Юные миссионеры из Метрополиса ежегодно отправляются в Чикаго для служения

METROPOLIS, Ill. — Kinley Logeman had never been to Chicago before a summer youth mission trip several years back. While it’s in the same state, Metropolis is completely different from its far-north neighbor, having fewer than 6,000 people and sitting on the southern border of Illinois. It was a bit scary for the then 15 year old because it was her first mission trip, and she was traveling to a big, new city without her parents. “It was very, very eye opening,” Logeman said. “Going from small town to large city, there was a vast amount of city and culture. Getting the kid out of the small town, I was able to see it doesn’t seem like such a small world when you’re in Chicago.” She returned to Chicago her sophomore year with her church, First Baptist Church (FBC) of Metropolis. Associate Pastor Cliff Easter has brought a group of high school students to Chicago every year for the last 20 years because of his heart to serve the city. “I love Chicago’s place in our youth group, in the church, and the mission that we share there,” Easter said. Many of his students, like Logeman, have never seen the city before. Coming from a rural, downstate, predominantly white church, students learn a lot from Chicago. Through the years, the students have worked with church planters, doing whatever they needed. Students take part in evangelism, block parties, backyard Bible studies, assist with Vacation Bible School and help with church restarts and revitalizations. See past ‘the divide’ Last summer the students had the opportunity to serve alongside Pastor Maurice Gaiter at Empowerment Community Church of Chicago. Easter helped Gaiter baptize new believers and share the meaning of baptism during a special community event. For Easter it was a highlight of the trip, as students see that while we’re different, we all belong to the same God. “To get to work with different churches that have diverse communities of people from all different walks of life and ethnic groups, it’s just a really cool opportunity for our kids to gain a whole new perspective on the world,” Easter said. “That’s what I’m after as a youth pastor; I want them to see past the divide.” Easter said it’s not uncommon for people in downstate Illinois to dislike Chicago because of political and cultural differences. The pastor wants his students to see the incredible potential to reach lost people. “I remember what it was like to be lost and have no one around me that knew the gospel and would never think to share it,” Easter said emotionally. “That’s what Chicago is like. Jesus commands us go. Why are we not going more?” Logeman agreed. “Here in Metropolis, we are in the Bible belt, all the kids are going to know something about Jesus,” she said. “In Chicago there are countless people in the street that have never stepped foot inside the church, never heard someone say, ‘Jesus loves you.’” During one visit, the group set up a stand near the L-train station with a sign reading “How can we pray for you?” She doubted anyone would stop by. But they did. “It was amazing to see God working through my doubt, and to see people craving God who didn’t know how to receive Him.” FBC Metropolis has a goal to raise up students unafraid to live out Acts 1:8, taking the gospel from downstate Illinois to the ends of the earth. “The calling of Christ is bigger than my town, my ethnic group, my comfort zone; we have to take it to everyone. If a church is not trying to share actively, what exactly are we doing?” Easter said. Serving starts at home and nearby. “It’s a trip we push toward our younger students,” Logeman said. “It’s a good opportunity to dip your feet in missions because it’s closer to home.” Of her first trip she remembered, “It was awesome to see how God can use me and doesn’t just use other people.” Next, for the Metropolis church, missions crosses borders. For students like Logeman, Chicago is a foretaste of international missions. And many like her make a lasting commitment that includes service outside the states. Now 18, she has been on an international mission trip to Italy. For security reasons, she can’t disclose the location of this summer’s trip. Next year she’ll major in nursing at Maryville University and plans to use the vocation for missions. The impact of Chicago missions has been profound across the church, with the congregation championing the trip every year. “If we stopped doing these things, I would have to answer for it and rightfully so,” Easter said. Of the 80 students expected at Go Chicago 2026, 30 will likely be from FBC Metropolis. Last year Easter also brought students from four other churches in Union Baptist Association, which has also taken the city to heart. Even for distant, different Chicago, the love of Christ is spreading from downstate to upstate. And back. “It’s a great opportunity,” Logeman said. “I understand if you’re scared, but God will send you where you’re supposed to be. He’s going to protect you and use you in amazing ways.” And for many, it’s just a beginning. (EDITOR’S NOTE — Kayla Houchin is a ministry assistant for the Illinois Baptist State Association. This article originally appeared in the Illinois Baptist.)