On Saturday, October 13, Pacific Garden Mission (PGM) celebrated the dedication of its new facility on 1458 S. Canal Street.  Highlighting Moody Bible Institute's long relationship with the mission, Dr. Louis Barbieri, Chair and Professor of Theology, was the keynote speaker. 

Since 1877, PGM has been meeting the physical and spiritual needs of Chicago's most vulnerable residents.  PGM was the first rescue mission west of New York City, and its doors have been open 24 hours a day, seven days a week since its founding.  The mission provides overnight shelter and nutritious meals for men, women and children; clothing distribution; medical and dental care; as well as programs and services that help end the cycle of homelessness. 

Moody students have long experienced urban ministry firsthand through service with PGM.  This fall, 18 undergraduate students are involved in Practical Christian Ministry assignments at PGM, and Moody Graduate School students will minister at PGM on October 22. 

Bryan Revor, student in the Master of Arts in Urban Studies program in Moody Graduate School, spent his summer as an intern at PGM.  While there, he was involved with counseling, discipleship, preaching, and leading Bible studies.  "My Moody classes helped ground me in the doctrine I needed when answering the men's questions," Bryan says.  "I had the tools to encourage them in a deeper understanding of their faith." 

Through relationships with men in PGM's Resident Bible Program, Bryan was stretched out of his comfort zone and encouraged to get involved in their lives beyond the requirements of his internship.  "I had the opportunity to spend the night at the mission," he says, "and as I lay there in that bunk, I thought of the thousands of men who had been transformed by God at PGM.  It was really cool to be a part of that life-changing ministry."

Rodney Sessoms, a senior student in the Bachelor of Science of Biblical Studies program, entered PGM's Bible Program in 2002.  Still employed there, Rodney manages the men's clothing room, directs the Men's Choir, trains barbers and does barbering.  He also leads singing and teaches Bible classes. 

While working at PGM, God opened the door for Rodney to study at Moody.  "Moody is world-renowned," Rodney says, "and I consider it an honor to study God's Word in a challenging academic environment.  The professors and students have forced me to think critically, and they constantly remind me of the Great Commission as they seek to know and rightly divide God's Word."

In the future, Rodney hopes to continue serving in urban ministry, counseling and mentoring recovering adults or troubled youth.  "It is always an honor to let others know of a 'second chance' Savior, whose love and compassion fail not to those who seek Him," Rodney says. 

Moody students like Bryan and Rodney will continue to serve with PGM in the years to come, through Practical Christian Ministry assignments, outreach events, internships, and employment.  As PGM begins to call its new facility home, Moody Bible Institute will be proud to continue in this ministry partnership for years to come.