Terri Johnson | Arlington Heights

March 20, 2022

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I had heard about Pray First for months, even years, but always had a reason not to come. “I don’t like to pray out loud with people I don’t know. Sunday gets to  be a long day when it begins so early. I need to get things done before work on Monday morning.” You know the excuses. One night Pastor Dan Wells asked the choir to consider coming to Pray First and I decided to try it. What a wonderful evening it was. We begin and end with singing. Each ‘praying session’ is a directed time of focused prayer. It’s a well thought out, powerful, and God-glorifying evening. Now, I attend Pray First regularly. And I leave feeling more connected to Christ and with the vision and mission of The Orchard. I leave uplifted by all the young people there praying caring for Christ’s church.

If anyone undecided was to ask whether or not they should attend, I would say, “Give it a chance. Don’t use the excuses I always used and come. I promise you will leave nourished by bringing The Orchard and our ministries before the Throne of God!”

Connect with Us:

January 5, 2026
Mark Wilson, a long-time business owner and faithful member of The Orchard, recently took a bold step to share his faith with his team of 50+ employees. While known for his kindness, Mark realized he had never openly shined for Christ at work. So, he hosted a voluntary lunch to share his story of faith. The impact has been incredible—sparking new conversations and inspiring others. Watch Mark’s story and consider how you too can shine for Christ. Do you, or someone you know, have a SHINE story? Let us know!
December 19, 2025
The Orchard Itasca shared the following testimony about Kenny's baptism during their weekly Sunday service. Kenny is a resident of the Forest View Nursing and Rehab Facility in Itasca where our people have been ministering for the past two years. Kenny and his friend, Karen now regularly attend services, and Kenny was baptized on Sunday, September 28. We rejoice in the fruit that is being born through this ministry! We are also excited that one of the couples who regularly participates in the ministry has plans to offer a Bible study at the facility. We pray that The Orchard Itasca will continue to bring light and hope to the residents and staff!
December 12, 2025
The Orchard Itasca shared the following testimony about how they are ministering at Forest View Nursing Home. A man named Christian is a resident at the Forest View Nursing Home where our people go to minister quarterly. He likely has some form of Parkinson’s Disease and because of this has lost most of the function in his hands and feet. Some of our people have visited with Christian on previous trips. At our July visit, a couple from our church Mike and Deb Marunde went to his room. Since it had been a few months since our last visit, they didn’t think he would remember them. However, when they introduced themselves, Christian looked up and said “Mike!” He remembered! He looked at Mike and said, “I miss you.”