2025 STORIES
Watch and share these four video stories
of Mission Illinois impact.
Taking it to the streets
Maurice Gaiter knows the rough streets of his Austin neighborhood. Some of the highest and lowest moments of his life took place within a few blocks of the brick building housing Empowerment Community Church. Now the church planting pastor is inspired to take God’s word to the streets to see his neighborhood transformed, one life at a time, and praying for God to raise up workers to build hope.
bi-vocational revitalization
Pastor Clay Blankenbaker sees the people of Metropolis, and his local church, like the jewelry he lovingly restores in his “day job.” Each was created to be something beautiful, and despite the wear and tarnish that the world can bring, they can be made to shine again. With encouragement from his local and state networks, this bi-vocational pastor is leading his church to revitalize and his community to discover the beauty God has for them through Jesus.
Download Videocampus connection
Engaging college students brings a church vitality and sending potential like nothing else. Nick Volkening, pastor of New City Church in Champaign, believes that, and has made it their mission to get on campus and pray for God to connect them with the right people. The investment of this 2019 church plant in students’ lives is now producing new young leaders with a passion to reach other Illinois university campuses.
Download Videohome investment
Though she has traveled to 85 countries around the world, the world, Jacksonville native Jennifer Smith sees her first investment as her home state. By volunteering with Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief this life-long learner with an adventurous spirit has seen God grow her skills and provide outlets to share the gospel. And now, through Illinois Baptist women, she is using her skills to help other Illinois women grow in their faith.
Download Video