Chicago

Of the 33 moves we made in 50 years, Chicago was probably the least likely to be a favorite. We're not city folk.  However, it didn't take me long to appreciate Chicago.  In the first place, there's a palpable vitality to a large city.  You can't help but feel energized just by being there. I can appreciate that.

But, there are challenges.  It was an enormous challenge to find a place to live.  I used to look out the train window and ask the Lord where He wanted us to live.  It was overwhelming.  Miles and miles of houses and apartment buildings.  Which neighborhood suited us and which one would we feel comfortable in?

There's the challenge of learning to live in a different environment and culture without making ruinous mistakes before you figure it out.  Driving the Kennedy and the Eisenhower was an enormous challenge and it took me months to learn it.  Streets though the city weren't easy, either.  People loved to use the parking lane to pass you on the right.  Once you got it figured out, there was always something else.

Such as how to avoid getting robbed.  She "only" got $60 from me.  It could have been my purse with its credit cards, military ID, driver's license, checkbook, address, etc. or even my life.  Since Moody Bible Institute is on the Near North Side, only blocks away from Chicago's famed loop, getting robbed or worse requires an awareness of your surroundings.  Then too, Moody is just a few blocks from Cabrini Green, one of the most dangerous ghettos in that city.

However, it's nothing compared to when D.L. Moody started his Sunday School for boys over a hundred years ago. A policeman told him if he went into that area, he'd be killed and the police wouldn't even come in for his body.  Today, that area of the city is booming, and as safe as anywhere.

What happened?  I believe it began with an Englishman by the name of Henry Varley.  He was speaking at a prayer meeting Moody was invited to attend.  One of the things Varley said impacted Moody in a way that is still reverberating the world over.   He said, "The world has yet to see what God can do with one man wholly surrendered to Him."  Moody became that man.

He built the Bible Institute in that area as well as a church.  There is still no charge for tuition.  One semester at Moody cost less than you'd believe.  Pastors and missionaries are still graduating from there and going the world over to preach the Gospel. Moody's personal influence extended far beyond Chicago, and thanks to the education he provided then and now, it's still happening. Even so, it's Chicago that owes him a great debt of gratitude.

It wasn't easy for him.  He was uneducated, brash, overweight, and didn't exactly use the king's English when he spoke.  His behavior and speech grated on refined people Yet, he spoke to thousands at a time in spite of no amplifiers.  He didn't exactly do things according to Hoyle, but God used him mightily.  If God could use a fat, brash salesman for His glory, He's welcome to do what He will with me.

We've lived in New York City, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Denver, El Paso, San Antonio, and Honolulu. There's a need for God in everyone of them.  Moody once said if we don't reach our cities for Jesus Christ, they'll become festering, fetid sewers.  He's right, don't you think?