: March 22-24, “The Gospel of the Resurrection/Come and You Will See”

1. The messengers:  Dayani P. John 1:35-39 “Come and See”, Jack M. 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 “The Gospel of the resurrection”, M. Mary P. 1 Co 15:56-58 “Be Steadfast”

2. Student GBS leaders: Angelo, Minh, Kirt, Miranda, and Denise

3. The Chorus was led by Jonathan and Frida R.

4. For the word of God to flow powerfully and students to have a personal encounter with the Risen Christ

5. For the renewed faith and hope in key leaders.

NEIU: March 22-24, “Forgiven” (Luke 23:34a)

1. All members may renew their gospel faith.

2. Young members actively serve and grow as future leaders.

3. Bible students may accept Jesus’ forgiveness of sins and have resurrection hope.

UIC: March 22-24, “Life in His name” (John 20:31)

1. All members may renew the gospel faith in Jesus.

2. All students may believe and have life in His name.

3. All children may accept Jesus by faith.

NU: April 5-7, “Be Alive” (Luke 15, Romans 6, and 1 Corinthians 15b)

1. To experience the power of God through the work of the Holy Spirit

2. Messengers- Pablo C. – Luke 15, Annie L.  Jr. – Ro 6, Sohyun L. – 1 Corinthians 15

LP: April 5-7, “Be Alive” (Luke 15, Romans 6, and 1 Corinthians 15b)

1. Students/young people: Margaret, Jason, Elea, Allison, Yazmin, Jonathan, Eva, Sarah, Sam & Elias

2. Messengers & Life/Bible Testimony Sharers

3. For everyone to be strengthened, to be renewed spiritually, and to be alive in Jesus

Loyola: March 22-24, “Forgiven” (Luke 23:34a)

1. Renew our gospel faith share the good news and raise disciples of Jesus at Loyola

MVCC: March 23, “Ressurection Witnesses”

1. Messenger (Tony G.), passage recitation (Carmen T.) GBS (Augustine S.)

2. Regular members and several more students may come.

Dupage/IVINE: March 30-21

1. At UIUC (1 Corinthians 15a, b, C, Luke 24); Rob M., Saehan H., Jason P., Dylan B.

by Sam L.

A Night of Inspiration: Dinner with Jose and Maria A.

Recently, I had the pleasure of being invited to the home of Jose and Maria A. for dinner. As I stepped through the door, I was immediately captivated by a vibrant, wall-to-wall world map. Jose explained how each glance at it filled him with a profound sense of mission for the world. His house resembles a UBF mission archive, adorned with numerous missionary pictures depicting his travels all over the world.

The evening unfolded with delightful surprises. Maria had prepared a delicious dinner featuring a symphony of vegetables entirely new to my taste buds, a refreshing change from my usual quick meals. As we savored the flavors, Jose shared his passion for the Caribbean nations. He had recently acquired a second home in Antigua, Guatemala, with a unique purpose – to use it as a base for extending outreach to the Caribbean countries through prayer and, potentially, relocation.

Intrigued by his choice, I questioned why the Caribbean specifically. Jose explained that, to his knowledge, none of the 16 Caribbean countries currently had UBF missionaries. He spoke fervently about his dedication to diplomatic missionary work, starting in 1976, and highlighted the upcoming 50th-year celebration of the LA Mission Conference in 2026, an initiative he spearheaded. He also added that 11 out of the 16 Caribbean nations had English as their official language, making communication potentially easier.

Witnessing Jose’s unwavering commitment, I expressed my admiration and suggested he had already accomplished an extraordinary amount. However, Jose, with unwavering determination, said, “As long as I can walk, I want to go around the countries like Apostle Paul, who made frequent mission trips.” Glancing at Maria, I saw a radiant smile on her face as she listened to her husband. They were united in their desire to serve God, their missionary zeal burning brightly.

Throughout the evening, Jose shared inspiring stories of his missionary friends. He even mentioned a friend who, after experiencing the Caribbean, considered selling his California home and moving there permanently. This sparked a conversation about how even those with physical limitations could participate in missionary work. We spoke about a retired friend with skin issues who might find solace and an opportunity for short-term missions in the Caribbean’s warm climate. Jose also highlighted the impactful work of a Chicago-based missionary, demonstrating that physical presence wasn’t always essential for effective outreach.

Having known Jose and Maria for over five decades, I’ve always admired their unwavering dedication to spreading the gospel. As we talked about Jose’s current dreams, I couldn’t help but wonder about the secret to their enduring spirit. Maria, with a warm smile, shared that Jose has practiced “daily bread” since 1976 when he began his missionary journey in Guatemala. This daily practice involves personal reflections and prayers for the world mission. Additionally, Jose and Maria remain actively involved with the Northeastern University campus ministry, supporting the weekly student Bible study group.

Their story is a testament to God’s grace and the power of faith. It reminds us that He uses people of all ages to fulfill His purposes. Inspired by their dedication, we concluded the evening with a prayer for the expansion of God’s work in the 16 Caribbean countries. Join me in supporting Jose and Maria A.’s prayer for the Caribbean and let their story inspire you to find your own way to contribute to God’s work, no matter your age or circumstance. Let us all, young and old, continue dreaming dreams and spreading the gospel to the ends of the world.

“your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” Acts 2:17

Read an article on their recent Jamaica Mission Report: https://ubf.org/articles/show/17706?keywords=Jamaica

by Marna P.

I want to share about a Venezuelan Refugee family, and first-time attendance to the Spanish worship service.

I was first introduced to them back in early January through Dindo from UIC and offered to pick them up from their housing and take the family to attend the 11- AM Sunday service in English. Along with this, I was able to observe their eagerness to attend the 11- AM service. I have also been noticing the love and respect they have for God. I admire how they have been parenting their 3 children, by being respectful well spoken with good manners, specifically teaching them about the love of God and Jesus Christ. Another of my observations, in addition to the commitment they show in attending the Sunday service, is noticing the respect and gratitude they have towards both Dindo and Pastor Kevin. I watched how the kids embraced Dindo, which in my opinion is a very touching and kind gesture. To pastor Kevin, Jhon, the father, expresses his gratitude for taking their family back home and shares that Pastor Kevin’s wife cooks very deliciously. Jhon also shared he loves the worship music not to mention the orchestra, in his words. I engaged to pick them up every Sunday, with someone else providing a ride back home for them. Recently I just began taking them also to the Spanish worship service which takes place at the NEIU bible house just before the 11- AM service. They were very welcomed, as always, by the Spanish fellowship, they also were attentive and engaged throughout the whole Spanish service.

To give a little back story the family has traveled long and far from their homeland in Venezuela, South America. They shared how they spent time living in Colombia and then in Mexico. The children, even though they are young remember clearly their time spent living in these two countries, they share how they remember Mexican food being spicy. They now reside in Chicago and if it is God’s will, they plan to make a home here. May God provide and protect this Venezuelan family wherever they go. I don’t know what God’s plans are with regard to continually attending UBF, but one thing I know for sure, they will always remember God’s love and compassion being received by those at Chicago UBF.

by Greg G.

Pray for Toledo UBF

“And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. “- Luke 9:23

Pastor Steve S. once a memeber of Chicago UBF transfered to Toledo UBF before the pandemic. He recently assumed a full-time role at the Toledo UBF Church in Ohio. For Toledo UBF this was an historic event because for the first time in their 50-year history, they are supporting a full-time pastor. In February of 2023, Steve S. officially became a part of the pastoral team. He finished his Masters of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary in December 2023. Pastor Steve now serves their church as a full-time, paid pastor together with Pastor Greg L. Greg is a co-vocational pastor who received a Master’s in Practical Theology with a concentration in pastoral ministry from Winebrenner Theological Seminary in 2020. Greg also works as a senior lecturer in the math department at the University of Toledo. They thank God for Elder Jim R. and Dr. Paul K., who came from Chicago to visit and celebrate this important event with them. Please pray for their church to grow and mature this year based on Luke 9:23.

Chris S. from Triton UBF to Yunhee UBF, Seoul Korea works at a Korean middle school and his yearly contract was renewed this year. He is a faithful English worship messenger. John S. is planning to come to the US for college.

By Sam L.

“I Am The Lord’s Servant”

“And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.” -Luke 1:38

Recently Monica B. graciously offered to share lunch with me, knowing that my wife is away in Korea caring for her mother. Monica’s caring nature isn’t a surprise; she previously cared for Joseph Chung during his chemotherapy and his last days, embodying a truly maternal presence.

Though I had to decline Monica’s offer due to another commitment, I welcomed the opportunity to share a coffee with her. As we sipped our drinks, I asked Monica about the verse that had profoundly impacted her life. With a serene demeanor, Monica closed her eyes and recited Luke 1:38: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”

Monica recounted her journey of faith, detailing how her encounter with the Bible through UBF (University Bible Fellowship) transformed her from a Samaritan woman into a devoted servant of the Lord. Intrigued by Monica’s story and its potential connection to my father’s experiences as a senior pastor at Chicago UBF, I wanted to delve deeper, eager to understand the intersection of her faith journey and her interactions with my dad.

Monica smiled as she began to recall a poignant incident involving my dad, her Bible mentor, one that had left a lasting impression on her. She recounted a time when, as a bi-vocational campus worker juggling full-time work with ministry duties, she made a significant mistake. Though she didn’t delve into the details of the error, she shared how my dad, summoning her to his office, uttered words that shook her to the core: “Your actions deny your faith. You are not the LORD’s servant anymore.” With a heavy heart, Monica realized her career at UBF was over.

This admonition served as a wake-up call for Monica, prompting deep introspection and repentance before God. To her surprise her senior pastor, displaying humility uncommon in leaders, awaited her at the entrance until she emerged. Monica was taken aback to find him there. Her senior pastor apologized for his harsh words, acknowledging that it was not his place to revoke her status as a servant of God. As a pastor, he could admonish her behavior or actions, but he recognized the limit of his authority when it came to discerning her heart motives. He humbly stated, “It is not my place to say you are servant of God or not. Forgive me going over my authority.”

This gesture of humility and apology marked the beginning of a profound relationship between Monica and her senior pastor. My dad emphasized that it was not his but God who appointed her as His servant, and my dad, recognizing this divine calling, showed respect despite her shortcomings.

In reflecting on this experience, Monica underscored the truth that our status as servants of God is determined by His grace and appointment, not by human judgment. Despite her imperfections, Monica found solace in God’s covenant promise and His transformative power of word, shaping her into a new person. Indeed, as Monica eloquently concluded, “We are all God’s servants by the grace of Jesus. It is God who appoints us, and no one can fire me except God Himself, or if we choose to walk away from Him. God is not done with me.”

Paul said in Romans 11:29 that “for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.” Father God bestows numerous gifts upon His children, and He never takes them back. The Bible resounds with tales of God’s unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people. God’s people might go up and down but his conventional love never changes.

We give thanks for the life of faith lived by Monica. Despite her advanced age, she devotes herself to caring for an elderly lady who visits her every morning, engaging in hours of uninterrupted conversation. When asked how she manages, Monica simply replied, “She has been wounded so deeply. She needs my listening ears.”

In addition to her compassionate care, Monica spends her time teaching the Bible one-on-one to seventeen individuals each week. When questioned about her remarkable dedication, she responded, “I am the LORD’s servant..” Continuing, she emphasized, “Regardless of my actions, I repent daily and awaken each morning with a commitment to serve God faithfully, striving to finish my life well before Him. I am acutely aware of my limited time on this earth. If God is willing, I’d like to be raptured into heaven. Please pray for me to finish well.”

Monica’s story is just one example of the remarkable individuals who make up our church family.

Chicago UBF is a community of imperfect saints united by the transforming power of God’s word, compassion, and a shared desire to serve and grow closer to Him.