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Pastoral Resident Sam Wenner - Itasca
Isaiah 59:1-2 ESV
1
Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear;
2 but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.
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Tom Hutchison and his son-in-law, Andy Reimink, are not only members of The Orchard, but also two men who are making a lasting impact for the gospel of Jesus Christ through their industrial water treatment company, HOH Water Technology. Together, Tom and Andy shine both personally and professionally to serve the most under-resourced and desperate communities around the world through the establishment of basic water systems. These systems offer clean water to thousands of children and families, and is truly, “living water,” – their source of life and sustenance. Do you, or someone you know, have a SHINE story? Let us know!
This month's SHINE story features Sherry Lajiness, a member of The Orchard Barrington, who volunteers for the non-profit ministry organization, Refuge for Women. Despite her initial reluctance, Sherry followed the Lord's prompting to serve a few hours a week and is making an impact in the lives of these women. Watch this short video to see how Sherry’s “yes” to serving is helping her to shine in her community for Christ. Do you, or someone you know, have a SHINE story? Let us know!
In my 20s, I decided to explore Christianity, doing everything a good Christian would do: I attended a church, signed up for Alpha, I participated in a church retreat, attended faith-filled events, and joined a bible study. All the boxes were checked, except for one: I never believed Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I wasn't ready to embrace Christ and I certainly didn't understand what that meant. During that time, I also studied New Age practices. The sparkly phrase of manifesting captured my attention. This pursuit of answers lead to the craving of travel, art, clothes, experiences, events, and false spirituality - all earthly things to fill a void. One night while searching YouTube, I clicked on a video testimonial of a woman's transition from New Age belief to finding Jesus Christ. I watched as she explained her void - just as I had been feeling for years. She explained that although her life was abundant and successful, there was still an everlasting emptiness in her heart. Her acceptance of Christ began when a friend told her, "Jesus is at the doorstep to your heart, waiting like a perfect gentleman for you to let him in."
