Hello, friends. My name is Justin Green and I have been attending Willow Creek for five years along with my wife Kristin and children Kate and Matthew. I accepted Christ as my personal Savior at the age of five. While I continued to grow in knowledge of the things of God, the experience that has most impacted my walk with Christ occurred at the age of twelve. Following a Christmas shopping trip, my family was robbed at gunpoint in our home and left bound together. But just as in the story of Joseph in Genesis, God meant the experience for good. So many Biblical concepts became clear that night: The power of prayer, the Peace that passes understanding, Eternal life, and the living Word of God, just to name a few. Psalm 118:6 says it best, “The Lord is for me; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

During our first visit to Willow Creek, we found “The Big 3” that we were looking for in a church: 1. Biblical preaching 2. Great music 3. A young married Sunday School class. Through our growth in these areas, the door was opened for Kristin and me to serve as cosponsors of the college and career group known as YALL (Young Adults Living Life).

In Sunday School, Troy Rider and I have been teaching a series titled, “The Jesus I Never Knew” by Phillip Yancey. It has caused me to identify several unbiblical misconceptions I have had and has challenged me with the concept of Christ-likeness. If we are to be like Christ in our actions and dealings with other people, then how exactly did Jesus respond to the people He encountered? He dealt with rejection, disappointment in others, suffering, joy, celebration, hecklers and seekers, to name a few. As a pilot for Southwest Airlines, I am in the position to meet many different people on a weekly basis. The ongoing challenge is to respond in all situations like Christ. As pastor has been teaching, that ability can only be accomplished with the help of the Holy Spirit.

I am so thankful for the loving church family we have and the opportunities for growth that God has given me through His church. Please continue to pray for the YALL ministry as school resumes so that we may encourage and strengthen young believers and share the gospel to those that may not know Jesus as their Savior.