My Favorite Thing

Pastor Juan Flores founded Christ’s Vineyard CRC in the Humboldt neighborhood of Chicago.  In the 80s when he began the ministry, the neighborhood was in the midst of economic crisis and increasing crime.    Christ’s Vineyard reached out to the economically and spiritually struggling residents of the neighborhood.  Because of gentrification, today the neighborhood is increasingly affluent and many long-term less affluent residents have been displaced.  Despite these changes, Christ’s Vineyard continues to serve the spiritually and economically struggling residents of its neighborhood.

CRC pastor Rick Abma founded a ministry called Good Neighbour Coffee in which he roasts Guatemalan coffee and serves it from an expresso bike (pictured above) in local neighborhoods.  Over coffee and conversation Rick builds relationships and takes advantage of opportunities to share Christ’s love with his neighbors.

Many people ask me (Zach) what I enjoy the most about my job.  Without a doubt, my favorite part of being the Director of Resonate is the opportunity to witness the amazing things God is doing in mission around the world.  Last October I shared the story of the Reformed Church of Japan. I want to share the stories of two pastors I met this fall: Rick Abma and Juan Flores.  Rick, who lives in Lacombe, Alberta, is a Resonate Local Mission Leader and part of Resonate’s Western Canada Regional Mission Team.  The second pastor, Juan Flores, has worked in urban mission in the inner city of Chicago for over thirty years.  Both Rick and Juan have an infectious passion for evangelism and mission which is a blessing to me and those they serve.