Aglow Chicago Bringing Redemption

Details

August 13, 2012

From School Prayer Projects, to new Generations Groups, to writing grant proposals, the Aglow Chicago South Suburban Area Team is demonstrating Aglow’s Mission and Core Values.  Reaching out in multiple areas they are Partnering with God for the redemption of all things according to the Gospel, and, Empowering people to develop resources that enable them to take advantage of all that God is releasing from Heaven.

School Prayer Project

In 2007, Aglow Chicago started the Aglow School Project in which women and men pray daily for the schools in their individual cities. Over 100 people have volunteered to pray for their schools including elementary, junior high, high school, colleges and universities. They have seen great results - fewer discipline problems, less violence, higher test scores, new administrators, etc. They also have an Aglow School Prayer Drive the first Saturday in August each year in which the prayer volunteers in each city go to their local schools, sit outside discreetly, and pray for them. Great results have been seen from these prayer initiatives.

Reaching the Generations

Growth in the number of Generations Groups in the area is also taking place. Three groups are already in place with two in Matteson and one in Joliet and more groups in the process of being formed.

Aglow Matteson Single Moms

In February, the first meeting of the Aglow Matteson Single Mom’s group was held with a Valentine’s Day themed dinner. 10 Single moms, 14 children and 3 guests attended.

Moms were presented with Valentine candy, a small gift and cards made by the children, while children were given a little goody bag. The Team encouraged the children to tell their moms how much they loved them, and how they appreciated all they do. Some of the comments included:

• Thank you for taking me to basketball practice, to baseball practice, to soccer practice, to Boy Scouts, and thank you for helping me so much with my homework.
• Thank you, Mom, for all of your tolerance.
• One little boy who was really shy presented his card and said, Mom, I really, really, love you!  Then he just hugged her for a long time.

Throughout the evening the Team saw a lot of smiles and happiness.  The moms wanted to know more about Aglow and when the next meeting would take place.  The free event was made possible because of donations. Subsequent meetings covered practical topics, i.e. the importance of “me” time, single parenthood and finances, women’s health and even a spa day.

Since the group has been meeting, the Aglow team has noticed a great difference in the mothers who have attended.  An Aglow team member said, The moms just look different, more confident, happier, and they carry themselves differently.  They act as if they are in great expectation of something good happening to them rather than the hopelessness that we saw before.  They are even dressing differently, wearing brighter colors and looking really nice.  God is answering our prayers very quickly, and I think they are really feeling His love for them.

This new group is bringing into reality the new core value of Aglow, The Beloved - Living as a community who know they are the beloved, and establishes their identity as the Bride. (Song of Solomon 7:10, Ephesians 1:6)

Aglow Matteson Generations Group

Started in January 2012, the Aglow Matteson CSN (Christian Social Network) Generations Group provides networking opportunities and self-development resources for single, Christian men and women. Some of their monthly activities have included a movie night, the Chicago Auto Show, and the Jesus of Nazareth Passion Play in March.  In April they had a speaker whose topic was "Finding God's Purpose for Your life".  The group plans to alternate events with informational speakers.

Aglow Joliet Teen Girls

The Aglow Joliet Teen Girls meet every other week to discuss teen issues. In February they took a field trip on the metro train to downtown Chicago, visited one of the museums , enjoyed lunch and shopping, and had a wonderful time.

Funding the Work of Aglow

With newly acquired grant-writing skills, one of the Aglow team members submitted a proposal to the Dr. Scholl Foundation for $25,000. Hopes are high that her interview in July will result in an award so that more groups can be started! More grant proposals are planned and the Team is looking to start, multiple, different groups for girls/women, boys/men, couples, college, grandparents/grandchildren, babies/toddlers, mothers, and groups revolving around activities.

Through the donations of our partners and the tenacity of the Team to develop resources, the work of Aglow is taking place around the world.