The launching of CHF-Midwest this year recalls a verse from the prophet Zechariah: "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin..." (Zech. 4:10).

Things that last always begin in some small, almost unnoticed way. CHF's programs actually began in our founder's garage. Today we have trained hundreds of churches who have distributed over $600 million dollars worth of product to children around the world. Similarly, when CHF launched a new satellite in the Chicago area to serve the Midwestern U.S. it began humbly. However, what God has done in Chicago since April, is nothing short of amazing! We hired a Regional Director and, along with The Compassion Institute Training Team, began working in Chicago by training (in a local community center) and equipping 34 churches for Mother's Day outreach events where we provided food and other resources to 2,500 needy families. 

Our first Essentials Training in Chicago. saw 8 ministries desiring to use the CHF Food Pak to consistently serve poor families in their communities. In our second training, teams from 2 ministries completed the program. In one of our recent trainings in Chicago a youth pastor mentioned how excited he was that we were there. He had prayed that an organization like ours would arise in Chicago where there is so much need. In August, a generous donor located a warehouse facility for us, and provided a matching grant opportunity, enabling us to purchase the building in September. We went from training in a community center, to training in the newly purchased CHF Chicago Warehouse. In December, we wrapped 13,688 toys and over the holidays, will distribute more than 20,000 toys around Chicago. In addition, we are shipping our first three international loads from the Chicago warehouse this week. That's nearly 23,000 toys and other aid that will go to needy children around the world. With the addition of a Ministry Development Director, we are close to beginning weekly food distributions to needy families using the home delivery method. Three churches will be delivering Food Paks into the homes of the poor in Chicago before Christmas! We are in awe as we step back and see the growth that is occurring from what, at first, seemed so small.

If you are in the Chicago area and would like information about how you or your church can get involved, contact Bill at 708.799.5822.