On September 25, during the Moody Graduate School Immersion Night outreach, 91 students spread out along the streets of Chicago’s gay and lesbian communities to proclaim the gospel. Jose Figueroa, graduate student and coordinator of the program, says the purpose of sending students to Chicago’s Boystown is “to expose students to a different experience outside of Moody and to create a bridge between the body of Christ and the gay community.” 

Throughout the evening, students participated in prayer walks, provided open air preaching and initiated conversations with night club patrons. They also set up “reverse boards” for the community, asking passersby to write their thoughts in response to questions like “What would you like to say to Jesus” and “What would you like to say to the church”? Students were able to respond to comments such as “Help me please!” and “Are you real?” and “Jesus is truth.”

Sorin Deac, a four-time Immersion Night participant, says, “I realized I’m out there to learn and be taught by them, to see myself in their shoes.” He realized that many of the young people are eager to tell their stories, desperate for a listening ear. Some reported they had been cast onto the streets from Christian homes because of their choices and lifestyle. “Once their whole support system is removed, desperation and pain brings dependence upon drugs,” Deac says. 

As part of the night’s ministry, the students passed out invitations to Chicagoland Community Church, hoping to continue bridging the gap between the church and the community.  

As students talked to individuals about their lives, they were not only challenged outside their comfort zones but were given opportunity to let their “light shine before men” as they prepare for future ministry. These words from Matthew 5:13-15 are the Grad School’s theme for the school year. 

Article by Jacqueline Davis, Public Relations Intern