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This month we’re heading on over to Chicago! Be sure to visit our city's page for more information about serving with us in the “Windy City”.
News from the Chicago City Director
Imagine
“Imagine.” For the 2016 Olympic bid here in Chicago many of the advertisements would show an athlete with “Imagine” printed underneath. Our politicians, local celebrities, and Olympic bid supporters did their best to show the world why we deserved to host the games. We spent nearly $50 million in the effort repaving roads, updating public housing (which is now being torn down), sending people over seas to lobby, etc. By now you have probably heard that we did not get the Olympics. As a result, there are now renewed cries to see the energy, effort and money spent on more pressing needs. Part of me wonders, “Imagine” if we have spent $50 million on our education system which only has a 48% graduation rate. “Imagine” if we spent $50 million helping the 18.000 homeless get a bed to sleep at night (there are only 6,500 shelter beds). “Imagine” if we spent $50 million on hiring more police officers to keep our streets safer (We have 13,000 officers and they are overwhelmed).
It is important to “Imagine” and to have hopes for what could be. But we must always couple our dreams with a pursuit of God. What does God “Imagine” for Chicago? What does God “Imagine” for your community?
Lord, our dreams are too small. Give us a vision that’s big enough for you to work. Help us to “Imagine” what this world could be!
- Tim & Kelly Reed, CSM Chicago Co-City Directors
Local Resources
Local News Links
- Homeless Man Evicted October 6, 2009
- Fenger kids tell why they fight October 6, 2009
- Job-seeking refugees in Chicago find new hope with state-funded initiative October 1, 2009
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