We are seeing God working at Palatine High School!  Their first rally yesterday was built around the theme “Meant to Live,” and featured two guest speakers, Ryan Huguley and Eddie Williams.  42 students, primarily Uprising members, attended the first session, and 10 attended the second session.

Ryan Huguley, pastor of Redemption Bible Chapel, began by challenging the young men in the audience to dream big, be leaders, and set an example for our culture.  From there, he transitioned into a Q&A session, where students asked questions like “How do I know what God’s will is for me?” “What will the effect on my faith be if I don’t attend a Christian college?” and “What’s the difference between Christianity and other religions?”  In answer to the last question, he explained that Christianity is the only religion where God Himself comes to man in order to bridge the gap between man and God, rather than man having to work his way to God.

Eddie Williams from the Chicago Bears

Next Eddie Williams, a practice team player for the Chicago Bears, shared his testimony.  He told the students how growing up he learned to trust in his own capabilities to sustain him, taking pride in his athletic and academic achievements.  When injuries and bad grades became unavoidable, his faith in himself was shaken.  At the same time he was learning about God for the first time from a friend, and one day he began to pray.  He said he heard God answer him, saying “I have called you to be a disciple, to follow Me.”  He challenged the students to consider their priorities, since whatever comes first will dominate all of your life.  If that top priority is earthly, it ultimately will fail, leaving you lost.  Only Jesus Christ will never let you down, he said.

Heather and Cassie, the Uprising leaders, raffled off a Starbucks gift card and a Switchfoot t-shirt.  Heather encouraged the Uprising members to bring friends.  The first session was videotaped and replayed at a second session, which allowed those with after-school activities to attend the rally.  The Fremd CSP team was able to join the Palatine CSP team for this second session.

Cassie and Heather with the whole CSP team

Now for the really good news: on response cards the rally leaders passed out to the audience, two students indicated that they had rededicated their lives to Christ.  The CSP team also received an excited call from Heather saying that shortly after the rally, two of her college friends who attended were discussing what they heard, and one of the girls was able to help the other understand the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.  She prayed to receive Him into her life!  Praise God for changing hearts and making His truth known!

Please pray:

- CSP received an email from a mother asking for prayer for her junior daughter who attends Palatine.  Please pray that she will come to the rally and experience God in a new way.

-that the Uprising members would be courageous in inviting their non-Christian friends to the rally

-that those who attended would be able to connect what they heard with their lives and pursue a relationship with God

-for endurance and peace for Heather and Cassie, as they are working extremely hard in preparation for the rest of the week

Jessica