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“…and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Mt 2:2)

We praise and thank our gracious God for answering our prayers and pouring out his blessing upon the 2014 Chicago area UBF Christmas Worship Service. More than 1,000 people filled the Regina Dominican auditorium from various UBF chapters: St. Louis, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Triton, DuPage, IIT, Wright, Hyde Park and Chicago (which includes UIC, NEIU, NU, Loyola, Oakton, Truman, Harper, North Park, MVCC, HBF and CBF). Pastor Teddy Hembekides delivered a heart-moving message that revealed Jesus as the only one worthy of our worship and the Magi as those whose worship came from hearts devoted to seek and honor Christ as their life purpose. He clearly proclaimed that true worship is not just spending two hours at a church service and then going off to enjoy one’s idols; true worship is to throw away all idols and worship and serve Christ only. Those who worship in this way can experience the same great joy the Magi experienced.

The Spirit of God moved powerfully through the 90 member chorus as they sang “Gesu Bambino” before the message and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” after the message. Special dances were well prepared and offered wholeheartedly by HBF, CBF and BBF members under the guidance of Faith Koh. Offering songs, poems, songs and recitals were offered by representatives from Lincoln Park, DuPage, St. Louis, West Loop, Milwaukee, and UIC in sincere worship of Christ. Sam Toh presided, Mother Sarah Barry and Pastor Mark Vucekovich offered representative prayer and Pastor Abraham Kim gave a final benedictory prayer.

We especially thank God for all dedicated worshipers of Christ in Chicago UBF who offered two weeks of nightly prayer and chorus practice in wholehearted devotion. Surely God answered all of our prayers. As a sign of this, Chicago UBF members prayed to bring 100 new students to Jesus. God blessed by sending 120 new students. May this spark a spiritual revival that brings new life to the Chicago area, North America and the world. To God be the glory for the gracious things he has done among us.