June 26-28, Chicago CBF had a Summer Bible Conference at Lutherdale, Wisconsin with the title, "To Be Like Jesus." Throughout the conference, we held the motto "sharing together and growing together." God blessed the nine messengers who spoke, and revealed his world mission vision through reports on the lives of faith of six missionaries. In total, 92 people came to the conference: 74 children and 18 chaperones. Children came from other chapters as well: 9 from St. Louis, 6 from Milwaukee II, 2 from COD, 2 from Nigeria, and 1 from Moscow. Thirteen 8th grade graduates shared graceful life testimonies. Becky Yoon also shared mission report from Nigeria, and we prayed for Ruthie Thompson to be sent out as a missionary to St. Petersburg, Russia (Aug 4). Amazingly, all of the children joined the early morning devotions, even though they were at 7am. The children were well behaved and had a good time throughout the entire conference.

Preparation

Messenger Training Sessions
We had two messenger training rehearsals, and all messenger teachers and CBF leaders gathered to listen, give comments, and pray. It was so moving to see Young Lee comment on his daughter Curie's message, and for Curie to then comment on her father's. Each accepted the other¡¯s comments. All other messengers also accepted feedback humbly. As a result, everyone delivered very good messages and glorified God. Sh Tim totally changed his message from a truthful and rigid one to a graceful and poetic one, describing the beautiful love relationship between the good shepherd Jesus and his sheep. Sh Joe Grady also had impressive video clips in his message--the kids really liked those. Hosea Lee delivered his closing message on just one verse, which was good because it was simple and to the point.

CBF Children Prayed for Messengers
As we held prayer meetings, everyone called out each messenger's name and prayed for them. We had four days of prayer meetings and Bible studies. We studied the passages for the three main lectures, and wrote testimonies and shared testimonies each day. All of the children wrote and shared their testimonies. Thank God!

Co-working and Thanksgiving
Thank God for Sh. Tim and M. Birgit's hardwork. Sarah Yu, Michelle Lee, and Tim Kim Williams helped shop for and serve the conference food. They also presented awards and did many things behind the scenes. Thank God for their hidden stewardship, like the sacrificial women of Jesus¡¯ time. Thank God for the wholehearted support and prayer of our CBF parents and God¡¯s servants in Chicago UBF. Thank God for Sh Tim¡¯s hard work, learning mind, and prayer.
Thank God for our HBF helpers (Michelle, Rebecca, Mary P, Grace), college student helpers (Curie, Mary M,), and Msn Abraham Park, Msn Augustine Seo (both from St Louis), Msn Joanne Lee(Milwaukee II), and Sarah Miller, for providing rides for many of our children.

Messages and Messengers
Opening message: Phil 2:1-18 by Curie Lee Jr. (humbleness)
Lecture I: John 13:1-17 by Sh Mary Miranda (love)
Evening message I: Mk 10:32-45 by Sh Joe Grady (serving)
Morning devotion I: Luke 11:1-13 by Michelle Melzer (prayer)
Lecture II: John 6:1-15 by M Young Lee (compassion)
Evening message II: Mt 25:21-46 by M Birgit Pierce (helping little ones before God)
Morning message II: Lk 23:26-49 by Rebecca Pierce (forgiving)
Lecture III: John 10:1-18 by Sh Tim McEatron (shepherding)
Closing message: 1 Cor 10:31 by M Hosea Lee (practicing)
Six world mission teams gave presentations on the lives of faith of six missionaries, whom they studied about.

Missionaries and Group Leaders:
Nicholas von Zinzendorf (Samuel Rarick, Amanda Melzer)
John Nevius (Faith Koh, Jonathan Lee)
David Livingstone (Barnabas Kim, Marlene Lenthang)
William Carey (Joseph Horvath, Faith Hong)
Mother Theresa (Nathan Pozo, Ruthie Thompson)
Gladys Aylward (Hannah Park & St Louis team)

The 8th graders were leaders for each group. They prepared for this for nearly one month, wholeheartedly. Each group did so well that judges had a hard time choosing the best one. But in the end, the Mother Theresa team won first place. However, all attendants received awards, since they did their best.

During the conference, everyone was attentive to God¡¯s word, and no one caused any trouble. They sang ¡°Yes, Lord! Yes Lord¡± with one spirit and unity. Our hearts were moved to tears when we prayed for Ruthie to be a fruitful missionary in St. Petersburg, Russia. May God bless our CBF children one by one and raise them as future shepherds and missionaries for their generation.