# Amen Peoria > Amen Peoria connects Christians in the central Illinois area through church and ministry news. Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts. Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`). ## Pages ### About Amen Peoria URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/about/ Last updated: 2026-04-06T00:55:09.000Z ### Purpose To inform members of the Body of Christ in the Tri-County area on the efforts of churches, ministries, and individuals so they may better live out the Gospel. ### Mission To establish a communications network among Tri-County Christians through reporting, curating, and connecting. --- ### Personnel ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/2b/822bd23b-16aa-4298-9c5e-2819d3244c10/content/images/2025/06/MIKE_BIG_BRIGHT_BLUE_BIO-1.PNG) Michael Miller (Photo by [Hannah Lynn Photography](https://www.hlynnphotos.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com)) **Editor** Michael Miller is a professional journalist with over 40 years of experience, including 16 years as religion editor at the Peoria Journal Star. He is the author of [*Sharing the Burden: The Samaritan Ministries Story*](https://www.amazon.com/Sharing-Burden-Samaritan-Ministries-Story/dp/1734210605/ref=sr%5F1%5F1?crid=1AWMSADRSWJE3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.HZhD%5FxRHsA3nMnzJ9LWM4Q9PI5m54ZEzmNCOCdSdsYvGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.eWTHyoUjXudKiFLzfSsxTC-iBS-X0qhFNTkfyV0sNcI&dib%5Ftag=se&keywords=sharing+the+burden+samaritan&qid=1727901146&sprefix=sharing+the+burden+samaritan%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-1&ref=amenpeoria.com). His work has been featured in [Peoria Magazine](https://www.peoriamagazine.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com). He also has performed freelance editing for [International Christian Concern](http://persecution.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com). --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/2b/822bd23b-16aa-4298-9c5e-2819d3244c10/content/images/2026/01/kathryn-1.jpeg) Kathryn NIelson **Staff writer** Kathryn Nielson has been writing, in all its various forms, since she was a kid. Whether articles for small-town newspapers, blogging, a children’s book, or telling other people’s stories, writing has been a part of her life for over 40 years. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/2b/822bd23b-16aa-4298-9c5e-2819d3244c10/content/images/2026/04/yvonne.jpg) Yvonne Wendt After taking the time to raise her children, **staff writer** Yvonne Wendt has returned to her love of writing. She has written for newspapers in the Chicago area and Peoria. Yvonne desires to craft compelling stories that captivate and inspire her readers while glorifying God. ### Bulletin URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/bulletin/ Last updated: 2025-03-05T20:31:12.000Z Send information about upcoming events, classes and groups at your Peoria-area churches and ministries to mike@amenpeoria.com. It's best if the info is sent from an official email address. We will only run recurring events once per month. Please include contact information so readers will know who to call if they need to know more. ### What's new URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/whats-new/ Last updated: 2024-08-06T16:57:14.000Z This is where you'll find out about updates to what Amen Peoria is offering subscribers. ### Support us URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/support-us/ Last updated: 2024-10-20T01:13:09.000Z Amen Peoria is in its beginning stages, but we need help as we build. All subscriptions are free now, so please consider donating any amount to support Christian journalism in Central Illinois. We hope to be able to bless our supporters at this stage with some kind of discount when we reach the next level of operations. Thank you! [Support Amen Peoria!](https://buy.stripe.com/bIY9Ce8mjgYE5kkbII?ref=amenpeoria.com) ### Welcome, and thank you! URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/welcome/ Last updated: 2024-11-10T21:28:19.000Z Thank you so much for subscribing to Amen Peoria. Please check your email for a subscription confirmation. You may need to look in your spam folder. It will help you to consistently receive future emails if you put mike@amenpeoria.com in your contacts list. Access is free right now as we build the site’s content. We will start a subscription model sometime in 2025, God willing. Until then, please feel free to read our content and share it with your friends. We also encourage you to share news and story ideas by sending them to mike@amenpeoria.com. If you feel led to donate financially to our efforts, please do so by clicking on the [support link](https://www.amenpeoria.com/support-us/) on our [homepage](http://amenpeoria.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com). We hope you will be blessed and inspired by our posts. ### Doctrinal boundaries URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/doctrinal-boundaries/ Last updated: 2024-12-05T19:13:27.000Z The Bible speaks of the value of setting up [boundary stones](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=prov%2022%3A28&version=ESV&ref=amenpeoria.com). The boundaries of Amen Peoria will help us stay within our [Purpose and Mission](https://www.amenpeoria.com/about/). This means we will only cover or publish information from churches and ministries which adhere to the following basic beliefs: - The Triune God of the Christian Bible - Jesus died for our sins and rose again bodily - The Bible is the inspired Word of God - Pro-life and pro-traditional family Disclaimer: Amen Peoria will not knowingly feature any organizations which do not adhere to these boundaries. ### Advertise URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/advertise/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T20:21:55.000Z To advertise with Amen Peoria, please request a rate sheet by emailing [mike@amenpeoria.com](mailto:mike@amenpeoria.com). ### Amen Peoria merch! URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/amen-peoria-merch/ Last updated: 2026-08-03T02:00:58.000Z Amen Peoria shirts designed by Michael Noel are now available for purchase! Choose from three options and several colors. Clicking an image will take you to that design's page on Sticker Mule. Buy a tee and get the word out about Amen Peoria! [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/2b/822bd23b-16aa-4298-9c5e-2819d3244c10/content/images/2026/08/Logo.png)](https://www.stickermule.com/mnoel/item/17528527?origin=PUBLIC%5FPROFILE&ref=amenpeoria.com) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/2b/822bd23b-16aa-4298-9c5e-2819d3244c10/content/images/2026/08/option-1.png)](https://www.stickermule.com/mnoel/item/20914600?origin=PUBLIC%5FPROFILE&ref=amenpeoria.com) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/2b/822bd23b-16aa-4298-9c5e-2819d3244c10/content/images/2026/08/Option-2.png)](https://www.stickermule.com/mnoel/item/20922878?origin=PUBLIC%5FPROFILE&ref=amenpeoria.com) ## Posts ### Fathers and daughters to make memories at Oct. 30 dance URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/fathers-and-daughters-to-make-memories-at-oct-30-dance/ Last updated: 2026-10-03T13:33:14.000Z Organizers hope girls will learn that they are to be treated and loved 'properly' _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Huddles bring Gospel to Peoria-area athletes, others URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/greater-peoria-fca-faith-sports/ Last updated: 2026-09-19T16:11:06.000Z Greater Peoria Area Fellowship of Christian Athletes to celebrate victories at annual Night of Champions on Oct. 4 _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Prayer requests for week of Sept. 13, 2026 URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/prayer-requests-for-week-of-sept-13-2026/ Last updated: 2026-09-13T19:24:29.000Z *Here are this week's Amen Peoria prayer suggestions. Please keep these in your family and church's prayer time this week and share them with friends on social media.* - An accidental kitchen fire in Peoria [displaced](https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/peoria-house-fire-displaces-eight/?ref=amenpeoria.com) the eight people living in the home, causing about $20,000 worth of damage. *Please pray that the occupants will be able to get back into their home soon.* - Police are looking for a woman [reported missing](https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/quaswajah-barnett-missing-peoria/?ref=amenpeoria.com) last week. *Please pray for protection for Quaswajah Barnett, 23, and that she will be found soon.* - *Please pray for protection for police officers throughout the Tri-County area.* **Amen, Peoria!** *Do you know of a community-focused prayer need in the Tri-County area? Please email it to mike@amenpeoria.com along with a link that we can include in next week's prayer suggestions.* ### PAACH offers support and community to local homeschooling families URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/paach-homeschool-mentoring-program/ Last updated: 2026-09-08T13:04:28.000Z *Note: The PAACH Fall Kickoff will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at Shore Acres Park in Chillicothe.* Jessi Ann Westerman reached a breaking point many parents have experienced all too well: the frantic, adrenaline-fueled morning rush against time – getting the kids to school, getting to work on time, juggling the children’s extracurricular activities, and wondering how long she and her family could keep up the pace. After watching her children struggle in public and private schools, Westerman was about to have a powerful moment that would change the rhythm of the Westerman household. That moment came when she remembered her husband’s earlier suggestion: homeschooling. “You know, I was intrigued,” Westerman said. “But I was scared and between the cost of private school and the toll timewise on my family, we just were like, we’re going to give it a try, and it’s the best thing we ever did, to be honest.” _This post is for subscribers only._ ### WPEO cranks up the volume URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/wpeo-cranks-up-the-volume/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T19:27:24.000Z **EAST PEORIA**—The generosity of listeners is making radio station [The Word WPEO](https://www.wpeo.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com) as strong as ever in an era of shrinking advertising dollars. The station is saying thank you to those generous central Illinois Christians from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, with an open house. Pulled pork sandwiches will be served, with a hymn sing at 6 and a hot-air balloon glow around dusk. Participants also will be able to go inside a grounded balloon for photos. Face-painting and station tours will be available as well. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Sister's love of Jesus shows through in joyful TikTok videos URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/sister-clare-tiktok-nun-joy/ Last updated: 2026-08-15T15:05:31.000Z Sister Clare Key communicates the joy she has found in Christ to viewers on social media app _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Peorian invites Christian men to sharpen faith ... over lunch URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/iron-men-prayer-lunch-peoria/ Last updated: 2026-08-08T12:05:10.000Z **PEORIA**—A challenge to a small group to chase a “big, hairy, audacious goal” has resulted in the [Iron Men Prayer Lunch](https://www.ironmenpeoria.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com). Brad Stegall of Peoria was among those challenged in a small group at Northwoods Community Church to set an “audacious goal” for using their spiritual gifts. The group was told that “we've learned everything that we needed to learn—now it was time to, to go into action and start growing the kingdom of God,” Stegall said. Stegall’s goal was to fill the Peoria Civic Center with men and “have an event similar to Promise Keepers.” _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Prayer suggestions for week of Aug. 2, 2026 URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/prayer-suggestions-for-week-of-aug-2-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-03T01:18:50.000Z Here are your Amen Peoria prayer suggestions. Please keep these in your family and church's prayer time this week and share them with friends on social media. - Many local schools and homeschools start classes in the next few weeks. *Please pray that students will have a good year of learning, and for teachers and parents as they pour into children. Pray also that God will be glorified this school year.* - Road construction and bridge repair are at high tide. *Please pray for the safety of the workers and for wise driving in work zones.* - *Please pray for leaders of townships, villages, and cities of Woodford County. Please also pray for all policemen working throughout the county.* **Amen, Peoria!** *Do you know of a community-focused prayer need in the Tri-County area? Please email it to mike@amenpeoria.com along with a link that we can include in next week's prayer suggestions.* ### Christian metal band pulls members from three continents URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/christian-metal-band-pulls-members-from-three-continents/ Last updated: 2026-08-02T01:04:47.000Z A metal Christian rock group pulling its members, including two former Peorians, from three continents came together through dreams, friendships, and service. The band is [At the Mountain](https://atthemountain.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com), and it's bringing intense Christian metal to an international audience. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Prayer suggestions for week of June 21, 2026 URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/prayer-suggestions-for-week-of-june-21-2026/ Last updated: 2026-06-22T02:25:34.000Z Here are your weekly Amen Peoria prayer suggestions. Please keep these in your family and church's prayer time this week and share them with friends on social media. - Please pray for continued cleanup and provision for those affected by recent storms. - As the statewide election season goes into full gear, pray that God would give Illinois leaders who respect His Word and the sanctity of human life. - Pray for ministries like [Purposed Generation](https://purposedgen.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com) that seek to encourage young people in our area. - Pray for a holy impact on those who attended [Jesus to Peoria](https://www.amenpeoria.com/jesus-to-peoria-2026/) on Saturday. **Amen, Peoria!** *Do you know of a community-focused prayer need in the Tri-County area? Please email it to mike@amenpeoria.com along with a link that we can include in next week's prayer suggestions.* ### From heartbreak to God's plan: Former Peorian finds direction at World News Group URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/from-heartbreak-to-gods-plan-former-peorian-finds-direction/ Last updated: 2026-06-20T13:28:18.000Z Courtney Cluney’s story begins with heartbreak. But this heartbreak wasn’t from a relationship; it was from her Prius, which had given out. “Everyone says Toyotas run forever,” Cluney said. “They don’t.” However, this inconvenience set in motion God’s new plan for Cluney’s life. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Prayer suggestions for week of June 14, 2026 URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/prayer/ Last updated: 2026-06-14T17:30:53.000Z _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Jesus to Peoria will feature worship, prayer, ministry URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/jesus-to-peoria-2026/ Last updated: 2026-06-14T13:22:35.000Z A prayer asking that every person in the Peoria area would know Jesus has turned into [Jesus to Peoria](https://www.facebook.com/events/1488896386249849?acontext=%7B%22event%5Faction%5Fhistory%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref%5Fnotif%5Ftype%22%3Anull%7D) at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at [Tower Park](https://www.peoriaheights.org/tower-park?ref=amenpeoria.com) at Prospect Road and Glen Avenue in Peoria Heights. Jesus to Peoria will feature worship, prayer, Gospel presentation, ministry vendors, food and coffee. The idea came to organizer Lucie Maricle from her prayer that “there wouldn’t be a person in Peoria who doesn’t know Jesus; I pray Jesus would come to Peoria.” Helped to organize the event by friends Jordan McCauley and Molly McNutt, Maricle said the response has been good so far. “We are currently at over 600 people interested on Facebook,” she said. “We’ve had a lot of churches and ministries reach out to us saying that they’ll be there.” Organizers are inviting ministries to set up tables and booths to increase awareness of what they have to offer. Adult Teen Challenge, for instance, will be on hand to share their information.’ “If anyone is interested in doing that, if they’re an organizatio nor they provide something for the community, they can just contact us,” Maricle said. “There’s no cost to be a ministry vendor. They would need to bring their own table, table cloth, and information, or if they really need a table, we can provide that.” ## ‘Show Jesus to Peoria’ “Our heart behind this is just to show Jesus to Peoria and to provide a place where the Gospel can be experienced by people through worship and prayer,” Maricle said. “”We want to connect people with practical resources. We don’t just want to share the Gospel and leave people there. We want to get people connected so they can continue to grow and build upon what they’ve already heard and are experiencing. “Another big heart behind this event is unity among the churches. There are so many wonderful churches doing wonderful things individually. A big heart behind this event is to show Peoria what the Body of Christ looks like when it comes together.” ## How to connect Right now contact is through the event’s social media pages. “If someone wants to get involved, they can just reach out to us through our Facebook Page, or we’re on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jesustopeoria/?ref=amenpeoria.com) as well,” Maricle said. “That’s been our main form of communication. Since we’ve kind of just started, we don’t have an official email or phone number yet.” Besides attending, local Christians can support the event by sharing the news with others, she said, “not from a sense of ‘Oh, we need to promote our event,’ but because we want the Gospel to get to Peoria. That’s what we’re the most passionate about.” She encourages those who know about the event to share information with youth groups and small groups. Organizers also need volunteers to be on prayer teams at the event, she said. Anyone interested can contact them through the Jesus to Peoria social media channels. ### Sophia's Kitchen personnel will change, but not its mission URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/sophias-kitchen-personnel-will-change-but-not-its-mission/ Last updated: 2026-06-06T14:15:43.000Z **PEORIA**—Nearly 10,000 people a month depend on [Sophia’s Kitchen](https://www.amenpeoria.com/sophias-kitchen-serves-anyone-who-is-hungry/) for food for themselves or their pets. While that provision won’t change, the person at the helm will. Director Claire Crone is retiring July 31 after 16 years of leadership at the ministry’s location at 105 N. Richard Pryor Place. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Women’s Community House exhibits grace, stable lives URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/womens-community-house-exhibits-grace-stable-lives/ Last updated: 2026-05-30T17:43:39.000Z **MORTON—**[Pathway Ministries](https://pathwaypeoria.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com)’ Women’s Community House is empowering its residents to rebuild their lives. One resident at the house that opened in summer 2025 has regained custody of her children. Currently, five women reside there, and more are expected. [Pathway's goals are being realized.](https://www.amenpeoria.com/pathway-opens-facility-for-women-heading-to-new-lives/) _This post is for subscribers only._ ### DCP Mobile takes showers, haircuts, food, clothing and the Gospel to those in need URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/dcp-mobile-takes-showers-haircuts-food-clothing-and-the-gospel-to-those-in-need/ Last updated: 2026-05-23T13:00:15.000Z **PEORIA**—A middle-aged man sifted through clothing set on a table in a church parking lot on the East Bluff on a warm Friday afternoon in April. “I need clothing bad and showers bad—and food,” he said. “To me, this is a godsend.” The man, who said he was struggling with addiction, was being helped by DCPMobile, a ministry that goes out into the community weekly during warm weather to provide free clothing, laundry services, showers, haircuts, a hot meal, and the Gospel. ([See this year's schedule.](https://www.dreamcenterpeoria.org/mobile?ref=amenpeoria.com)) _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Lowpoint man styles rural Christian caps URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/lords-back-40-dylan-steffen-lowpoint-christian-farm-caps/ Last updated: 2026-05-09T14:24:22.000Z **LOWPOINT**—Dylan Steffen is sowing seeds of witness with his new line of Christian rural caps called [Lord’s Back 40](https://www.lordsback40.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com). The trucker-style caps feature a combination of Christian and farm symbols, like a cross, barn and silo, or a tractor pulling a harrow leaving behind the words “JESUS SAVES.” One simply has the words “RURAL DISCIPLE.” _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Camp Good News offers fun, fellowship, and the good news about Christ to kids URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/camp-good-news-summer-camp/ Last updated: 2026-04-30T14:25:39.000Z Open House on Saturday, May 2, will give families a chance to sample what the Washington Christian summer camp has to offer _This post is for subscribers only._ ### P.U.R.E. Plan seeks to help families communicate better URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/pure-plan-cory-pastoriza-peoria-family-communication/ Last updated: 2026-04-28T13:13:51.000Z **PEORIA**—Cory Pastoriza wants to help families cultivate communication, so he has created the P.U.R.E. Plan. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Q&A with insurance agent Corey North URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/q-a-insurance-agent-corey-north/ Last updated: 2026-04-18T12:30:40.000Z *Corey North has been with State Farm insurance for 25 years, with several of those years serving as an agent, leading his own agency in Washington for 12 years. The Normal resident’s wife, Beth, also works for State Farm. The Norths have two children.* *Corey has never been shy about sharing his Christian convictions, so we had a conversation with him about how his faith intersects with being in the insurance business.* **Amen Peoria:** How does your Christian faith shape the way you think about your work in insurance? **Corey North:** Our mission really is to serve Christ through service to others. I think that’s evolved over time as I’ve gotten older. Very simply put, I approach each day with the goal of just being kind and humble to the people that we serve, realizing that not everything within my business is within my control, but the way I treat people is. I think being Christ-centered in that approach is how I try to balance the business with who I am. **AmP:** Because you’re dealing with people who are going to probably be in bad situations from time to time, accidents or … _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Purposed Generation is achieving its purpose URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/purposed-generation-washington-illinois-teen-photography-ministry/ Last updated: 2026-05-09T02:15:28.000Z *This post is sponsored by Dr. Ryder Church from Peoria Chiropractic. See his ad below for a special introductory rate.* **WASHINGTON**—[Purposed Generation](https://purposedgen.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com) welcomed its first client in late March when a quiet teen walked through the doors of Christina Ausfahl’s photo studio. Ausfahl has been busy since [Amen Peoria reported on the ministry](https://www.amenpeoria.com/purposed-generation-christian-teen-photography-washington-il/) in the fall. She has organized its nonprofit status, held a dinner, built a board of directors, and built relationships with local ministries. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### A note to our readers: Here's how you can help URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/a-note-to-our-readers-heres-how-you-can-help/ Last updated: 2026-04-09T12:00:49.000Z First of all, thank you for being a subscriber. We are humbled that you follow AmenPeoria and hope that you continue to do so. We're also grateful for all of the Christians in the Peoria area who have helped us with content. Thanks to them, we've been able to include such content as: - [Purposed Generation: Helping teens see themselves through God's lens](https://www.amenpeoria.com/purposed-generation-christian-teen-photography-washington-il/) - [The Gospel is at the heart of South Side Christian Academy in Peoria](https://www.amenpeoria.com/the-gospel-is-at-the-heart-of-south-side-christian-academy-in-peoria/) - [Mr. Glass produces barbers with values](https://www.amenpeoria.com/mr-glass-produces-barbers-with-values/) However, running a faith-focused publication isn't free, even when the content is. There are hosting fees, apps, social media ads, supplies, and promotional costs that add up quickly. Right now, we cover most of that out of pocket because we believe central Illinois Christians deserve a place to find out what God is doing in their neighborhoods — through local churches, ministries, and believers living out their faith in real and sometimes remarkable ways. We've been grateful for the support of local businesses that share that vision. Dr. Ryder Church of Peoria Chiropractic has been a blessing to us by purchasing advertising, and that kind of local support means a lot. But to grow, we need more than advertising revenue. We want to keep AmenPeoria free for every reader. No paywalls, no paid tiers. But to do that sustainably — and eventually to run fewer or no ads, improve the content, and establish AmenPeoria as a formal LLC or nonprofit — we need your help. We know money is tight. We also know that plenty of worthy ministries are asking for yours right now. So we'll keep this simple: If AmenPeoria has been useful to you, a one-time gift of even $10 or $15 would make a genuine difference. Multiply that across our readership, and we're talking about real momentum. Your contribution keeps local Christian voices visible, helps more Tri-County believers find each other, and ensures this information continues to flow — freely — to anyone who wants it. You can donate today [at this link](https://buy.stripe.com/bIY9Ce8mjgYE5kkbII?ref=amenpeoria.com). Thank you for reading. Thank you for being part of this. Please pray for Amen Peoria! ### Peoria-area prayer suggestions for April 1, 2026 URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/peoria-area-prayer-suggestions-for-april-1-2026/ Last updated: 2026-04-01T12:30:06.000Z Here are your Amen Peoria Midweek prayer suggestions. Please keep these in your family and church's prayer time this week and share them with friends on social media. - Carlos Martinez, 90, of Bartonville [was struck by a vehicle](https://www.25newsnow.com/2026/03/24/coroner-ids-elderly-man-killed-pedestrian-vs-vehicle-crash-near-bartonville-grade-school/?ref=amenpeoria.com) near Bartonville Grade School on March 24 and died despite aggressive trauma care at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. *Please pray for his family as they grieve, and for all who loved him.* - Five adults and two children [were displaced](https://www.25newsnow.com/2026/03/28/peoria-house-fire-displaces-7-firefighters-save-family-pets/?ref=amenpeoria.com) after a fire at their home at 2400 W. Proctor St. in Peoria on Friday, March 27\. Two pets were also rescued. *Please pray for the group’s housing needs and thank God that they weren’t harmed.* - This week’s [1 Timothy 2:1-2](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+2%3A1-2&version=ESV&ref=amenpeoria.com) prayer: *Please be in prayer this week for the Woodford County Board, city councils, village boards, school boards, and other governmental bodies.* **Amen, Peoria!** *Do you know of a community-focused prayer need in the Tri-County area? Please email it to mike@amenpeoria.com along with a link that we can include in next week's prayer suggestions.* ### Go out of your way to make visitors feel welcome on Easter Sunday, pastors say URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/go-out-of-your-way-to-make-visitors-feel-welcome-on-easter-sunday-pastors-say/ Last updated: 2026-03-28T12:18:35.000Z *This post is sponsored by Dr. Ryder Church from* [*Peoria Chiropractic*](https://www.peoriachiropractic.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com)*. See his ad below for a special introductory rate.* If you’re a regular churchgoer, you’re going to have a challenge and opportunity on Easter Sunday: unfamiliar faces. The challenge will be to be uncomfortable. The opportunity will be to make visitors feel welcomed and comfortable. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Pro-life speaker to address population myths, family life at March 25 rally URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/steven-mosher-population-research-institute-peoria-heights-rally/ Last updated: 2026-03-21T14:11:42.000Z *This post is sponsored by Dr. Ryder Church of Peoria Chiropractic. See his ad below for a special introductory rate.* Steven Mosher seeks to dispel misconceptions about population issues and encourage young people to have families for the good of culture and the world. Mosher, president of the [Population Research Institute](https://www.pop.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com), will be the keynote speaker at Central Illinois Right to Life’s annual Life and Freedom Rally at 7 p.m. March 25 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 904 E. Lake, Peoria Heights. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Peoria's Sheen Experience will bring archbishop's legacy to life URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/fulton-sheen-experience-peoria-museum/ Last updated: 2026-03-16T15:00:21.000Z Multimedia museum will let visitors "meet" Fulton Sheen in his old high school _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Pro-lifers invited to go to rallies in Springfield, Peoria Heights URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/pro-lifers-invited-to-go-to-rallies-in-springfield-peoria-heights/ Last updated: 2026-03-12T15:00:08.000Z _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Lyle Cruse uses art to bring light to social media URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/lyle-cruse-pop-culture-artist-creativity-faith/ Last updated: 2026-03-09T00:16:50.000Z [Lyle Cruse](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyle-cruse-704696172/?ref=amenpeoria.com) started drawing out of boredom. “My parents used to go down to a diner when I was a little kid, and they would talk to their friends for an hour or 2 when I was, like, 3,” he said. “I would grab an old bank pen that my mom had in her purse and grab napkins and start drawing.” That practice sparked a lifelong love for drawing and developed an impressive creativity. The Morton man’s day job now is managing the Creative Services department of [Samaritan Ministries](https://samaritanministries.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com) in Peoria. Apart from that and hanging with his family, he churns out pop culture images at an amazing rate, focusing on movies, cartoons, comics and TV shows, posting them for tens of thousands of followers on social media. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Beatification of Fulton Sheen will be a 'significant moment' for Catholic Diocese of Peoria URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/fulton-sheen-beatification-peoria-diocese/ Last updated: 2026-03-04T15:14:39.000Z The [beatification](https://www.catholic.com/qa/what-is-beatification-and-canonization?ref=amenpeoria.com) of central Illinois native [Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen](https://www.celebratesheen.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com) by the Catholic Church will be “one of the most significant moments in the life of our local church,” Bishop Louis Tylka of the [Catholic Diocese of Peoria](http://cdop.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com) said recently. [Tylka announced the news on Feb. 9\. ](https://www.celebratesheen.com/news/sheen-beatification?ref=amenpeoria.com) The next step in the cause for sainthood for Sheen, who for now has the title Venerable, will involve a beatification Mass in which he will be declared “Blessed.” If another verified miracle is attributed to Sheen’s intercession, he could be recognized as a saint. Sheen, who lived from 1895 to 1979, was born in El Paso in Woodford County, attended Spalding Institute in Peoria, and was ordained a priest at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria in 1919. After a variety of academic achievements, he started hosting “[The Catholic Hour](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFeU7QgxX58RdjNUgLW7Qd53w4GMsMDEX&ref=amenpeoria.com)” on nationwide radio, then the program “[Life Is Worth LIving](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9cJRl8EYnLcnHVJ6q53oxlnE%5FOo%5FfkBV&ref=amenpeoria.com)” on NBC-TV in the 1950s, outgaining even Milton Berle and Frank Sinatra in viewers and winning an Emmy award. He continued his work [in TV](https://fultonsheen.tv/fultonsheentv-en/home?ref=amenpeoria.com) and other venues after that and is seen as a pioneer in using new media. Sheen’s body was moved to Peoria several years ago from New York City and is entombed at St. Mary’s Cathedral. ## ‘Masterful’ messaging “(Sheen) used the technology of his day to speak clearly, passionately, often with great intellect and wisdom as well as a great sense of humor to speak to people, inviting them to reflect upon the most significant questions we have,” Tylka said. “Questions like what role does God play in our life, how does He call us to be good citizens, to be good brothers and sisters? What Archbishop Sheen did and what he still does for us is provide an example that reminds us that we are all called to go out and give witness to our faith and to make the world a better place by the way we live our lives and treat one another. ![Bishop in clerical attire smiles against a dark background, wearing magenta robes, square glasses and a zucchetto.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/2b/822bd23b-16aa-4298-9c5e-2819d3244c10/content/images/2025/05/NEW_POPE_LEO.JPG) Bishop Louis Tylka (Catholic Diocese of Peoria) “And he was just masterful in the ways in which he brought those understandings even closer and deeper into our hearts, especially using the new media of his day.” ## More visitors to Peoria The beatification announcement is “a moment to reflect upon our own journey of faith and how Archbishop Sheen’s faith was nurtured here in Illinois,” Tylka said. “The residents of Central Illinois can share in the pride that we have in the Catholic Church of moving forward with the cause for Archbishop Sheen, but they can also expect many more visitors to be coming to our part of the state,” he said. Tylka said thousands already visit Sheen’s tomb, with more to be expected at the planned [Sheen Experience](https://www.celebratesheen.com/experience?ref=amenpeoria.com) at the original building of Spalding Institute at 401 NE Madison Ave. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/2b/822bd23b-16aa-4298-9c5e-2819d3244c10/content/images/2026/02/sheen-experience-conception.jpg) A photographic conception of the Sheen Experience at the former Spalding Institute building in Peoria, Illinois. (CelebrateSheen.com) ## Saints are ‘models of faith’ The bishop said that the Catholic Church “lifts up saints for their model of faith to inspire us today to live out how faith.” “We have a [process](https://www.celebratesheen.com/faq?ref=amenpeoria.com) where what is called the cause of canonization develops over time,” Tylka said. “The diocese locally begins by lifting up an individual whose life is then investigated and is ultimately one deemed worthy of giving a heroic witness and is called a ‘venerable.’ “The next step in that process toward becoming a saint is beatification. That happens after a miracle attributable to the person’s intercession takes place.” ## ‘MIracle baby’ in Washington That miracle is believed to have happened in 2010 to [a Washington, Ill., family](https://www.osvnews.com/the-sheen-beatification-is-back-on-and-the-engstrom-family-says-it-will-be-a-little-piece-of-heaven/?ref=amenpeoria.com) when James Fulton Engstrom was born without a pulse and didn’t take a breath for 61 minutes after birth. His parents, Bonnie and Travis Engstrom, had entrusted their baby to Sheen during the pregnancy, said Monsignor Jason Gray, executive director of the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation. When the birth crisis became known among the Engstroms’ family and friends, prayer started in earnest, and James took his first breath at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. The “miracle baby” is now a freshman at Washington High School. The miracle of his survival without physical repercussions was investigated and approved as a verified miracle by the Vatican in 2014\. The story is recounted in Bonnie Engstrom’s book “[61 Minutes to a Miracle: Fulton Sheen and a True Story of the Impossible.](https://www.amazon.com/61-Minutes-Miracle-Fulton-Impossible/dp/1612787177/ref=sr%5F1%5F1?crid=2QTHX0QLIQMXD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.mx6H04a1r4t2Xxpx2-RdWf8539fjNR9H5SB7tgPWhaABpZoujL6P3VceMVNhIj14.E0e0G-d2x5oUDDG1jeA4rCzxEd-NxYp6wWVXtSTgRX8&dib%5Ftag=se&keywords=61+minutes+to+a+miracle&qid=1772150778&sprefix=61+minutes+to+%2Caps%2C1146&sr=8-1&ref=amenpeoria.com)” Tylka explained that the Catholic Church teaches that Christians can ask those who have been recognized as saints to intercede for them, just like they can ask fellow Christians to pray for them. “All of our prayers ultimately go to the Lord, and the Lord is the one who answers our prayers,” Tylka said. “Even the miracle that is attributed to Archbishop Sheen’s intercession is not his (Sheen’s) doing, it’s God’s doing. It’s God’s grace coming to us. “The saints accompany us on our journey of faith. They’re witnesses to us of being faithful to our calling.” ## Time to study Sheen’s work, life The diocese is working with the Vatican’s Dicastery of the Causes of the Saints to determine when the beatification ceremony will occur. “We’ve just begun those processes,” Tylka said. “We’ve sent our first requests off to Rome and are waiting for their response.” But during the wait, the bishop said, Christians throughout central Illinois can study Sheen’s life and works, whether in books such as his “[Life of Christ](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/174964.Life%5Fof%5FChrist?ref=amenpeoria.com)” or through [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9cJRl8EYnLcnHVJ6q53oxlnE%5FOo%5FfkBV&ref=amenpeoria.com). “I encourage everybody to take this opportunity, to encounter him,” Tylka said. “He was such a man of his time. He had something to say on just about every topic, and his insights and his wisdom that he shared with us are just as valid today as they were 60, 70 years ago. “The name of his TV program was ‘Life Is Worth Living,’ and he showed us that life is worth living when we live it for God, and that’s the important thing to encounter through Archbishop Sheen.” ### Living Alternatives offers comprehensive pregnancy and grief support in Pekin URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/living-alternatives-pekin-pregnancy-grief-support/ Last updated: 2026-01-24T14:08:57.000Z **PEKIN**–[Living Alternatives](https://www.pregnancyresourcecenter.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com), at 3223 Griffin Ave., offers support to women in all stages of pregnancy, including loss. “We exist for any woman who needs help and support,” says Angie Payton, director of the Pekin office of Living Alternatives. “We exist to help people have their families.” The organization was started in Springfield and has since expanded to [12 centers](https://www.pregnancyresourcecenter.org/find-a-location-near-you/?ref=amenpeoria.com) throughout Illinois and Indiana, offering multiple programs. One unique offering is the perinatal grief program known as Willow Story, with Paula Scott as director of the program in all 12 locations. Willow Story helps clients process a concerning prenatal diagnosis through mentoring, referral to specialists for second opinions, and coordination of doctors’ appointments. The program also offers support during neonatal intensive care unit stays and for up to a year after mother and baby go home. ## Walking with families through loss Women will often come to Living Alternatives following a miscarriage, stillbirth, early infant loss, or an ectopic pregnancy. Once contact is made with Living Alternatives following a loss, they connect with the client for a year, helping them to process their grief, including helping with funeral arrangements if needed. The center offers classes in coping with grief for both men and women. Part of the year-long support that Living Alternatives gives is walking through each anniversary and holiday with them. These events prove difficult in the first year, and Living Alternatives is there to walk with them through it all. ## Medical and pregnancy support services offered Initially, Living Alternatives was a crisis pregnancy center, but “we aren’t just for crisis situations,” says Payton, so the name was changed. Instead, they offer support for some of the most basic things, such as pregnancy tests to determine if the client is indeed pregnant. One of their phrases is, “We’re your next step,” Payton says, adding that “In some cases we’re their first step.” Pekin is considered an obstetrics and gynecology “desert,” with few providers in the immediate area, so many women are coming for a scan as early as 6 weeks into the pregnancy when most doctors’ offices don’t provide that until at least 8-10 weeks. In the scan, they are looking to confirm gestation, a viable pregnancy, and a heartbeat. The scans are sent to doctors who volunteer their time to Living Alternatives. ## Building a support system for families Besides medical help, Living Alternatives also provides parenting classes every week. Clients are able to get diapers and wipes and earn points for other items, such as a car seat or crib. Points are awarded for activities such as attending classes on time, going to church, keeping a doctor’s appointment, bringing a support person to group sessions, or completing homework. “There is so much that we have to offer, which is kind of like the living alternatives part, because more often than not, families will choose to keep the pregnancy regardless of the outcome if they have support,” Payton says. “We are here for that support system.” For women who choose adoption for their baby, Living Alternatives helps develop an adoption plan and connect with a licensed agency. While Living Alternatives does not offer abortions, it does provide post-abortion mentoring, curriculum, and retreats. Deeper Still is a three-day retreat where clients spend focused time in the company of others with similar stories and experiences for a Christ-centered time of healing and encouragement. Additional services offered include Curbside Care day, where both clients and nonclients can come once a month and get diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food. “Whatever we have on Curbside Care day, we try and give it out to the community as best as we can,” Payton says. The result has been stories of people being able to put gas in their car or get groceries because they didn’t have to buy diapers or formula. “If that’s how we can help people, then that’s what we’re here for,” Payton says. ## Residential programs available Living Alternatives also has three residential programs to offer to women and their babies. [Merci’s Refuge](https://www.pregnancyresourcecenter.org/residential/mercis-refuge/?ref=amenpeoria.com) started in 2016 for women in crisis situations and is able to house up to 12 women, offering counseling and trauma help for eight to 12 months. [Birchwood Apartments](https://www.pregnancyresourcecenter.org/residential/birchwood-apartments/?ref=amenpeoria.com) was started in 2022 after Olivet Nazarene College donated four apartments that are available for women and their children in a time when they are trying to save money and get back on their feet. The average length of stay is nine months. The newest program is Magnolia House in Champaign for younger moms ages 18-25\. Magnolia House can house up to four people with a stay of up to 12 months. The work is heavy, and the staff and volunteers rely on lots of prayer and retreats to regroup and encourage one another in the work they feel called to. “In the end, we are trying to reach people for Jesus,” Payton says. Christianity is never pushed on clients but is always offered. Even if someone doesn’t claim Christ, they will still accept offers by staff to be prayed for. “We love these clients, and we love their babies,” Payton said. ## How the community can help Despite all they are able to accomplish, the nonprofit has more yet to do. The Pekin location is only open three days a week, but they’d love to be open all week long. They’d also like to be able to offer their classes every day as well as expand onsite medical services and open a second ultrasound room. This all takes money and volunteers. Those interested in [donating](https://www.pregnancyresourcecenter.org/donations/?ref=amenpeoria.com) or [volunteering](https://www.pregnancyresourcecenter.org/get-involved/volunteer/?ref=amenpeoria.com) can find more information and sign up online. ### Christmas Eve services in the Tri-County area URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/2025-christmas-eve-services-in-the-tri-county-area/ Last updated: 2025-12-15T19:00:34.000Z *Below are churches with Christmas Eve services that we are aware of. If your church is having a Christmas Eve service and would like to be included in the list, please contact* [*mike@amenpeoria.com*](mailto:mike@amenpeoria.com) *with your information. If we learn of more services, we will send out an updated list. Merry Christmas!* **Bethany Baptist Church**, 7422 N. Heinz Lane, Edwards: 4 p.m. **Bethany Community Church**, 27577 Dutch Lane, Washington: 6 p.m. family Christmas service. **Grace Presbyterian Church**, 8607 State Route 91, Peoria: candlelight services at 4 and 7 p.m. **Ignite Church**, 3707 N. Dayton Ave., Peoria: 5 p.m. **Liberty Bible Church**, 1408 Church Road, Eureka: 5 p.m. **Redeemer Lutheran Church**, 6801 N. Allen Road, Peoria: family service at 3:30 p.m.; traditional services at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.; contemporary service at 9:30 p.m. **St. Mark Catholic Church**, 1113 W. Bradley Ave., Peoria: 4:30 p.m. (with carols at 4 p.m.) and 10 p.m. **St. Mary’s of Lourdes Catholic Church**, 424 Lourdes Church Road, Germantown Hills: 4:30 p.m. and midnight. **St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church**, 904 E. Lake Ave., Peoria Heights: 5, 7 and 10 p.m. **Trinity Lutheran Church**, 135 NE Randolph St., Peoria: 5 and 7 p.m. candlelight carol services, 10 p.m. candlelight communion service. ### Phil Newton helps nonprofits find funding through Perennial Partners URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/phil-newton-helps-nonprofits-find-funding-through-perennial-partners/ Last updated: 2025-12-13T14:10:41.000Z **PEORIA**—Phil Newton finds funding. “When I was growing up, I wanted more than anything to be an archaeologist,” the founder of [Perennial Partners](https://www.perennialpartnersci.com/contact?ref=amenpeoria.com) said recently over a cup of tea in a downtown coffee shop. “I loved the idea of digging up buried treasure. As a grant writer, I do that every day.” Through Perennial Partners, Newton helps nonprofits discover sources of funding through grants or guides them with his consulting services. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### 🙏 Prayer suggestions for Dec. 11, 2025 URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/prayer-suggestions-for-dec-11-2025/ Last updated: 2025-12-12T00:21:23.000Z _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Artful Journey: a faith-influenced, family-friendly art gallery URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/artful-journey-peoria-art-gallery-classes/ Last updated: 2025-11-28T17:30:59.000Z *This post is sponsored by Dr. Ryder Church from Peoria Chiropractic. See his ad below for a special introductory rate.* **PEORIA**—[Artful Journey](https://www.artfuljourney.art/?ref=amenpeoria.com) offers high-quality art and classes by local talent in a family-friendly atmosphere. The nonprofit gallery in the lower level at 4701 N. University features works in multiple media by nearly two dozen artists. It moved to its current location in November 2024 after spending several months in Germantown Hills. Artful Journey will hold a holiday open house from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, featuring hot beverages and “cool gifts.” It will also feature a gift shop “for those in search of unique and artistic gifts” through Dec. 20 during its normal hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Purposed Generation: Helping teens see themselves through God's lens URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/purposed-generation-christian-teen-photography-washington-il/ Last updated: 2025-11-12T14:04:37.000Z *This post is sponsored by Dr. Ryder Church from Peoria Chiropractic. See his ad below for a special introductory rate.* **WASHINGTON**—Charisa Ausfahl is using her passion for photography to help teens who struggle with self-esteem and depression. The owner and operator of [Charisa Studios](https://charisastudios.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com), 24363 Spring Creek Road, has created [Purposed Generation](https://charisastudios.com/purposedgeneration/?ref=amenpeoria.com). The nonprofit was conceived as a way to help teens ages 13-17 gain a positive outlook on themselves through custom photography sessions that emphasize their gifts and passions. Ausfahl believes much of the answer to teen depression and suicide is in the fact that “they’ve lost an anchor in life.” “They’ve lost that they’ve been created by God, and everything about them has been created for a purpose,” she said. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Couple expanding creation ministry in Peoria area URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/tremont-couple-expands-creation-ministry-peoria/ Last updated: 2025-11-07T18:43:51.000Z Brian and Carla Estell offer creationist perspective to central Illinois churches _This post is for subscribers only._ ### The Gospel is at the heart of South Side Christian Academy in Peoria URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/the-gospel-is-at-the-heart-of-south-side-christian-academy-in-peoria/ Last updated: 2025-10-21T13:43:20.000Z *This post is sponsored by Dr. Ryder Church from Peoria Chiropractic. See his ad below for a special introductory rate.* **PEORIA**—Nationn Jordan feels like she has gained an extended family by sending her children to [South Side Christian Academy](https://www.southsidechristianacademy.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com). “They have so much parental involvement,” she said. “You don’t feel like an outcast. They know the whole family. They know me, they know my mom, they know my other siblings.” Instead of getting papers on how her children are doing in school, “they call you. They keep you updated.” _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Families that started South Side Christian Academy had a heart to help children and families URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/families-that-started-south-side-christian-academy-had-a-heart-to-help-children-and-families/ Last updated: 2025-10-23T00:46:58.000Z **PEORIA**–[South Side Christian Academy](https://www.southsidechristianacademy.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com) shows its godly roots in its founding. The school at 3523 W. Hill St. got its start after a few Christian families discovered they shared a heart to help children and families in South Peoria. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Christian school principal is working her dream job URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/christian-school-principal-is-working-her-dream-job/ Last updated: 2025-10-18T00:29:36.000Z **PEORIA**–Nikki Giosta is working her dream job and serving Jesus at the same time. The woman who would become principal of [South Side Christian Academy](https://www.southsidechristianacademy.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com) first had to believe in Christ and realize she was supposed to be a teacher. Those two things happened around the same time. Giosta was a computer design major at Bradley University when she came to faith through Campus Crusade. Around that time, she also started volunteering as a tutor at Tyng School, bonding with a student named Shalia. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### 'The Thorn' brings the story of salvation to life in a dramatically visual way URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/the-thorn-brings-the-story-of-salvation-to-life-in-a-dramatically-visual-way/ Last updated: 2025-09-20T14:35:27.000Z *This post is sponsored by Dr. Ryder Church from Peoria Chiropractic. See his ad below for a special introductory rate.* “The Thorn,” a [stage show](https://thethorn.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com) described as “Cirque meets the passion of Jesus,” will bring its message of Christ’s love for humanity to the Peoria Civic Center Theater at 7 p.m. [Wednesday ](https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/070062897FDC0F0B?ref=amenpeoria.com)and [Thursday](https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/070062897FDF0F16?ref=amenpeoria.com), Sept. 24-25. A cast of 36 performers, including dancers skilled in performance arts, martial arts and aerial arts, will “convey the love of Jesus and let people know that they are welcomed into that story,” said co-founder and producer [Sarah Bolin](https://www.fathomentertainment.com/blog/meet-john-and-sarah-bolin-creators-of-the-thorn/?ref=amenpeoria.com). The show is 2½ hours with an intermission. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Pathway opens facility for women heading to new lives URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/pathway-opens-facility-for-women-heading-to-new-lives/ Last updated: 2025-09-17T17:04:46.000Z *Big shoutout to Dr. Ryder Church from Peoria Chiropractic for sponsoring this post! The Amen Peoria crew has been getting great care from Dr. Church for years, and we’re thankful for his support of our newsletter. If you’re new to his practice, he’s got a sweet deal just for you—a new-patient visit for just $50! Just give his office a call at (309) 693-1212, mention the Amen Peoria ad, and you’re all set.* **MORTON**–Chandra’s life was not going well last year. Her son had passed away, and she was going through “rough times” in the aftermath that had derailed her life. In June 2024, however, she entered [Pathway Ministries](https://pathwaypeoria.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com) Women’s Residential Program and is now one of the first women living at the program’s Women’s Community House, a newly opened transitional home for program graduates. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### FIRM focuses on orphans' welfare in Togo URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/firm-focuses-on-orphans-welfare-in-togo/ Last updated: 2025-08-09T13:04:37.000Z Two Peoria-area men are serving orphans in Africa. Emeric Martin and Kodjo Yelou oversee [Faithway International Rescue Ministry](https://faithwayinternationalrescueministry.org/welcome?ref=amenpeoria.com) (FIRM), which supports children in Africa. Faithway focuses on poverty-stricken [Togo](https://www.worldatlas.com/maps/togo?ref=amenpeoria.com) (the Togolese Republic), which is Yelou’s homeland. “He is one of the greatest testimonies of what it looks like when people are faithful to God and honors what God says about caring for the orphan and the poor,” Martin said of Yelou. “Someone did that for him.” _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Dinner, a movie, and a celebration URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/dinner-a-movie-and-a-celebration/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T14:40:49.000Z [Heart of Illinois Christian Movie Central](https://christianmoviecentral.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com) is inviting central Illinoisans to dinner and a movie Tuesday, Aug. 5, to celebrate its 15th anniversary. Dinner will be at 5 p.m. at [Peoria Pizza Ranch](https://pizzaranch.com/locations/il/peoria/4114-n-brandywine-dr/menu?c=Pizza&ref=amenpeoria.com) and the movie, “[What If …](https://www.gqtmovies.com/gqt-willow-knolls-14/movie/17673?date=2025-08-05&ref=amenpeoria.com)”, will screen at[ Willow Knolls 14](https://www.gqtmovies.com/gqt-willow-knolls-14?ref=amenpeoria.com) at 7 p.m. A screening of “What If …,” directed by Dallas Jenkins, was the occasion for CMC’s first get-together in 2010, said ministry founder Rich Gerberding. You’ll need to pay for the dinner and movie on your own, but organizers would appreciate it if you could let them know on [their Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/ChristianMovieCentral) you’re coming so they can reserve the right size room at the restaurant. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### A bit of 'Chosen' trivia URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/a-bit-of-chosen-trivia/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T01:11:53.000Z Here’s some fun trivia about “[The Chosen](https://watch.thechosen.tv/?ref=amenpeoria.com),” the wildly successful streaming series based on the Gospels. > **Q:** Where was the first public screening of “The Chosen”? > **A:** In a room of [Northwoods Community Church](https://northwoods.church/?ref=amenpeoria.com) in Peoria. [Heart of Illinois Christian Movie Central](https://christianmoviecentral.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com) founder Rich Gerberding had connected with director Dallas Jenkins in 2010 when CMC spotlighted the Jenkins film “[What If …](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1468387?ref=amenpeoria.com)” and they remained friends. Jenkins, who has family connections in central Illinois, arranged with Gerberding to bring his new project, “The Chosen,” to Peoria in 2019 for a screening and presentation in a room at Northwoods. About 45 people attended to see the first two episodes of "The Chosen." “I’d love to have him come back for one of the final couple seasons, like, ‘Hey, you started here, why don’t you end it here, too?’” ### Dream Center to give 2,000 backpacks with school supplies away Saturday URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/bulletin-july-dream-center-backpack/ Last updated: 2025-07-22T13:30:45.000Z *These Bulletin items are courtesy of* [*The Word-WPEO AM & FM*](http://wpeo.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com)*.* *Would you like your church or ministry activity to be mentioned in the Amen Peoria Bulletin for free? Send your information to* [*mike@amenpeoria.com*](mailto:mike@amenpeoria.org)*.* **PEORIA**—Volunteers are needed for [Dream Center Peoria](https://www.dreamcenterpeoria.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com)’s Backpack Peoria this Saturday. Helpers are still needed for a variety of tasks: - Setup and teardown - Parking - Translation (English/Spanish) - Pedestrian patrol - Greeters About 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies will be distributed at what DCP calls its [biggest event of the year](https://youtu.be/zezVREbJ4mw?si=gbuNje4mX8BeybQR&ref=amenpeoria.com), held since 2002\. There will also be free haircuts as well as medical and dental examinations. A signup form and a donation link are available [here](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0E49AEAA28A4F58-57123271-backpack?ref=amenpeoria.com#/). ## Fundraisers **Dream Center Peoria** will have its [annual golf outing](https://www.dreamcenterpeoria.org/golfouting?ref=amenpeoria.com) at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 11 at [Mount Hawley Country Club](http://www.dreamcenterpeoria.org/golfouting?ref=amenpeoria.com). The cost is $165, including a round of golf and lunch. ## Youth **Trail Life USA and American Heritage Girls** are holding open houses from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18 at [Roanoke Apostolic Church](https://maps.app.goo.gl/fm2U5htXsTQteyUXA?ref=amenpeoria.com), 1570 County Road 1300 North, Roanoke. The two are Christian-based programs that promote godly leadership and character qualities. [Trail Life](https://www.traillifeusa.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com), which includes outdoor and service activities, is for boys ages 5-17\. [American Heritage Girls](https://americanheritagegirls.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com) offers service opportunities and outdoor adventure for girls ages 5-18\. ### Peoria financial advisor builds his firm on a solid rock URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/peoria-financial-advisor-builds-his-firm-on-a-solid-rock/ Last updated: 2025-07-18T12:49:27.000Z **PEORIA**—The practice of biblically responsible investing has matured, and Jim Kreid of [Solid Rock Retirement Strategies](https://www.sr724.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com) is one of its most enthusiastic proponents in the Peoria area. Kreid even changed the name and focus of his firm a few years ago to reflect his emphasis on Jesus’ illustration of building one’s house on a solid rock in Matthew 7:24: > “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” "It's been a gradual unfolding of events," he said. "It's been like walking through one door and then God opens another." ## Biblically responsible investing Kreid said he has been a financial advisor for about 40 years and a Christian believer for 45 years, but had never combined those aspects of his life until he bought the firm from a retiring partner. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Pink Blossom store combines thrift and career help, with a little scripture thrown in URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/pink-blossom-store-combines-thrift-and-career-help-with-a-little-scripture-thrown-in/ Last updated: 2025-07-10T14:04:54.000Z PEORIA—The [Pink Blossom Thrift & Resources](https://www.pinkblossomthrift.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com) at 3023 N. University St. has a triple purpose: - Make used clothing and home decorations available at low prices - Make affordable and free career counseling and job-search help available - Infuse all of it with Scripture “I always enjoyed thrifting, and previously I was doing a lot of work as a certified career coach,” said Jade Reddick, founder and owner. “I kind of wanted to bring them both together just to help the community.” _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Online auction benefits perinatal grief support program Willow Story URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/online-auction-benefits-perinatal-grief-support-program-willow-story/ Last updated: 2025-07-01T21:04:53.000Z A ministry focused on helping families through pregnancy loss and life-limiting prenatal diagnoses is raising money through an [online auction](https://www.pregnancyresourcecenter.org/get-involved/events/willow-story-events/?ref=amenpeoria.com) July 14-18. [Willow Story](https://www.pregnancyresourcecenter.org/services/perinatal-grief-support/?ref=amenpeoria.com), part of [Living Alternatives Pregnancy Care Center](https://pregnancyresou.wpengine.com/locations/tazewell-county/?ref=amenpeoria.com) in Pekin, is a perinatal grief support program and is led locally by Paula Scott. “One in four pregnancies results in a loss and one in 33 pregnancies has a pretty severe life-limiting prenatal diagnosis,” Scott said. “A lot of these families are going through those journeys completely alone, and so it is our goal to give them a companion on that journey. All of that is offered to them at no cost, so our goal is to have donors that will support us while we support these families.” The auction features a variety of items, from vacation spot rentals to rain barrels, Peoria Riverfront Museum passes to out-of-town attractions, and gift cards to tickets to the 2026 Indianapolis 500. Some of the more intriguing items include: - A baseball autographed by the late Pete Rose, who added “I’m sorry” below the signature in reference to being banned from baseball for betting on games. - A photography mini-session. - Tickets to an NBA game of the winner’s choice, plus accommodations and a meal. - A day of Navy SEAL tactical training for two. The value of the items, minimum bids, and minimum bid increments are all listed on the event pages. Although the bidding doesn’t start until July 14, the items and information can be viewed now at the auction site. ### Former Diocese of Peoria PR man reflects on God's hand in his life URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/steve-mamanella-providential/ Last updated: 2025-07-01T00:31:16.000Z Steve Mamanella connects the dots of his life in his book “[Providential: An Autobiographical Exploration of the Gift of God’s Providence](https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/providential/?ref=amenpeoria.com)” (En Route Books and Media, 2021). And he does it at times with brutal honesty and frequent good humor, detailing his triumphs and struggles as well as his joys and sorrows. All the while, he recognizes the hand of God in action. So why should Amen Peoria readers care? First, because it’s just a good read by a guy who loves Jesus. Second, Steve was a public figure of sorts in the Peoria area in the 1990s, serving as the first full-time, non-clergy spokesman for the [Catholic Diocese of Peoria](http://cdop.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com). _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Mr. Glass produces barbers with values URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/mr-glass-produces-barbers-with-values/ Last updated: 2025-06-16T19:30:17.000Z **PEORIA**–Jorell Glass has combined his ministry experience and barbering background to create a “counter-institution” that produces barbers with values and skills. [Mr. Glass Tonsorial Christian Institute](https://www.mrglasstonsorialchristianinstitute.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com), located at 3019 N. Sterling Ave., is a barber school that has produced more than a dozen graduates since 2022\. Many of those graduates have worked at [The Shave Room](https://www.facebook.com/TheShaveRooms/) at 456 Fulton St. in the Twin Towers, which Glass also operates, and some have gone on to start their own businesses. Some also still rent chairs at the school (walk-in cuts there cost $10, or $15 with a beard trim). _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Kurt Pegler talks sports, media, serving at church URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/kurt-pegler-qa/ Last updated: 2025-06-03T01:26:15.000Z [*Kurt Pegler*](https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/author/kurt-pegler/?ref=amenpeoria.com) *has been bringing sports news to central Illinoisans since 1990 on daily* [*WMBD-TV*](https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com) *newscasts. The Illinois State University graduate and Chicago native has been contributing to the central Illinois Christian scene for just as long, helping out behind the scenes at* [*Grace Presbyterian Church*](https://www.gracepres.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com) *and taking part in other Christian community activities, like* [*Community Bible Study*](https://us.communitybiblestudy.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com)*. We talked to Kurt, who is one of the nicest people in this area, on a recent Friday afternoon at WMBD.* **Amen Peoria: How long have you been at WMBD?** **Kurt Pegler:** I started in 1987, so I'm coming up on year 38 here now. I started as an intern in the fall of ’87, and then I was hired after my internship as a part-time news reporter. They didn't have a full-time sports opening. I covered my fair share of, you know, school board meetings and other things like that as well, as everybody has to do. I had to cover some court cases, too. There's so much now with sports in courts, that kind of helped me understand the court process much better. If you're in the ballpark the whole time, you're not really learning that side of the game. And then in 1990, I moved into the sports department when an opening came up. Dave Snell was still the sports director back then. He went to bat for me to get hired, which was great. **AmP: Why do you think you've been able to succeed so long in this role? A lot of people just come here a couple of years and they want to move on. Why have you stayed?** _This post is for subscribers only._ ### RIP Dan Bohan, passionate pro-lifer URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/rip-dan-bohan-passionate-pro-lifer/ Last updated: 2025-05-29T22:00:31.000Z PEORIA – A champion of the central Illinois pro-life effort has passed away. [Dan Bohan died Sunday at age 75\. ](https://www.wrightandsalmon.com/obituaries/Daniel-James-Bohan?obId=42624208&ref=amenpeoria.com) Dan will be remembered among pro-lifers for his dedication to the Central Illinois Right to Life organization. His time on the CIRTL Board of Directors included efforts to get pro-life ads in local theaters. He also actively promoted "overpass demos," with pro-life activists standing on interstate overpasses holding signs, and always ensured that announcements of pro-life events were circulated through email. "Dan Bohan was a stalwart defender of preborn children," said Dan Smith, another longtime pro-life advocate here. "He served as vice president and secretary of Central Illinois Right to Life, working tirelessly on all our projects and advocacy activities." He was a longtime member of St. Philomena Catholic Church in Peoria. Please keep Dan's family in your prayers as they grieve their loss, and thank God for using him to promote the cause of life in central Illinois. ### Filmmaker finds his home in Orthodox Church URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/filmmaker-finds-his-home-in-orthodox-church/ Last updated: 2025-05-27T19:00:41.000Z William Jacobs' journey started as one of the mind but became one of the heart. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Artist wants to put a limited-government stamp on Peoria URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/artist-wants-to-put-a-limited-government-stamp-on-peoria/ Last updated: 2025-05-20T13:01:06.000Z Alex Carmona says he will use his business experience to guide his actions as a Peoria city councilman. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Peoria City Councilman Alex Carmona wants to 'make things better' URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/peoria-city-councilman-alex-carmona-wants-to-make-things-better/ Last updated: 2025-05-19T17:00:15.000Z Entrepreneurial artist talks about his faith and recent election to the Peoria City Council in part 1 of this Q&A. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### 'Hearing God through Worship & Word' focus of seminar URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/hearing-god-through-worship-word-focus-of-seminar/ Last updated: 2025-05-15T16:42:57.000Z Check out this weekend's event as well as others as summer gets rolling! _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Journalist Phil Luciano tells stories, looks to the Cross for guidance URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/journalist-phil-luciano-tells-stories-looks-to-the-cross-for-guidance/ Last updated: 2025-05-12T17:46:14.000Z *Phil Luciano likes to tell people’s stories, help people tell their own stories, and help people make their stories better.* *And he does it as a committed Christian.* *The longtime, award-winning Peoria journalist now hosts* [*WMBD Radio’s afternoon drivetime talk show*](https://wmbdradio.com/the-phil-luciano-show/?ref=amenpeoria.com)*, but he’s been in the storytelling business in the Tri-County area since 1987, when he started as a reporter for the* [*Journal Star*](http://pjstar.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com)*.* [*After producing multiple columns a week for decades for the JS*](https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/local/2022/01/22/phil-luciano-selects-33-columns-33-years-journal-star/9197292002/?ref=amenpeoria.com)*, Luciano moved on in 2022, taking a job at* [*WTVP-TV*](https://www.wtvp.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com)*. There, he co-hosted the program* [*“You Gotta See This”*](https://www.wtvp.org/local-programs/you-gotta-see-this/?ref=amenpeoria.com) *and wrote for* [*Peoria Magazine*](https://www.peoriamagazine.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com)*. After the station’s structural shakeup, Phil landed in the 3-6 p.m. slot at WMBD Radio (1470-AM and 100.3-FM), where he had co-hosted an afternoon show with Jamie Markley from 2004-2010.* *He has always been active in the community, too, including stints as president of the board of directors for Friends of the Children of Haiti, making several trips to Haiti to assist operations, and helping with the Jimmy Binkley Christmas Party for Seniors.* *Oh, and he has taught at six area colleges in the meantime.* *At each stop, the Chicago native has brought his Christian faith to bear. He has attended Riverside Community Church in Peoria since 2006, getting involved in prophetic and prayer ministries as well as serving at Dream Center Peoria. He lives in the Peoria area with his wife, Karen. He has one biological adult daughter and three adult stepchildren.* ## What he does Phil Luciano is a storyteller, whether he’s writing for a newspaper or magazine, or talking on TV or the radio. “The main thrust of what I do, the commonality of the four decades I’ve spent in Peoria, is I enjoy telling stories, and people have a lot of stories to tell,” Luciano said. “The challenge has always been to get them to agree to tell that story. If I have any superpower, it’s getting people to tell their story, and it’s not a matter of something you see on TV, with wheedling and weaseling and then just being a pain in the neck. I simply have, over the years, been very candid with people: ‘Here’s what I’d like to talk to you about.’ If there’s any cajoling, it’s just, ‘I think people would like to hear your story.’ “I have no idea why these people agree to talk to me, but I’m guessing it is sincere. I can’t think of a time that someone has said, ‘He has bamboozled me, he said he was gonna talk about X, but it was all about Y.’ I just want people to tell their stories and it’s a privilege to have done that for so long.” _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Peoria Catholic leaders react to selection of Chicagoan as pope: 'He's going to be a good bridge' URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/peoria-catholic-leaders-react-to-selection-of-chicagoan-as-pope-hes-going-to-be-a-good-bridge/ Last updated: 2025-05-09T19:48:38.000Z **PEORIA** – Father William Miller was celebrating Mass at [Sacred Heart Catholic Church](https://www.catholicpeoria.org/sacred-heart?ref=amenpeoria.com) shortly after noon on Thursday when a server handed him a folded slip of paper. It had the name of the new pope, [Leo XIV](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-05/cardinal-elected-pope-papal-name.html?ref=amenpeoria.com), on it, enabling Miller to pray for the just-announced pontiff in the eucharistic prayer of that Mass. “It was probably the first time that happened in our area, because I think we’re the only noon Mass around,” Miller said. Catholic priests had excluded the name of a pope in that prayer since Pope Francis died on April 21. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Pouring prayer on Peoria URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/pouring-prayer-on-peoria/ Last updated: 2025-05-05T01:40:07.000Z Peoria (and surrounding environs), you’ve been prayed for. About 75 people turned out for the Peoria gathering of the 74th annual [National Day of Prayer](https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/2025-theme?ref=amenpeoria.com) on Thursday. The event moved inside the [Agape School of Supernatural Ministry](https://www.facebook.com/AgapeSSM/) at 610 Abington St. due to a consistent threat of rain. However, nothing dampened the passionate worship and supplications made inside the worship area. [The Church Has Left The Building](https://www.instagram.com/tchltb/?ref=amenpeoria.com), a pop-up praise-and-worship ensemble, offered several songs to begin the evening, leading worshippers to dance, blow shofars, and raise hands. ![Two women and one man sing at microphones.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/2b/822bd23b-16aa-4298-9c5e-2819d3244c10/content/images/2025/05/IMG_1903.jpg) Members of The Church Has Left the Building lead worship at the Peoria National Day of Prayer service at the Agape School of International Ministry on May 1\. (Michael Miller) “It’s like a family reunion,” organizer Adam Moser of [Innovative Faith Ministries](https://www.innovativefaith.life/?ref=amenpeoria.com) said as he introduced the evening. “We know God’s smiling down from heaven when we’re together.” After Moser introduced the year’s theme of “Pour Out to the God of Hope and Be Filled,” based on [Romans 15:13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rom%2015%3A13&version=ESV&ref=amenpeoria.com), he asked that God’s “fire would burn up everything in the way of what You have for us, that You come and break the chains that bind our area.” Several speakers then led prayers on several topics before attendees broke up into small groups to pray together. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Q&A: Peoria City Councilman Denis Cyr 'keeps on serving' URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/q-a-peoria-city-councilman-denis-cyr-keeps-on-serving/ Last updated: 2025-04-28T13:05:23.000Z *Peoria* [*businessman Denis Cyr*](https://www.cyrwoertz.com/team-member?ref=amenpeoria.com) *was* [*recently re-elected*](https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/politics/elections/2025/04/01/election-results-peoria-5th-district-countil-race-between-cyr-abi-akar/82763664007/?ref=amenpeoria.com) *to a third term on the Peoria City Council,* [*representing* ](https://www.facebook.com/deniscyr5thdistrictofpeoria)*the city’s Fifth District. The* [*former professional hockey player*](https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=1214&ref=amenpeoria.com)*, who spent some time on the Peoria Rivermen and in the NHL, spoke with Amen Peoria about how his faith helps him serve his community.* **Amen Peoria:** Why did you run for a third term? **Denis Cyr:** For many reasons, but the main thing is I want to finish what I started, number one. Number two, you know, I am a Christian man, and I believe in serving. I know it's kind of an old-fashioned thing, but I truly think God put in my heart to keep on serving, and I wanna keep going. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Peoria, Pekin National Day of Prayer events set for May 1 URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/peoria-pekin-national-day-of-prayer-events-set-for-may-1/ Last updated: 2025-04-24T12:51:03.000Z **PEORIA**—Christians from across the Tri-County area are being encouraged to unite at local 2025 National Day of Prayer gatherings on May 1. The national theme will be “Pour Out to the God of Hope and Be Filled” based on Romans 15:13\. The event has been held annually since 1983 on the first Thursday of May. [The Peoria event](https://www.facebook.com/events/1315462216224920) will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Clocktower Plaza, 100 NE Water St., the corner of Main and Water streets. Prayer time will feature a variety of Christian leaders from throughout the area, including Adam and Kelli Moser of the ministries [Arise309](https://www.arise309.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com) and [Innovative Faith](https://www.innovativefaith.life/?ref=amenpeoria.com), Carrie Mack of Heaven’s View Christian Fellowship, Linda Butler of First Congregational Church in Lacon, Bob See of Arise309 and Agape School of Supernatural Ministry, and Ryan Foster of the Agape School and [Budded Mattah](https://www.buddedmattah.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com). Other pastors and church leaders are expected to be there to help lead prayer. The pop-up praise group [The Church Has Left the Building](https://www.instagram.com/tchltb/?ref=amenpeoria.com) will lead praise and worship. “We’ll have the music and some people praying, and then we’ll have people break up into small groups and pray,” Adam Moser said. The Peoria gathering had to be moved from its traditional site of the Peoria County Courthouse Square because of construction, he said. The time was set later than normal so that, hopefully, more people would be free to attend. Peoria’s Day of Prayer gathering has traditionally been at noon. With the evening time, “Parents can come with their kids more easily,” Moser said. Promotional material says that the Peoria prayer gathering “will focus on praying for the needs of our country, our region, and more.” Attendees are encouraged to bring water, chairs, blankets, and anything else needed. A Pekin National Day of Prayer event will be held at the Tazewell County Courthouse from 5 to 6 p.m. that day, led by Gary Crull of the Pekin Lighthouse Church of God. ### Happy Easter! URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/happy-easter/ Last updated: 2025-04-19T13:39:02.000Z > King Jesus is Alive. > We know this to be True. > We are His Temple. > He will Return and Reign on Earth. > Amen! Amen! *(Poem and art by assistant editor Michael Noel.)* May your Easter be blessed as we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ! ### 'Living Last Supper' brings commitment to Christ to life at RockChurch performances URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/living-last-supper-rock-church/ Last updated: 2025-04-16T01:39:14.000Z A longtime local director says a play based on Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting will "touch many people" over Easter weekend. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### 'You have to wait to get better' URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/post-family-2/ Last updated: 2025-04-12T15:00:26.000Z 💡 You can help with the Post family’s financial needs by participating in the Park Run for Aiden Post on May 3\. Get more info [here](https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Peoria/ParkRunForAidenPost?ref=amenpeoria.com). *Many believers in the central Illinois Christian community have been brought together in prayer and support for the Post family of Peoria, some of whom were involved in a horrific accident in December.* [*Part 1*](https://www.amenpeoria.com/post-family-1/) *talked about the spiritual war the family fought. This post focuses on their healing and renewal.* **PEORIA**—Aiden Post, 18, edged sideways through his home’s dining room as he made his way to a chair on a recent afternoon. His vision is down to 20/50 with restricted peripheral vision in his right eye, and he can’t see out of his left eye at all, so he had to be careful. But he’s seeing the blessings of the accident that landed him and his father, Jon Post, in hospitals for weeks. “This season of my life is the way God’s trying to teach me patience,” Aiden said. Then he added, “You have to wait to get better.” On Dec. 14, Jon, Aiden and Owen Post were heading to the church that Jon and his wife, Carol, pastored in Carthage on Dec. 14 when a semi hit their car. Jon and Aiden were critically injured, and Owen, Aiden’s brother, was banged up. Jon and Aiden have undergone multiple surgeries and lengthy rehabs. Aiden was unresponsive for a couple of days after the accident and had to breathe through a tracheostomy tube for a while. Part of his skull was removed to relieve brain swelling that had interfered with the functioning of his vital systems. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Prayer preserves Post family after traumatic accident URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/post-family-1/ Last updated: 2025-04-10T13:04:38.000Z 💡 You can help with the Post family’s financial needs by participating in the Park Run for Aiden Post on May 3\. Sign up [here](https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Peoria/ParkRunForAidenPost?ref=amenpeoria.com). *Many believers in the central Illinois Christian community have been brought together in prayer and support for the Post family, some of whom were involved in a horrific accident in December. This post talks about the spiritual war the family fought. The next post will focus on their healing and renewal.* **PEORIA**—When Aiden Post and his father, Jon, were [critically injured](https://www.25newsnow.com/2025/03/28/peoria-family-expects-miracles-after-richwoods-son-husband-survive-car-crash/?ref=amenpeoria.com) in a two-vehicle accident on Dec. 14 in rural McDonough County, their family knew exactly where to go. To their knees. In prayer. Friends maintained the prayer while the Posts were in the hospital in Macomb and then in Peoria. “We recognized there was spiritual warfare going on,” said Chase Coleman, Jon’s stepson. “We were intentional. There was not a moment someone wasn’t in their rooms praying. People would swap out in the rooms. We extended that to all people who entered that room. We didn’t need people wailing or worried.” _This post is for subscribers only._ ### March 31 Amen Peoria Bulletin URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/march-31-amen-peoria-bulletin/ Last updated: 2025-03-31T12:00:14.000Z April and May church and ministry events for the Tri-County area. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Pro-lifers encouraged at rally: 'There's going to be a victory' URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/2025-life-freedom-rally-report/ Last updated: 2025-03-27T13:00:31.000Z “We’re going to end abortion with radical acts of love," speaker Monica Migliorino Miller said at the 2025 Life and Freedom Rally. "Let’s go forward and do the work God has given us to do." _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Q&A with pro-life speaker Dr. Monica Migliorino Miller: 'It's not how many babies did we save, it's how many babies did we love, and we loved all of them' URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/q-a-with-pro-life-speaker-dr-monica-migliorino-miller-long/ Last updated: 2025-03-22T18:00:58.000Z *Monica Migliorino Miller, PhD., founder of*[ *Citizens for a Pro-Life Society*](http://www.prolifesociety.net/pages/start/startup/home.aspx?ref=amenpeoria.com) *and author of “*[*Abandoned: The Untold Story of the Abortion Wars*](https://tanbooks.com/products/books/abandoned-the-untold-story-of-the-abortion-wars/?ref=amenpeoria.com)*,” will be the featured speaker at CIRTL's 2025 Life and Freedom Rally at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Peoria Heights at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25\.* *Dr. Miller has been involved in the pro-life movement since 1976, just three years after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade ruling legalized abortion in all 50 states for the next several decades. She has been involved in sidewalk counselling as well as abortion clinic rescues and has engaged in the daunting task of burying babies killed by abortion.* *Her latest book is “*[*In the Beginning: Crucial Lessons for Our World from the First Three Chapters of Genesis*](https://shop.catholic.com/in-the-beginning/?ref=amenpeoria.com)*.”* *I was able to speak with her recently about her past pro-life efforts and views on the current state of pro-life activism.* **AmP: What would you say is your primary activity right now as far as pro-life work goes?** **Monica Miller:** We have a lot of moms that we talked out of abortion in Detroit, so a lot of our activity and frankly, most of our expenses, are going to the moms that we continue to support. And then, of course we have been involved in [Red Rose Rescues](http://redroserescue.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com) pretty heavily since 2017. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Royal Family Kids Camp creates life-changing moments for children in foster care URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/royal-family-kids-camp-creates-life-changing-moments-for-children-in-foster-care/ Last updated: 2025-03-15T13:05:13.000Z Peoria Royal Family Kids Camp can use your support to help children "who come from difficult places" experience the fun of summer camp. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Pro-life rallies set for March 25 in Springfield and Peoria Heights URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/pro-life-rallies-set-for-march-25-in-springfield-and-peoria-heights/ Last updated: 2025-03-01T15:22:17.000Z Pro-life rallies are set for Springfield and Peoria Heights on March 25. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Dream Center Peoria is 'broken people helping broken people' URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/dream-center-peoria-is-broken-people-helping-broken-people/ Last updated: 2025-02-23T02:08:12.000Z **PEORIA**–[Dream Center Peoria](https://www.dreamcenterpeoria.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com) gives homeless families and individuals a path to resurrect their lives. “We are just broken people helping broken people, and it is tough most of the time,” said Kristy Schofield, director of Homeless and Housing at DCP, based at 714 Hamilton Blvd. “Families come into DCP on what may be one of the worst days of their lives.” That’s been especially true this winter, with homelessness in the Peoria area increasing and reaching a crisis stage with cold weather and changes in laws regarding encampments. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Saving babies one soul at a time URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/saving-babies-one-soul-at-a-time/ Last updated: 2025-02-15T14:52:26.000Z **PEORIA**–[Destiny for Women Health Clinic](https://destinyforwomen.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com) wants to save babies and souls. The clinic, which opened at 2805 N. Knoxville Ave. in 2022, offers a full range of prenatal testing and care as well as treatment for sexually transmitted infections. But it also ensures that the women who come there know about their need not just for a chaste life but for Jesus Christ as well. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Getting help was Julianne's destiny URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/getting-help-was-juliannes-destiny/ Last updated: 2025-02-13T01:23:05.000Z When Julianne needed help with pain during pregnancy, she turned to Destiny for Women Health Care in Peoria, Ill. She has grown in faith and service. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### 🎧 Water Walkin Warrior hits his groove as Christian DJ URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/water-walkin-warrior-hits-his-groove-as-christian-dj/ Last updated: 2025-02-13T02:10:03.000Z [DJ3W](https://solo.to/dj3w?ref=amenpeoria.com) is in a groove with Jesus. Brian Culshaw likes to put his 6-foot-4 frame behind a mixing table and lead hip-hop fans into praise that moves them. His DJ moniker comes from Water Walkin Warrior, a name that evolved with his skills and faith. “Water walkin’,” of course, comes from what Jesus did on the Sea of Galilee and signifies Culshaw’s readiness to get out of the boat as a believer (Matthew 14:29). “Warrior” was added on as he went on runs with friends who prayed like, well, prayer warriors. The music he loves and shares spans hip-hop, R&B, reggae, dancehall, and afrobeat. ## Where he’s at Culshaw performs many typical DJ duties, including weddings, parties, basketball games, Bible camps, and school dances. “I’m pretty much the only DJ that Peoria Christian School has trusted for their homecoming and proms,” he said. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Q&A with Rich Draeger: From radio host to mission communications URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/q-a-with-rich-draeger-from-radio-host-to-south-side-mission-communications-2/ Last updated: 2025-01-18T14:30:56.000Z *Rich Draeger is a familiar voice in the Peoria area. Radio listeners likely know him from his work at the old WTAZ-FM (there’s still a WTAZ-AM at the 1350 frequency) and* [*other Kelly Communications stations*](https://peoriachronicle.com/tag/kelly-communications/?ref=amenpeoria.com)*, as well as a variety of sports broadcasting. Since stepping away from radio, however, Rich has been using his communications talents for the Kingdom of God, first at the Salvation Army and now as development manager at* [*South Side Mission*](https://southsidemission.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com) *in Peoria. Rich kindly answered some questions for us recently about his journey.* **Amen Peoria: What has your communications career looked like?** **Rich Draeger:** I graduated from Bradley University with a Broadcast Journalism degree and, after a short time in radio in Mount Vernon, Ill., I came back to Peoria. I worked at WTAZ-FM and several Kelly Communications stations from 1985-2000\. I also did some television work with Bradley women’s basketball broadcasts on WTVP-TV locally, as well as some sports broadcasting for several local outlets after leaving full-time radio work, **AmP: How did you end up at South Side Mission?** **Rich:** After leaving radio in a full-time capacity, I joined The Salvation Army Divisional Headquarters staff as a community relations director and eventually moved more into the fundraising side as a development director for the Tri-County area. I left there in late 2019, and after eight months of searching (and soul-searching), the South Side Mission role opened up. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Prayer suggestions for week of Jan. 15 URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/prayer-suggestions-for-week-of-jan-15/ Last updated: 2025-01-15T16:02:42.000Z _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Business, political leader Chuck Weaver invests in Peoria's future URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/chuck-weaver-invests-in-peorias-future/ Last updated: 2025-01-11T14:42:07.000Z Entrepreneur and former Illinois state senator Chuck Weaver mentors central Illinois Christian business and political leaders. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### 🙏🏼 Midweek prayer needs for Jan. 1, 2025 URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/midweek-prayer-needs-for-jan-1-2025/ Last updated: 2025-01-01T12:00:24.000Z _This post is for subscribers only._ ### The true top news of 2024 URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/true-top-news-of-2024/ Last updated: 2024-12-28T01:56:46.000Z Here's an alternative to year-end "top news" lists. Real news that has eternal impact. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### 🌟 Merry Christmas! URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/merry-christmas-2/ Last updated: 2024-12-24T12:00:37.000Z _This post is for subscribers only._ ### 🔔Christmas worship options URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/christmas-worship-options/ Last updated: 2024-12-20T15:40:20.000Z If you don't have your Christmas Eve/Day worship planned yet, here are some options we're aware of: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/2b/822bd23b-16aa-4298-9c5e-2819d3244c10/content/images/2024/12/Bethany-Baptist-Church-Event-Poster-Christmas-Night-of-Worship.jpg) - [**Bethany Baptist Church**](https://bethanycentral.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com), 7422 N. Heinz Lane, Edwards, will have Christmas Eve services at 4 p.m. Tuesday. The church notes that no child care will be available. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/2b/822bd23b-16aa-4298-9c5e-2819d3244c10/content/images/2024/12/Christmas-Eve-Worship-Church-Info.png) - [**First United Methodist Church of Peoria**](https://fumcpeoria.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com), 116 Perry Ave., Peoria, will hold special Christmas Eve worship at 4 and 7 p.m. Tuesday. The 4 p.m. service will be traditional; the 7 p.m. service will be bilingual. - [**Great Oaks Community Church**](https://greatoaks.church/?ref=amenpeoria.com), 515 State Route 116, Germantown Hills, will have Christmas Eve services at 4 and 6 p.m. Tuesday. There will be worship, a cocoa bar, and a "festive experience." Child care will be available for children up to 4 years old. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/2b/822bd23b-16aa-4298-9c5e-2819d3244c10/content/images/2024/12/christmas-eve-sb-2024-1-1.png) - [Ignite Church, 3707 Dayton Ave., Peoria,](https://ignitechurch.org/events-2/ignite-christmas-eve-service/?ref=amenpeoria.com) will have a Christmas Eve service at 5 p.m. Tuesday. The service will include a message and music. Children's ministry will be available for ages birth through first grade. [A special offering](https://ignitechurch.org/events-2/christmas-eve-offering/?ref=amenpeoria.com) also will be taken for the church's Compassion Fund, supporting those in need at Ignite and in the community. - [**St. Mark Catholic Church**](https://www.saint-mark.net/?ref=amenpeoria.com), 1113 W. Bradley Ave., Peoria, will have a family Mass at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, with carols starting at 4, and another Mass at 10 p.m. There will also be Mass at 7:30 and 9 a.m. Wednesday. - [**St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church**](https://stmarylourdes.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com), 424 Lourdes Church Road, Germantown Hills, will have Mass at 4:30 p.m. and midnight Tuesday. The church will also have Mass at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. ### Q&A: Designer Kelly Motley talks the ethics of AI, how churches can use it URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/kelly-motley-ai-churches/ Last updated: 2024-12-13T20:41:56.000Z *Besides being the creative director at* [*St. Paul Baptist Church*](http://spbaptist.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com) *in Peoria and a* [*freelance visual designer*](https://www.motleydesigns.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com)*, Kelly Motley is studying for her master’s degree in artificial intelligence in business through Arizona State University. We asked her for some insight into the rapidly developing field of AI from a Christian viewpoint. (This is the full version of the Q&A.)* **Amen Peoria: What’s your experience with artificial intelligence?** **Kelly Motley:** As a designer, my experience with AI has been about finding ways to make the creative process smoother and more impactful. I’ve used AI to streamline administrative tasks, develop ideas, design automated systems, and help with some of the tasks associated with content creation. All of these things free me up to focus on the bigger picture—crafting compelling narratives and designs. What I love most about using AI is how it can teach and inspire. If you embrace its ability to guide you toward solutions and don’t underestimate your own capacity to learn, it can be a powerful partner in helping you reach your goals. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Helping Hands helps shoppers find values and charities find support URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/helping-hands-helps-shoppers-find-values-and-charities-find-support/ Last updated: 2024-12-07T14:43:50.000Z Buying that second-hand Christmas decoration or a toy still in its original packaging at [Helping Hands Resale Shoppes](https://helpinghandsresale.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com) doesn’t just save you some money. You’ll be helping ministries and other nonprofits in the area. And maybe make some friends, besides. Helping Hands, with locations in [Chillicothe](https://helpinghandsresale.com/chillicothe/?ref=amenpeoria.com), [Peoria Heights](https://helpinghandsresale.com/peoria-heights/?ref=amenpeoria.com), [Canton](https://helpinghandsresale.com/canton/?ref=amenpeoria.com), and [Pontiac](https://helpinghandsresale.com/pontiac-2/?ref=amenpeoria.com), gives monthly proceeds to local nonprofits. Two beneficiaries—[Crossword Cafe](https://www.facebook.com/crosswordcafe/) in Chillicothe and [Small World Connections](https://smallworldconnect.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com)—always get 25 percent of a month’s income. The other 50 percent of the month goes to local nonprofits that have applied for and been accepted by Helping Hands, such as South Side Mission, Royal Family Kids Camp, or the Peoria Humane Society. While each store gives to CrossWord Cafe and Small World Connections, the third beneficiary is unique to their location. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Christmas programs ready to be unwrapped URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/peoria-area-christmas-programs-2024/ Last updated: 2024-11-23T15:00:21.000Z Productions are prepared at churches like Grace Presbyterian, Northwoods, and Bethany Baptist. A GospelFest concert is also being offered. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Scraps from Sophia's Kitchen URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/scraps-from-sophias-kitchen/ Last updated: 2024-11-20T15:01:08.000Z *Correction: The Nov. 16 post* [*Sophia’s Kitchen serves anyone who is hungry*](https://www.amenpeoria.com/sophias-kitchen-serves-anyone-who-is-hungry/) *incorrectly stated the number of meals that the ministry has served. The number of 84,995 meals served only applies to 2024\. Since 2010, Sophia’s has served close to 1 million meals.* *Editor's note: There was so much interesting content left over from* [*my post on Sophia’s Kitchen*](https://www.amenpeoria.com/sophias-kitchen-serves-anyone-who-is-hungry/) *that I felt duty-bound to share it mid-week. Here’s some of what was left on the virtual editing room floor.* ## Sophia’s Kitchen's namesake [Sophia’s Kitchen](https://www.catholicpeoria.org/sophias-kitchen?ref=amenpeoria.com) is named in memory of a young Peoria girl who died in a car accident in the 2000s. Her parents were helped by staff at Sacred Heart Catholic Church through their grief and wanted to honor the memory of their daughter by helping the parish. They raised about $10,000 toward improving the food outreach, but the parish needed to move the kitchen to another site several blocks away: a former parish hall at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 105 N. Richard Pryor Place, Peoria. That original $10,000 got the ministry there going, and Sophia’s grinning portrait has greeted the kitchen’s guests ever since. ## Perfect background for the director Program director Clair Crone combines a love for serving the poor with years of food service experience, office organizational skills, and retail experience to lead Sophia’s Kitchen. Her food service experience started at Holy Family Grade School in Peoria, where she volunteered in the lunch room. “Then they realized I had organizational skills, so I started doing more things with the school lunch program,” she said. That required a food service license, but shortly after that Crone started working as a secretary at Sacred Heart. That license would come in handy when it was time for Father Bert Heise to retire: He asked Crone to oversee Sophia’s Kitchen. She quickly put some marketing skills she had gained from her parents’ retail business into practice and, with the help of other family members, raised awareness of Sophia’s Kitchen to start drawing in more donations, support, and volunteers. ## Public relations from Willie York Infamous Peoria street dweller [Willie York](https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/2019/01/24/luciano-willie-york-dies-so/6196212007/?ref=amenpeoria.com) was an early promoter of Sophia's Kitchen. "The first month that we were here, it was like crickets," Crone said. "We stood here with food made and nobody coming to eat it. It really wasn't until Willie York found us, and he started bringing people. He wouldn't come in himself because he said he smelled too bad. And I'm like, yeah, whatever. "So he did come in one time, and he's wearing a necklace of animal bones, you know. He said, 'What's for lunch?' And I said, 'I got chicken.' And he smiled, and I said, 'But it's boneless!'" Crone paused to laugh at the memory. "So he liked us, and he would bring the young kids, the newly homeless. I will say that about him: For all the trouble that he caused and everything, he did make sure that other people who were homeless were taken care of." ## ‘Giving that dignity back’ One of the goals of Sophia’s Kitchen is to always treat its guests with dignity. “It’s important that people understand that some of the weird things that you think of with homeless people or poor people, there’s a reason why they’re doing it,” Crone said. “It’s a horrible situation to be in, but we’re just giving that dignity back.” One guest on crutches who had a backpack full of clothes showed up at the kitchen when they were giving away Christmas baskets one year, she said. He realized he couldn’t carry the basket and then also couldn’t fit the contents into his backpack unless he removed some of the clothes in it. He started throwing away his clothing or putting it on. “But that was the only way that he could manage to carry things,” Crone said, “and I’ve never had to make that choice of whether I’m going to keep a sweater or have a can of fish.” She found out early on that the people they serve value simple things like toilet paper, which one woman considered a great Christmas gift. Even just having a choice of food overwhelms some guests. “One of the first people we served at the window rolled up in a wheelchair, and the window worker asked him, ‘What would you like to eat today?’” Crone said. “He started to answer, but he just got overwhelmed and started crying. And when he finally caught himself up, you know, he says, ‘Nobody’s ever asked me that before. They just hand me food, and they tell me to go away and go eat it.’ And we’re like, ‘No, you come inside, and you eat it, and you tell us: Do you like fish, or do you like beef, or would you like to have a sandwich?’ “We were able to give that little piece of humanity back to him.” ## Sources of donations Donations come in to Sophia’s Kitchen from individuals, [Midwest Food Bank](https://midwestfoodbank.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com), churches, and businesses. “This week we had donations from a bridal shop,” Crone said. “They did a promotion where if you brought in canned food, you got money off of your bridal gown. We had a chiropractor who collected at his practice, and then they came and they helped us with our Friday pantry.” ## Breaking bread Sophia’s Kitchen provides meals for other organizations that help people with life issues in the Peoria area, like [JOLT Foundation](https://joltfoundation.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com), which helps people who have substance-abuse problems, and [LULA](https://www.lulapeoria.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com), which helps the unhoused. Other groups with which Sophia’s Kitchen works are [Brighter Days Ahead](https://www.pjstar.com/picture-gallery/news/2018/04/21/brighter-days-ahead-center/385669007/?ref=amenpeoria.com), [Trillium Place,](https://trilliumplacehealth.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com) [The Living Room,](https://trilliumplacehealth.org/Programs-Services/Mental-Health-Programs-Services/The-Living-Room?ref=amenpeoria.com) and sometimes [Phoenix](https://phoenixcds.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com). “They have programs that work with homeless people, people with mental illness, drug addictions, alcohol addictions,” Crone said. "They do day programs for them, and one of the ways that they're able to keep people at their place for the day is by giving them food. So anytime you are breaking bread with someone, you are sharing a connection. This is a way to give them a little bit more grace time. We're all about making tomorrow a better day. If I can keep you alive today, then you can work on getting better tomorrow.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/2b/822bd23b-16aa-4298-9c5e-2819d3244c10/content/images/2024/11/IMG_1538-1.jpg) Assistant manager Heather Borneman processes donations at Sophia's Kitchen. ### Sophia's Kitchen serves 'anyone who is hungry' URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/sophias-kitchen-serves-anyone-who-is-hungry/ Last updated: 2024-11-18T17:04:49.000Z *“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me’” (Matthew 25:40, ESV).* [Sophia’s Kitchen](https://www.catholicpeoria.org/sophias-kitchen?ref=amenpeoria.com) feeds the hungry, whether they’re hungry for food, a friendly face, or just a place to get out of the weather. The soup kitchen at 105 N. Richard Pryor Place, Peoria, tucked in beside the historic [St. Joseph Catholic Church](https://www.catholicpeoria.org/st-joseph?ref=amenpeoria.com), has served thousands of meals since its inception in 2010\. Open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays (except holidays), anyone–*anyone*–can stop in to get a sack lunch that they can then take out or eat in the facility’s dining room. No ID or proof of poverty is required. “We serve anyone who is hungry,” said program director Claire Crone. “Homeless, unemployed, underemployed. Anyone who comes to us and says that they’re hungry, we’re going to give them a lunch.” _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Items for Sophia's Kitchen Christmas baskets URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/sophias-christmas-baskets/ Last updated: 2024-11-18T17:05:57.000Z Sophia's Kitchen is accepting these items for inclusion in their Christmas baskets. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Peoria, we have a verse URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/peoria-update-11-9-24/ Last updated: 2024-11-11T15:39:57.000Z We're grateful for what we'll be using as the Amen Peoria theme verse: "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Colossians 3:17, ESV). _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Make a podcast natural, consistent, say King and Tate URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/make-a-podcast-natural-consistent/ Last updated: 2024-11-06T14:37:01.000Z Podcasts are best when they’re natural, say [Revival Town](https://www.amenpeoria.com/revival-town-podcast/) hosts Andy King and Chuck Tate, “like sitting at a kitchen table just talking.” Revival Town is entering its fifth year, and King and Tate were podcasting even before that separately, so they have a good handle on how it should feel, especially for guests. “We really do try to make it feel like they’re sitting at a kitchen table just talking,” King said. “We want it laid back. Some people say, ‘You’ve got me for 30 minutes,’ and 45 minutes into it they’re the ones keeping it going. And then they say ‘Anytime if I’ve got another project (they’re available.)’” _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Revival Town podcast reaches far beyond Peoria URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/revival-town-podcast/ Last updated: 2024-11-02T13:30:25.000Z [Revival Town podcast](https://www.revivaltownpodcast.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com) is an hour (or so) per week of two best friends talking about what God is doing in their lives, in the Peoria area, and in the world. Oh, and about interesting words the British have. Chuck Tate and Andy King have hosted Revival Town, released every Monday, for four years. The episodes have featured international celebrities such as [Martin Smith](https://www.revivaltownpodcast.com/episodes/s2-ep1-martin-smith?ref=amenpeoria.com) of Delirious?, [Dallas Jenkins](https://www.revivaltownpodcast.com/episodes/s4-ep13-dallas-jenkins-pt1?ref=amenpeoria.com) of “The Chosen,” and singer [Amy Grant](https://www.revivaltownpodcast.com/episodes/ep-207-amy-grant?ref=amenpeoria.com), but also local guests, like WMBD-1470’s [Phil Luciano](https://www.revivaltownpodcast.com/episodes/ep-176-phil-luciano?ref=amenpeoria.com), [Denise Bailey](https://www.revivaltownpodcast.com/episodes/ep-215-denise-bailey?ref=amenpeoria.com) of Dream Center Peoria, and businessman [John Wieland](https://www.revivaltownpodcast.com/episodes/ep160-john-wieland?ref=amenpeoria.com). (And the occasional [newsletter editor](https://www.revivaltownpodcast.com/episodes/ep-215-mike-miller?ref=amenpeoria.com).) If the guests are local, they join Tate and King in a basement studio at the Dream Center Peoria (DCP). If the guests are elsewhere, then Zoom is used. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Metamora church makes disciples of children with autism URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/metamora-church-makes-disciples-of-children-with-autism/ Last updated: 2025-03-05T20:40:01.000Z METAMORA—[Partridge Point Community Church](https://www.partridgepointcc.com/??ref=amenpeoria.com) wants to make sure it follows the Great Commission, including bringing the Gospel to children with different needs like autism. The year-old church plant, which meets at Metamora Township High School at 9:30 a.m. Sundays, raised about $10,000 in June to rent and equip a sensory room that can serve children on the autism spectrum. The accommodations ministry is called Hand in Hand and adapts the curriculum used in the church’s other children’s classes. ## **A suitable ministry** Not long after the church started meeting, a family with a 5-year-old, nonverbal autistic boy started attending, but, like at most churches, there were no ministries designed for children with needs like their son’s, said Jon Bricker, pastor at Partridge Point. “The churches they’d been to didn’t have ministries suitable to their family or to their 5-year-old,” he said. Bricker said that when the mom was asked what they wanted for their son at the church, she replied, “I just want Bo to be able to connect with Jesus in his own way, in the way that he’s able to.” “I had not thought about that,” Bricker said. “How do we make disciples of those in the autistic community, or those in the special needs community? Our stated mission is that we want to demonstrate the grace, beauty and presence of Jesus in our community, so, certainly, having an accommodations ministry, serving families with special needs, would do that.” ![Man in checkered shirt stands on deck in front of leafy background.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/2b/822bd23b-16aa-4298-9c5e-2819d3244c10/content/images/2024/10/jonbricker--1-.jpg) Pastor Jon Bricker of Partridge Point Community Church (Facebook) The family liked Partridge Point and wanted to be part of it, so they and others at the church decided to raise money to equip the high school’s existing special needs classroom with materials specifically aimed at helping children with autism. It helped that Morgan Durley, a member of Partridge Point’s launch team, is a special needs teacher in the Eureka school system. The pediatric speech-language pathologist primarily works with autistic preschoolers. She and others had already been thinking along the lines of ministering to children with such needs. “There was this amazing support and traction within our small church for this,” Bricker said. ## **Making ‘Bolievers’ out of people** The fundraiser featured T-shirts with “Boliever,” a play on words using the child’s name, Bo, and “believer.” There was also a bake sale, food truck, face painting, and other activities. The money raised enabled Patridge Point to buy equipment like a mini-trampoline, properly sized table and chairs, sensory toys, and noise-canceling headphones, Durley said. “So far, we have been able to serve two families through Hand in Hand,” she said. “It has been such a blessing to have a safe space for these kiddos to feel safe, regulated, and to learn about Jesus in their own way.” Such a project had been on Durley’s and the Brickers’ hearts since the church’s launch in June 2023. “With what I do for work, I have met many wonderful families who didn’t feel comfortable attending church because of their child’s needs, and this always broke my heart,” Durley said. “Beth (Bricker) and I agreed to revisit the conversation if a need came up and soon after that, this family started attending our church. They have an amazing son who is on the autism spectrum.” ## **‘God hears our prayers’** Once the money was raised, the church created a list of classroom needs, trained the volunteers, and created some materials adapted “to go along with our current kid's ministry curriculum,” Durley said. The Durleys and others have been taking turns as volunteer teachers in the classroom since June. “This ministry means a lot to me,” Durley said. “For the past couple of years, I’ve been praying for the opportunity to start or be a part of some kind of ministry for kids with special needs and their families. Getting to be a small part of this ministry from the ground up has been such a reminder to me that God hears our prayers.” While Hand in Hand is still in the beginning phases, Durley feels “strongly that God is behind this ministry and I’m excited to see where it goes.” “My hope is that we can provide a safe, loving, and adapted space for kids of all abilities in order to teach them about Jesus!” --- ### How can your church help children with different needs? “Your best resource is the families of children with special needs! I would recommend starting by having a conversation with these families about what would make them feel the most supported at church,” said Morgan Durley, a special education teacher in the Eureka school district and part of Partridge Point Community Church in Metamora. “Logistically, you need to have a space, funds for sensory equipment and adapted materials, and volunteers who are trained and willing to work with kiddos who have different needs.” --- **If you are interested in attending Partridge Point Community Church and have a child who may need the help of a sensory room while you’re there, you can go to the church’s website and fill out an** [**accommodations form**](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd183MXSjY4ermA2QMW7E-Q67Ddaq2X%5FBBtMRJZ%5FQWMESY18Q/viewform?usp=sf%5Flink&ref=amenpeoria.com) **before visiting. More information is** [**on this page**](https://www.partridgepointcc.com/childrensministry?ref=amenpeoria.com)**.** ### Sermon series is Better for a year at St. Paul Baptist URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/better-sermon-series/ Last updated: 2024-10-19T13:25:22.000Z **PEORIA**—The congregation of St. Paul Baptist Church is getting better this year. As in a year-long sermon series called [Better](https://spbaptist.org/better?ref=amenpeoria.com). The series kicked off as 2024 began and will wrap up at the year’s end, culminating an effort that involved leadership, staff, volunteers, and, ultimately, the whole congregation. [Pastor Deveraux Hubbard](https://spbaptist.org/leadership?ref=amenpeoria.com), the lead pastor at St. Paul, 114 W. Forrest Hill, didn’t decide on the 2024 series until November 2023. That meant staff had to work fast to have the first quarter’s journals ready in January. But the church has pulled it off, now steering its way through the final quarter of Better and even getting ready for a year-long sermon series for 2025 called Live, which will focus on having life more abundantly. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Faith in Jesus is the guiding principle for Technicraft owners URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/technicraft-faith-jesus/ Last updated: 2024-10-05T14:00:27.000Z Tom and Karen Whalen credit their faith in Jesus for helping them conduct a godly, versatile business. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### 2024 Peoria 40 Days for Life ready to pray URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/2024-peoria-40-days-for-life-ready-to-pray/ Last updated: 2024-09-25T16:28:08.000Z **PEORIA**—The local pro-life community is gearing up for another [40 Days for Life](http://40daysforlife.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com) vigil, but more prayer volunteers are needed. The campaign, which in Peoria will be held Sept. 25 to Nov. 3 outside the Planned Parenthood facility at 2709 N. Knoxville Ave., emphasizes a peaceful, prayerful, and non-provocative approach to ending abortion. “Being present on the sidewalks opens the door for counseling women who may be feeling lost or confused,” said local coordinator Anthony Berlinger. The Peoria Planned Parenthood “health center” offers chemical abortions and has also added [surgical abortions](https://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/illinois/peoria/61604/peoria-health-center-3281-90430/abortion?ref=amenpeoria.com) for “up to 13 weeks and 6 days after the first day of your last menstrual period.” This is the first time that surgical abortions have been offered in Peoria since [Whole Woman’s Health](https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/peoria-abortion-clinic-closing-its-doors-after-four-years/?ref=amenpeoria.com) closed in 2019. A kick-off rally for this year’s Peoria 40 Days will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the Spalding Pastoral Center, 419 NE Madison St. (parking is in the lot at the corner of Monroe Street and Bryan Street). Keynote speaker [Veronica Lamlech](https://studentsforlife.org/people/veronica-lamlech/?ref=amenpeoria.com) from Students for Life will discuss her sidewalk counseling and other pro-life experiences. There also will be opportunities to pick up materials for the vigil. ## **Peaceful prayer is the rule** The Peoria [sign-up page](https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/peoria?ref=amenpeoria.com) includes suggestions for parking and prayer locations at the vigil site. The guidance for taking part is simple. - Sign up for an hour or hours online. Note that participants must sign a Statement of Peace to sign up for hours. - Show up at your allotted time and pray for an hour for an end to abortion. The 40 Days effort has had a significant impact since it started in 2007 nationally. The [40DaysforLife.com](http://40daysforlife.com/?ref=amenpeoria.com) front page says that since 2007, there have been - 24,853 lives saved. - 155 abortion centers that closed. - 263 abortion workers who have quit. The Peoria vigil started in 2010, held outside what was then an abortion facility at 7405 N. University St. After that clinic closed in 2019, 40 Days shifted its focus to the Planned Parenthood facility on Knoxville, which had moved from its former Northeast Adams Street location. ## **Focus on helping women in need** “The focus of 40 Days for Life in Peoria is twofold this year,” Berlinger said. “Forty Days for Life is uniquely up to the challenge of engaging with these women (who feel the need to go to Planned Parenthood) since our focus is on a peaceful, prayerful, and non-provocative approach to spreading the gospel of life,” Berlinger said. “The goal is to help women in need, not to make them fearful or full of shame. “Secondly, we are trying to build a more active pro-life community of volunteers. Organizations like ours depend on having people who will assemble groups of their friends or invite their Bible study or small groups to join them in standing vigil for however long they feel they can give. > "The goal is to help women in need, not to make them fearful or full of shame." > **Anthony Berlinger** “The churches are great for getting people out there for a day, but having a committed team of individual volunteers who can cover for each other is ideally what we want to do.” Presence at the Peoria Planned Parenthood facility is critical, Berlinger said, especially now that it is performing surgical abortions. “They are the face of abortion in this town,” he said. ## **Volunteers needed for prayer slots** Signup is going a bit slow this year, and Berlinger hopes that more Protestant churches will get involved in 40 Days. “Signup in the local area has been a little sparse this year from individual volunteers,” he said. “We have received a good response from all the local Catholic Churches in the Peoria area. Each one has taken a day to cover with volunteers from their parishes. We are grateful for the fire with which they are taking it to the pews and hope for a good turnout on the sidewalks for them.” Former Peoria 40 Days coordinator Karen Guth said that the vigil is “a once-a-year chance to stand up for life at Peoria’s abortion center.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/2b/822bd23b-16aa-4298-9c5e-2819d3244c10/content/images/2024/09/White_ea9ac875-242b-442c-bf78-72b67e1fb1c1_1056x1056-1.png) Even putting the 40 Days signs in yards with their message to “Pray to end abortion” is important, she added. “I believe it has an impact on women being tempted to abort their babies and all those who have been harmed by abortion in the past,” she said. “We pray for all of them during the campaign, as well as abortion workers. “It is our chance to make a sacrifice, to cry out to God to help us to bring an end to this evil in our city.” ## **Depending on God** That dependence on God is critical, Berlinger said. “Forty Days places a central focus on the intercession of God in making the real difference for ending abortion and giving our efforts meaning,” he said. “When a woman is moved to come talk to us, when a clinic worker starts examining their conscience, or when a mother chooses to keep driving instead of pulling into that facility’s parking lot, it is because God is moving them and working in their hearts to facilitate these changes. “Apart from Him, we can do nothing.” ### Christ's love blossoms through Random Acts of Hope URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/random-acts-of-hope/ Last updated: 2024-10-22T14:11:03.000Z Catherine Worden carries out [Random Acts of Hope](http://www.randomactsofhope.org/home.html?ref=amenpeoria.com) by handing out flowers. To random people. So far, about 50,000. The East Peorian and other volunteers gave away, randomly and appropriately, 1,000 flowers in 2½ hours at the [Pekin Marigold Festival](https://pekinchamber.com/pekin-marigold-festival/?ref=amenpeoria.com) in Pekin, on Sept. 7. "Flowers impact people," Worden said recently. "They can change somebody's day, change the atmosphere." She started handing out flowers in 2014, mainly to church members and co-workers. "I lived in a house that had flowers the entire growing season, from early spring until late fall, and started taking them to work and giving them away to different people," Worden said. That grew into a more extensive ministry when she and Christian friends started handing out flowers at festival events in the Peoria area. The biggest giveaway so far was 10,000 carnations in August 2020 throughout the community. "We raised funds to purchase the 10,000 flowers and gathered people on a Saturday at RockChurch and sent people out with buckets of flowers," she said. Flowers are usually bought with donations and income from fundraisers or are donated by local florists. Carnations are suitable for large giveaways "because they hold up out of water." "They're the most durable, I guess," Worden said. --- **Ask how you can help with Random Acts of Hope by going to the ministry's** [**Contact page**](http://www.randomactsofhope.org/contact.html?ref=amenpeoria.com) **or donate** [**here**](http://www.randomactsofhope.org/events.html?ref=amenpeoria.com)**.** --- The flowers usually have a card attached with the Random Acts of Hope logo and a message that says, "Random Acts of Hope exists to share the love of God through flowers." It has Rock Church's logo on the other side since that congregation has been the main partner with Worden. Most people react to being given a flower with surprise. "We've had a few people say, 'No, I'd rather not.' You know, that's very rare," Worden said. "We've had people just break down crying, whether it's an arrangement of flowers or just a single flower maybe. They'll say, 'I've had a bad day,' or 'It's just what I needed.'" Community events aren't the only places Worden and others perform Random Acts of Hope, though. They bless patients in hospitals, too. "I think it opens up opportunities to pray for people," Worden said. "Or it helps them to open up with a memory. "People are really surprised to get something for free." ![Two women and a child smile for a photo in front of a table adorned with vibrant flowers.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/2b/822bd23b-16aa-4298-9c5e-2819d3244c10/content/images/2024/09/RAO_HOPE_PRIMARY-1.JPG) A mother and her daughter enjoy serving at the Random Acts of Hope booth at the Pekin Marigold Festival in Pekin's Mineral Springs Park on September 7, 2024\. Catherine Worden, right, owner and operator of the non-profit Random Acts of Hope, looks on with a wide smile Partnering with East Peoria's RockChurch, Random Acts of Hope gave away 1,000 colorful carnations at this year's festival. (Photo by Theresa Noel) Worden said she hopes to do another giveaway like the 10,000 at some point, and she and her cohorts are looking at possibly entering a float in the Marigold Festival Parade next year and handing out flowers along the route. Flowers were natural for Worden because she always used to have them handy. She suggests anyone else wanting to bless people randomly look for what they already have, like to do, or like to make. One of her friends makes cards and gives them to people she knows. It can be on a large scale or small. "Just find out what resources you have," Worden said. "What do you have that you can give." She cited Exodus 36:3-4: > And they received from Moses all the contribution that the people of Israel had brought for doing the work on the sanctuary. They still kept bringing him freewill offerings every morning, so that all the craftsmen who were doing every sort of task on the sanctuary came, each from the task that he was doing ... "It's like, 'Whatever's in your hand, that's what you can give.'" ## Sign up for Amen Peoria Connecting Christians in the Tri-County area through church and ministry news. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Joliet native embodies the life healing that Pathway Ministries offers URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/joliet-native-embodies-the-life-healing-that-pathway-ministries-offers/ Last updated: 2024-09-02T16:55:52.000Z PEORIA—Donald Noordhof embodies the three phases of life reclamation that [Pathway Ministries](https://www.amenpeoria.com/pathway-ministries-path-to-transformation/) offers. The 38-year-old Joliet native landed at the Peoria ministry in October 2022, ostensibly seeking help but also seeking a way to soften an impending prison sentence stemming from alcohol abuse. He accomplished that, but in the process, he ended up in a relationship with Jesus Christ with a sobriety bonus and a future as an operating engineer. That’s the path that [Pathway Ministries](http://pathwaypeoria.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com) emphasizes—crisis, transformation, transition—and one of the reasons it officially changed its name from Peoria Rescue Ministries in January, said Jonathan Rocke, Pathway executive director. Noordhof knows the path well. Embroiled in an alcoholic lifestyle, unable to keep a stable relationship, Noordhof was struggling with getting sober and maintaining healthy relationships. “I was following more of the white-knuckling way of trying to fix things,” he said. “I got into a relationship, and then the relationship hit the wall, and I’m like, ‘One beer won’t hurt.’ I was burning bridges, especially when I would go to rehab and then fall out, people would kind of throw up their hands at that point.” At one point he tore his ACL and, unable to work, he spent his downtime scrolling on his phone and drinking, ultimately landing in front of a judge for earlier actions of assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest. “My father told me about this place and at that point, I was just thinking, ‘How can I make it look good to the judge?’” Noordhof said. After a few detours, including attempted suicide, he ended up back at Pathway, knowing he needed to make a serious change in his life. “What really stood out and resonated with me was the kindness and care everybody here has,” Noordhof said. ![Three people stand in front of a sign for Pathway Ministries and a cross that says Jesus Saves.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/2b/822bd23b-16aa-4298-9c5e-2819d3244c10/content/images/2024/09/IMG_1300-1.JPEG) Martha Steffen, Donald Noordhof, and Jonathan Rocke stand in front of the Pathway Ministries sign in Peoria, Illinois. Thanks to Pathway, he was helped through the crisis period of finding a stable place to stay. Then, the transformation began through classes, counseling, Celebrate Recovery meetings, and various work and volunteer details. At Pathway, he was helped by leaders in the ministry, including Executive Assistant Martha Steffen, who he said was and is another mentor for him. He graduated from Pathway’s nine-month program in August 2023. Now, Noordhof is at Pathway’s 1212 Community House, a transitional residence for men on Southwest Adams Street. There, he lives with structure, adhering to a budget and solidifying other life responsibilities as he prepares to be on his own in the community again. His goal right now is to get an operating engineer’s apprenticeship so he can start operating heavy machinery and then go “wherever God places me from there.” His days of inebriation and hopelessness are behind him. “Jesus has taken that thorn from my side,” Don said. ## Sign up for Amen Peoria Connecting Christians in the Tri-County area through church and ministry news. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Send us your events! URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/send-us-your-events/ Last updated: 2024-08-30T21:05:28.000Z One of the planned features for Amen Peoria is a bulletin available to all readers. The weekly Bulletin will include events and ministry opportunities at Peoria-area churches and ministries ... but we need your help! We are encouraging churches and ministries to send their event info, news, and community offerings to mike@amenpeoria.com so we can start building the Bulletin! ### Keeping up with Pathway Ministries URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/keeping-up-with-pathway-ministries/ Last updated: 2024-08-29T15:19:33.000Z Writing about Pathway Ministries was an eye-opener for how God has worked through the organization over the past 60+ years. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Pathway Ministries' path to transformation URL: https://www.amenpeoria.com/pathway-ministries-path-to-transformation/ Last updated: 2024-09-04T14:08:35.000Z PEORIA—When Peoria Rescue Ministries rebranded earlier this year to [Pathway Ministries](https://pathwaypeoria.org/?ref=amenpeoria.com), it was just better describing what it had already become. What started as a downtown rescue ministry serving coffee and doughnuts to homeless men 69 years ago had developed into much more. Its name needed to change (again) to reflect what it has become over the past several decades—a path to a better life for people whose hope was waning. The path is: - Crisis relief for those who are homeless, trying to start a new life, or trying to overcome an addiction. - Transformation, which emphasizes education, training, and counseling. - Transition, helping those who have gotten this far to establish a stable life through community and support. But the growth and change needed to be better communicated to the community. “Our mission statement five years ago became ‘Creating pathways out of poverty through Jesus with our neighbors in need,’” said executive director Jonathan Rocke. “As we made all those changes, we realized that it was only internally. Externally, people still really just thought of us predominantly as the downtown homeless shelter for men. ![Man stands in front of brick building.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/2b/822bd23b-16aa-4298-9c5e-2819d3244c10/content/images/2024/08/IMG_1304-2-1.JPEG) Jonathan Rocke is the executive director of Pathway Ministries. “We had high brand awareness (as Peoria Rescue Ministries), but we had low brand understanding. And so we began to really ask the question, ‘How can we communicate more clearly who we are?’, and that’s what ended up leading to the name change.” Employing the help of [Clear Design Group](https://cle.ar/?ref=amenpeoria.com) in Bloomington, the ministry officially adopted the new name in August 2023. “Then in October of last year, we sort of treated it like a dimmer switch,” Rocke said. “We didn’t want to just flip a switch and say one day we’re Peoria Rescue Ministries and the next day we’re Pathway Ministries.” ## **Next steps** First, the staff was introduced to the change, then they began rolling it out to major donors, officially making the switch in January of this year. Rocke and staff also had to make sure that the community didn’t see the update as a brand change, but as branding catching up with what the ministry had become. “It’s really a chance to reintroduce ourselves and better answer the question ‘Who are we? What do we do?’” he said. Besides the name, Pathway got a nifty new logo showing four arrows combining into a cross and pointing to a crossroads. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/82/2b/822bd23b-16aa-4298-9c5e-2819d3244c10/content/images/2024/08/pathwaysstacked-127688382.png) “It represents how we understand poverty,” Rocke said. “Poverty is brokenness that we experience in four fundamental relationships of life: our relationships with God, ourselves, others, and the rest of creation. In the logo, they’re all pointing to the cross because we believe that Jesus is the answer for that path out of poverty.” ## **The ministries** When it started in 1955 as the Peoria City Mission, the ministry’s key focus was on rescuing men and, later, women from poverty, abandonment, or addiction and giving them a shot at a better life, in the process introducing them to the Author of Life. That happened initially for men through its downtown facility at 601 SW Adams St. But over the years, its outreach to the community grew, offering more services to more people in different life situations: - Women transitioning to a new life at its Women Residential Center, informally known as Esther House, located on North Allen Road. - Expectant and new moms through its Women’s Pregnancy Center, now the Empower Life Center at 1825 N. Knoxville Ave. - People needing life guidance through Barnabas Counseling at 1831 N Knoxville Ave. - People needing work skills at its Victory Acres facility in Mapleton. - Transitional help for men at its 1212 Community House. The goal had become “lasting life change,” Rocke said. The “path” concept better represents the concept of a journey from crisis to transformation. And on any journey, “it’s best to walk with others,” Rocke said. “So we began to put services, programs, and education efforts around what would help take somebody who’s experiencing homelessness, addiction, or abuse, and animate them and help them move on. “In essence, a pathway out of poverty through Jesus.” That led their mission statement to focus on creating pathways out of poverty. Then the rebranding happened, but they needed help. “We realized in this endeavor that this was going to take more than what we had internally,” Rocke said. “We needed to get some expertise. And to find somebody that had a heart for ministry. God kind of introduced us to Clear Design.” ## **Broadening horizons** One major change in the new name is the lack of “Peoria.” The ministry started in 1955 as Peoria City Mission, then changed to Peoria Rescue Mission in 1984\. Just three years later, the name was changed to Peoria Rescue Ministries to reflect the growing number of ministries it was offering. Dropping “Peoria” is reflective of the ministry’s growing geographical draw. “We get referrals from across the state and even the region now because of the quality programming we have,” Rocke said. The growing range of services offered continues. The 1212 Community House for men, a transitional house, is the ministries’ most recent addition, but its Reclaimed Center on Southwest Jefferson Street is nearly complete and will feature decorative works and furniture created from salvaged wood pallets and other materials. The center will back up across the alley from Pathway’s Peoria Mulch business at 1119 SW Adams St., which gets its mulch from Pathway’s Victory Acres in Mapleton, where men and women who have trod the Pathway Ministries path get work experience and create a funding resource for the ministry as well as they transition to a productive life. Quite a path. 💡 **Next: How a Joliet man followed the path that Pathway Ministries set out for him, got his life back on track, and gained eternity in the process.* ## **Pathway Ministries—numbers of care** **100,000+:** Meals provided by Pathway in 2023. **50,000+:** Nights of shelter provided across the ministries. **60:** Average number of women housed per night at the Women Residential Center (Esther House). **160:** Average number of clients served per month at Barnabas Counseling. **478:** Number of women served in the past year at Empower Life Center, including those coming for pregnancy tests and those being helped with material assistance for their babies.