December 22, 2025 by

Over fall break, I had the privilege of returning for my fourth trip to serve with Inner City Impact, a youth ministry in Chicago that reaches inner-city kids and families with the hope of the Gospel.  

When I first went to Chicago as a sophomore, I had no idea how deeply this ministry would shape me. Each time I’ve gone back, God has continued to show His faithfulness through friendships, conversations, and the simple joy of serving Him together.  

We left campus Wednesday evening and arrived late that night at the ICI building in the suburb of Cicero, settling in and showing the new members of our team around the facility. Walking back into that place felt like coming home. It was such a sweet moment to see the familiar space and reconnect with the staff we had spent time with before.  

Each morning began with team devotions as we worked through Psalm 23, focusing on how the Lord is our Shepherd and how He restores and sustains us.

Working Hard and Building Community 

Thursday kicked off with work projects. Half the team went to ICI’s other location to help move boxes and supplies as they prepare to sell it and relocate, while the rest of us stayed in Cicero to install a new sound system in the main youth room, make cotton candy bags for the Fall Festival, and tackle a few other work projects.  

We had wired the gym during a previous trip, so finishing this project felt like closing a chapter. Small improvements like this make a big difference, allowing staff to use microphones and communicate more clearly with the kids who fill that space every week, which is extremely helpful when you have fifty elementary schoolers in a room full of games and distractions.  

Investing in Students’ Lives 

That evening was High School Club, one of the most meaningful parts of every trip for me. Seeing the high schoolers again was something special. It’s always sweeter each time, as they remember you and the relationships grow deeper. Some of the students I met years ago as sophomores are now seniors preparing to graduate.  

We shared dinner, played games, and listened to a Bible lesson together. It’s humbling to watch these teens grow up and to see how God is shaping their lives over time. Being able to return year after year and walk with them through those seasons has been one of the greatest blessings of my college years. 

Everyday Moments of Ministry 

Friday was another full day of work and ministry. I joined the moving crew at the other site, while others continued construction and cleanup projects back in Cicero. Later that afternoon, we went out to schools to pass out flyers for the Fall Festival.  

It was great to chat with some of the parents and even with a friendly traffic guard. We chatted in Spanish for a while and connected over how both she and my girlfriend were from Mexico originally. Through little moments like this, it has struck me again how God consistently uses the small things in our lives to be able to build bridges with others and share His love.  

That evening we helped run Elementary Club, a time for younger kids to come and have dinner, play games, and hear a Bible lesson. Again, it was sweet to see some familiar faces and have them light up when they recognize you.  

They are always so energetic and precious to see. For many of them, ICI is one of the few consistent, loving environments they experience during the week, and it’s beautiful to watch them laugh, learn, and get some love. 

Fall Festival and Lasting Connections 

Saturday was the day of the big Fall Festival, and we got to see hundreds of people from the neighborhood come through the building. From morning to late afternoon, the building was buzzing with people. Seeing the staff’s hearts through this event was so neat — they love and truly care, building trust and friendship in a community that often faces hardship.  

After cleanup, we took the staff and some of the older students who had volunteered to get ice cream. Sitting together, laughing, and sharing about the week, I realized how hard it would be to leave. This was my last trip as a Cedarville student, and the relationships I’ve built here mean so much to me.  

Saying goodbye wasn’t easy, but I am so deeply grateful for the time I have had there, thankful for every moment God allowed me to spend there, and confident that He will continue His work long after we’re gone. 

Lessons From Psalm 23 

Each time I’ve come to Chicago, God has taught me something new. On this trip, He reminded me to rest in Him, to slow down, to trust His timing, and to remember that even small acts of obedience matter.  

Thinking through Psalm 23 again, I am reminded again that the Lord truly is my Shepherd. He leads me beside still waters even when life is busy and goodbyes are hard. I also saw how meaningful it is simply to be present, just to show up consistently in people’s lives and let God use that faithfulness to plant seeds for His glory.  

Why Global Outreach Trips Matter 

To anyone considering a Global Outreach trip, I can’t recommend it enough. You’ll get to see God at work and grow closer to Him and to your team. The work might look small — wiring speakers, bagging cotton candy, handing out flyers — but God uses it all to make His name known.  

I’m so thankful for what He’s done through Inner City Impact to shape my heart. Even though this may be my last time going as a student, I know it’s not the end of my connection with this ministry. God is still moving in Chicago, and I’m grateful to have seen just a glimpse of His goodness there. 

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” –Psalm 23:6 

Posted in: , , ,