A Parish Story from Waukegan | Illinois
In 2017, The Mosaic Initiative's leadership team felt called to be the embodiment of God’s love, serving as agents of repair, healing, and flourishing for their neighborhood of Waukegan. Through the guiding presence of Christ and the Holy Spirit, they yearned to live into a trio of "God-sized dreams" – to transform young adults, congregations, and their city of Waukegan – they set forth on a mission to "seek the peace and prosperity of the city." (Jeremiah 29:7)
Waukegan, a city located 40 minutes north of Chicago, is often unfairly reduced to stereotypes. However, within this city's vibrant mosaic, there are beautiful families, incredible stories, and tales of immigration. Raul Ochao, now a local pastor in Waukegan, came to the city at the age of 5 as a Spanish-speaking kid from Southern California. Throughout his school years he not only learned English but also discovered the power of unity in diversity.
In the past five years, three core values emerged, forming the foundation of their journey. It all flows from prayer—an unwavering commitment to consistent, deliberate, and heartfelt communion with God that weaves hearts together through the Holy Spirit's power. Young adults leading the way in lifting up their community's needs.
“What does it mean for me to be #4Waukegan? For me it means that I get a chance to open my eyes and open my heart to view and experience and highlight loving people in Waukegan.”
Raul Ochoa, Community Leader
Out of this atmosphere, a vision emerged. Several pastors in the city realized that they would function best not as individual silos, but together as co-shepherds of the city. They united congregations from different denominations and demographics under the banner of #4Waukegan. Together, they embarked on a journey of repentance, acknowledging their role in the city's struggles. They recognized that their absence from critical spaces – the voting booths, city council meetings, and the local parks – had left a void.
Their communities didn't need more church buildings; they needed the Jesus who had always been present in those spaces outside the church walls. This newfound perspective spurred them to re-engage with their community through both prayer and action, reclaiming their prophetic voice.
Before they could do this, they met with City Council members and other city leaders including school principals, seeking forgiveness for leaving the work that God had called them to do on the shoulders of others. Relationships developed, and they earned the trust of these city leaders to come alongside the ongoing work of God in their community.
Their aspiration echoes the prayer of Jesus in John 17:22-23: “I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” Together, #4Waukegan, they hope to reflect this unity and love for God's glory and for the flourishing of their city.
Visit Mosaic and Mosaic House Ministries online to connect and learn more.
