Sofia had always found solace in prayer, but one night, as she lay in her home in Aurora, she experienced something extraordinary—a dream so vivid it felt more like a vision. Set on the banks of the scenic Fox River, Aurora, with its world-class retail, charismatic festivals, and architectural gems, had always been a city she loved. But this dream was unlike any other; it was a revelation that left her soul stirred.

In her dream, Sofia stood in the heart of Aurora, amidst a bustling scene of shoppers at the Chicago Premium Outlets. The stores, filled with brands like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, gleamed under bright lights. People hurried in and out, arms laden with bags, their faces marked with fleeting joy. Yet, amidst the material wealth, Sofia noticed something unsettling—shadows lingered around them, whispering words of dissatisfaction and emptiness.

A voice, gentle yet commanding, called out to her. “Sofia, look beyond what the eyes see.” She turned and saw a radiant figure, clothed in light, standing near Pacifica Square. It was an angel, luminous and filled with grace. The angel gestured toward the shoppers and said, “Many seek fulfillment in what perishes, yet the true treasure lies in the Kingdom of God.”

Before she could respond, the dream shifted, and she found herself inside the grand Paramount Theatre. The intricate Art Deco-Venetian façade glowed under the theater lights. A performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS was in progress, but Sofia noticed that, despite the grandeur, many of the spectators appeared distracted, glancing at their phones or lost in thought. The angel beside her spoke again, “The world offers entertainment, but only in Christ do hearts find true joy.”

As the curtain fell, Sofia was whisked away once more, this time to RiverEdge Park during the Blues on the Fox festival. Music filled the air, and people danced under the setting sun. The sound was beautiful, but Sofia felt a deep longing in her heart, as if something was missing. Then, suddenly, the music transformed into a celestial melody—harmonies so pure they resonated deep within her soul. She looked up and saw a choir of angels singing praises to God. “This,” the angel said, “is the worship that fills heaven. Earthly music fades, but the worship of God endures forever.”

The scene shifted again, and she found herself on the banks of the Fox River. The waters shimmered under a golden light, and the angel stood beside her. “Sofia, you have been shown these things so that you may understand the deeper truth,” the angel said. “The city is filled with distractions—materialism, entertainment, momentary pleasures—but the true calling of the soul is to honor and glorify God. The Gospel must be preached, for the end shall come when all have heard.”

Sofia fell to her knees, overwhelmed. She recalled the words of Jesus in Matthew 24:14: ‘And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.’ She realized her mission—to be a conduit of heaven’s resources to those in need, to share the truth with those who were lost in the distractions of the world.

When she awoke, the dream lingered in her mind like an imprint on her soul. She knew it was more than just a dream; it was a calling. Rising from her bed, she knelt in prayer, surrendering herself to God’s will. The world around her had not changed, but she had. And with that, she stepped into her day, ready to live out the vision God had placed upon her heart.