The evening began inconspicuously, 90 or so Moody Graduate School students gathered inside Chicagoland Community Church for praise and worship.  But then, the students did something radical—exited the doors of the church and plunged into the streets of Boystown, a self-proclaimed "gay village" in the Lake View neighborhood of Chicago's north side.  Their goal?  To better understand the needs of the homosexual community there, and to share the love of Christ with all. 

The students were involved in a variety of outreach activities on the night of September 21.  Some practiced intercessory prayer as part of prayer walks around the neighborhood.  Some were involved in open air evangelism to passers-by.  Some stood at "reverse boards," offering people the opportunity to write a message to Jesus or to the church.  And others headed to the neighborhood's bars and clubs to strike up spiritual conversations with revelers. 

Participants reported sharing their faith with a variety of individuals, from bar patrons to male prostitutes.  "This is the third time that I have attended Immersion Night, and I am amazed at how the Lord continues to give me divine appointments," says a student.  Many are now praying for specific individuals they met during the evening, and others have remained in contact.  "I don't have anyone to talk with about Jesus," one man told a Moody student.  "I've really enjoyed the conversation we've had," he said.

Students were moved and challenged by their experiences during this annual Immersion Night.  Many agreed that the experience of ministering in this unfamiliar culture was invaluable.  "The night was a real eye-opener to all the needs in the gay community," says one student.  Another says, "As I talk to more people from different circumstances, I realize how similar all of our human circumstances are, and my heart of compassion grows stronger.  Nights like this will help my personal and spiritual growth."