20/20Vision Save the Date! In

20/20Vision Save the Date! In the first seven months of 2008, the number of murders in Chicago has increased 13% over the same period in 2007. More Chicago Public School students were violently murdered in the first four months of 2008 than any other year on record. Join us on Saturday, September 13 for a rally regarding the 20/20 Vision for Schools in Chicago. This is an endeavor to challenge and equip us as The Church to be salt and light in our school system. Hear from Jeremy DelRio who began 20/20 Vision for Schools in New York City. Also hear local testimonies of churches that are being used in local schools here in Chicago. We are praying that God would draw over 100 churches and over 1,000 individuals by the end of the school year in 2009 to partner with their local schools to make an impact on our children and youth socially, academically, physically and spiritually. Will you join us in this movement? Marshall High School3250 W. Adams Saturday, September 13 2008 10:00am-1:00pm
Please contact us with any questions at the email address listed. The Vision There are roughly 700 public schools in the city of Chicago (not taking into account private schools). As we know, many of them are well behind in state and national standards. There is much that can be done in regards to more school funding, changing of administrations, changing of curriculum, equipping of teachers, etc. Yet, we as 'The Church' are called to be the salt and light in the world. How long do we stand by and wait for others to change a messed up culture? We, as believers, are called to be light. We, as believers, are called to preserve the earth. Ultimately it is our goal to make disciples of Christ. Yet, if our students are unable to read and comprehend while in school, they will be unable to read and comprehend as adults. Thus, our church members will be unable to flourish spiritually as they should. They will become more and more dependent on a sermon and a pastor for their only spiritual input rather than a daily devotional life. There are roughly 7,000 churches in the city of Chicago. That is 1 school to every 10 churches. Imagine if 10 churches would partner with their local school and assist the present administration to create the best environment possible for the students. Imagine if believers would volunteer a couple hours a week to read to a kid, coach a basketball team, paint walls, assist in ACT prep, etc. Imagine if the Church would have the impact on the world that God intends. We are beginning to explore the possibility of adopting the 20/20 Vision for New York City as our strategy in Chicago which would help us facilitate this dream. (Check out more info at their website at: www.2020schools.net) We realize that there are a number of churches and ministries in the city of Chicago that have already built strong relationships with local schools. It is our desire to build on this foundation until every school is covered by at least one local church which would serve the students, faculty and staff.