Visit to NAE in Chicago
NANE President Ryan O’Leary recently traveled to Chicago to attend a meeting of the National Association of Evangelicals’ board of directors.
Day 1: Board Enrichment Day
The trip began on Wednesday, October 1st, with a board enrichment day. This day consisted of the board visiting South Chicago to learn how the church is making an impact in this area of the city. The enrichment day began with the board visiting the Pullman National Historical Park in South Chicago. This was a planned industrial community in the United States. The board also learned how the church in South Chicago is revitalizing its neighborhood by building new homes and creating the Pullman Community Center. The board then heard from the founding pastor of Salem Baptist in Chicago as he shared his story of planting and being used by God to build this congregation into thousands of attendees each week. The board enrichment activity on Wednesday, October 1st, ended with the board attending a Wednesday evening service at Salem Baptist.
Day 2: NAE Board Meeting
The next day, October 2nd. Ryan attended the NAE board meeting. Ryan was asked to lead this group of evangelical leaders in a time of prayer. Ryan began this time of prayer by introducing himself in the Ojibwe language and then sharing Romans 12:12 which gives direction to “be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” Ryan was also able to connect with various leaders attending this board meeting. it was a productive and encouraging trip in a number of ways.