David Cadell off to war

“We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.” Colossians 1:28-29

In March, we came to Chicago with disciples from several different states to pray and plan for the planting of the Chicago International Christian Church. Our goal in coming to Chicago was to proclaim Christ to the millions of souls who live in this pillar city and consequently the entire midwest United States. We have seen by our study of the book of Acts, this was the pattern of Paul. He would go the most prominent cities and from there, the gospel would go out to that entire region (Acts 19:8-10).

My wife, Theresa and I flew in with our dear friends Roger and Kama Parlour. As soon as our plane landed we went to meet a man named Dave Cadell. Roger had studied the Bible with Dave and baptized him many years earlier. Unfortunately, after several years of being a faithful disciple, Dave made a decision walk away from God and his church. After years of living for himself, at what Dave would call the lowest point in his life, he finally humbled himself and prayed to God for help. His prayer was answered the very next day in an e-mail from Roger that simply said, “We’re moving to Chicago!” Beginning in March 2006, at the Chicago mission team retreat Dave once again surrendered his life and began confessing his sin, praying and reading God’s Word for the first time in years. Dave has been such a joy to work with in the early stages of the work here in Chicago. Recently, he was called to active duty and sent to Germany for a year. At his first Bible talk there were seven guests; four men and three women! Dave has already begun to lead studies in Germany.

When we surrender our lives, God works! God answered Dave the day after he prayed, and God blessed Dave as soon as he began to labor. At his first Bible Talk Dave had seven guests, and Dave was the ONLY one there to proclaim Christ. It reminds me of Paul when he went into pagan first century Corinth alone and had the guts to walk into the synagogue and proclaim Jesus. So many who claim to be disciples of Christ allow fear to stop them from proclaiming Christ. When I do that in my own life, I need someone to encourage me, admonish me and sometimes just go out with me so that I can repent of my fear and care more about the people around me that don’t know God’s word and won’t be presented perfect in his grace on the last day if I don’t tell them about it!

So what is the “Dave Cadell Challenge?” Surrender to God and give him your very best efforts! Come near to God and he will come near to you (James 4:8). Share your life and the gospel as well out of your love for God, his people and his lost children (1 Thessalonians 2:8). Surrender to God by being his ambassador, as he is making his appeal through us (2 Corinthians 5:20)! We must stop being afraid of those who oppose us (Philippians 1:28) and allow God’s word to accomplish what he desires and achieve the purpose for which he sends it.

Christina Walsh with our new sister Kemi Abogunrin (right)

His word will not come back void (Isaiah 55:11)! It’s always sad when someone hears God’s word and rejects his call. It hurts deeply when you pour your life into someone and they choose to continue living for themselves, but when someone hears and responds, it is amazing to watch their life change. It was so awesome to see Kemi Abogunrin surrender her life and be baptized over the Thanksgiving holiday. It was equally exciting to see Marc Hill place membership because of his desire to be discipled to obey everything Christ has commanded us including teaching others to do the same (Matthew 28:18-20).

Marc Hill (third from right) with our brothers

Recently, we received some persecution that attacked and questioned our heart and motives. Let me state clearly, the common denominator that brings us together is our love for God and our desire to totally surrender our lives to him. We know that we are nothing and that God is everything. By our own strength we can do nothing, but if we remain in the vine which is Christ we WILL BEAR MUCH FRUIT, SHOWING OURSELVES TO BE HIS DISCIPLES. We know according to John 15 that this will bring glory to God. This is our heart and mission! I have heard it said that the mission team is not done until the city has been won. Truly Chicago has not yet been won, and to this end we will labor with all God’s energy which so powerfully works in us.

Chris Broom

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