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From Aug. 9-11, 2010, Chicago CBF had a Bible conference with the title, "The kingdom of God is near" (Mk 1:15). We rented a big bus and drove two more cars to Brethren Retreat Center by Lake Shipshewana, Indiana. A total of 71 full-time attendees, many parents, and guests joined this conference. Among the guests were M. Rebekah Park of Saudi Arabia and her two sons (San-sung and Isaac), Jay Shim (IIT), Grace Lee (Japan, excellent piano playing), and six Milwaukee II CBF children. In addition, Jennifer (Grace Lenthang's cousin), Sandy Ho, and Grace Mederich came. Daniel and John Mederich volunteered to serve through their mom's faith and prayers. Many CBF alumni came and made this conference more joyful and meaningful with their great messages and serving. M. Birgit served as a faithful messenger trainer. Tim McEathron worked wholeheartedly for many things, like the messages, music, folders, shopping, etc.

The following were the messengers:

Opening message by John Colagrossi
"The kingdom of God is for little children" (Lk 18:13-17)

Lecture I by M. Birgit Pierce
"The kingdom of God through forgiveness" (Mk 2:1-17)

Monday evening message by Pauline Ahn (Loyola)
"Have the right attitude" (Mk 4:1-20)

Tuesday morning message by Hannah Kim (COD)
"The kingdom of God through prayer" (Lk 11:1-4)

Lecture II by Joshua Jeon
"The kingdom of God is near" (Mk 1:14-20)

Tuesday evening message by Tony King
"God's hope and purpose for his people" (Is 2:1-5)

Wednesday morning message by Mary Choi (U of I)
"Jesus came to serve" (Mark 10:35-45)

Lecture III by Tim McEathron
"Confessing and following Jesus as the King" (Mk 8:27-9:1)

Closing message by Kevin Albright
"Believe and Preach the Kingdom of God" (Mark 16:15-18)

The 8th graders shared life testimonies that were full of grace. Those who shared were Esther Ahn, Paul Albright, Jonathan Cho, Joseph Wang, Sandy Ho, and Grace Mederich.

Four groups of children prepared world mission presentations for a month and presented them at the conference, and they were graded by the judges. These groups were led by Esther Ahn (Kiev), Paul Albright (Mongolia), Jonathan Cho (Turkey), and Joseph Wang (St. Petersburg). Each group put together a drama describing the nation and ministry. The Kiev team did a good job in telling us about the life of M. Peter Kim's family and M. John and Maria Peace's family and won first place. Everyone received a prize, which Tim prepared. Through these presentations, the children learned teamwork, geography, and the beautiful work of God through the lives of the missionaries. To learn co-working, some shed tears, but they were all so happy together and felt a great sense of achievement.

Chicago UBF supported this conference with much prayer and more. M Isaac Choi, M Birgit Pierce and Tim McEathron checked the messages in advance. The kids had Bible study for 3 main messages and testimony sharing for four days from Monday to Thursday (8/2-8/5). We had a total of 9 messengers and each messenger attended one day of the prayer meetings and shared their messages and received feedback. At the conference, they practiced much, struggling and having awesome respect toward God's word. The messages were so wonderful that most of the children mentioned the messages and messengers on their offering envelopes.

God blessed this conference by answering our prayers. It was amazing to see the young children never missing any of the meetings, but coming on time with great joy, even early in the morning at 7 am. The CBF children served singspiration with Tim's help with Miriam Pierce leading it. Our second generation CBF alumni came and became a great blessing to us. They were Josh Jeon, Pauline Ahn, Hannah Kim, and Mary Choi. Their messages were very fresh and to the point with good illustrations. Mary Choi was so thankful that she could come and serve the message and the conference. Grace Ahn and Christine Mun came and served with a grateful heart. M Rebecca and I had joy in watching the growth and sacrifice of the new generation. CBF children received the bread of life under God's blessing. Praise God! May God raise each of them to grow as future spiritual leaders and missionaries for world mission work for the next generation. May God's kingdom come on earth through them!
With gratitude, M. Isaac Choi