Harvest Chicago Event A Huge Success

The Harvest Crusade has come and gone and I guarantee you it is an event that many will remember for the rest of their lives. Not because they saw a cool concert or heard a great speaker, but because it was the night that they surrendered their life to Jesus Christ. How awesome is that!

I have some thoughts to share from the event as well. It was very emotional for me.

When John and I heard the Crusade was coming we were all excited and ready to jump on board. We wanted to get involved and volunteer and invite people, etc. We were able to get involved and found out how to be ushers or follow up workers. We prayed hard for the event and who we could invite. I prayed a lot for my co-workers. I was ready to load up the Ion van (if we had one) and take the whole company. I was so very ambitious.

The event drew near. A few weeks, a week, a few days, the day of…I didn’t invite anyone. Friday night I went home from work defeated. I felt completely deflated and like such a coward. Why didn’t I ask anyone to go? Is it really that hard? Yes and no. I guess part of me didn’t feel like I have that great of a relationship with anyone at work to be in a position where they would consider it, but I still should have asked.

That being said we ate dinner and headed over to the All-State Arena. It was pretty full by the time we got there. We checked in as follow up workers, got our assignment, our bibles to giveaway and made our way up to the balcony to find a few seats. I could not get over this spirit of defeat within me. Even as the Katina’s began with the worship songs I just felt so oppressed and so ashamed of myself. I asked God to forgive my cowardice but I still felt this hold on my heart. David Crowder came up with his band and began his set. He is really funny and I love his songs but my heart was still aching.

Then he began to sing one of his songs I love.

¯ He is jealous for me
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy
When all of a sudden
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
And I realize just how beautiful You are
And how great Your affections are for me

(Pre-Chorus)
And O how He loves us
Oh, O how He loves us

God’s love was penetrating my heart and I could feel the guilt and the shame dissipating with this renewed realization of the depths of his grace, mercy and love. And then began verse 2

We are His portion and He is our prize
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes
If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking
So Heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest
I don't have time to maintain these regrets
When I think about the way

He loves us
Oh, O how He loves us

O how He loves us ¯

My heart was turning violently inside of my chest and the tears of shame and regret were turned to tears of joy as I was radically overwhelmed by the love of my Father who loves me despite my weaknesses. I could no longer dwell on the past but I was very much in the present enjoying this moment with my Abba in which He reassured me that He won’t give up on me despite my short comings. A love like this I don’t deserve.  My heart was freed and I was able to enjoy the rest of the worship as I poured out my adoration and thanks to my Savior.

The message that night was good. Greg Laurie is a great speaker and he spoke on the topic of living for something. We all live for something, but only one thing lasts. As he neared the end of his message I was getting nervous. We were going to be going down to the floor soon to follow up with those who gave their lives to Christ. This was a very scary prospect for me. I’m just not very good at talking to people.

Despite my fears, as he asked people to come forward we joined the parade and headed to the floor. They packed us in good and it took a while before he prayed with everyone. After so many people gave their lives to Christ they were supposed to find one of us, counselors, who would give them a bible and some next steps if you will. John found someone right away. I did too, only another lady found her friend and they kinda wanted to be together so I gave her up if you will. And then, everyone had someone already. I felt kinda useless. But I know it wasn’t about me. Honestly, part of me was relieved and the other part was disappointed. But either way, I know I was there and willing so I am proud of myself for following God despite my fears. And it was really cool to be a part of the action if you will and get to see first hand the lives impacted. God was certainly moving.

Saturday night we went just to go. Skillet was playing, which is John’s favorite band, so we didn’t want to miss that. And of course they rocked it! It was a very high energy night and the place was packed. We were sitting almost behind the stage and there were literally no empty seats. People were standing because all the seats were taken. Amazing! The message was another great one, but honestly I can’t tell you exactly what he said. What sticks with me most is what happened when he gave the invitation to come to Christ. The floor where we had been the night before was packed solid. There was no more room for anyone to come down. We sat the top amazed and praying for these soon to be new believers. What a testament to the power of prayer! It was an incredible sight to see!

This is a picture of the packed out floor on Saturday night.
No room left, Praise God!

We were not able to attend on Sunday but I know it had a great turnout as well. In total for all three nights 47,600 were in attendance and 4,758 people made decisions for Christ. Those numbers are staggering. Check out the website to view more stories from the events or to watch the webcast and see for yourself how amazing it was.

Harvest Chicago

The challenge for John and I now is to remember that we don’t need events like this to speak to our neighbors and co-workers about Christ. We need to be looking for opportunities to love others and build relationships everyday.