“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” – Philippians 3:20
On December 7, 2022, the stands of Wintrust Arena in Chicago were packed, but instead of cheering on a basketball game, nearly 2,000 people were celebrating a personal milestone.
They were taking the oath to become American citizens.
It was the largest naturalization ceremony ever for the Northern District of Illinois, with 120 countries represented.
Funmi Pearson came to the U.S. from Nigeria seven years ago and has dreamed of this day.
"I'm so happy. It's one of my happiest days to become a citizen, so I can vote in the next election," Pearson said.
Camelia Mititelu cheered on her father, 89-year-old Vasile Grosu, who is originally from Romania. He's the last one in their family to become a U.S. citizen.
"It's a big happiness for us. They work really hard. They went to school in their 80s to learn English," Mititelu said.
Alejandro Monroy and his mother, Alba Roscio, took the oath together. They left Colombia 21 years ago to start a new chapter in their lives.
Given what's happening with democracy, it's important to understand what it takes to participate in it," Monroy said.
For many of those sworn in Wednesday, it was a long journey to become a citizen, which they said now allows them to fulfill some lifelong dreams.
For all who know Jesus Christ, we have a citizenship, a home in Heaven. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that through His grace, we have a Heavenly home.
“Socrates, being asked what countryman he was, answered, ‘I am a citizen of the whole world.’ But ask a Christian what countryman he is, and he will answer, ‘A citizen of heaven.’” – William Secker
God’s Word: “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household” – Ephesians 2:
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