We Are Moving To…
So Team Whittaker would love your prayers as we pick up and move the family to Chicago.
I’ll keep this brief…
God has blessed us with an amazing community of friends here in Atlanta.
Some of us have decided that we want to be part of a movement committed to daily living out the Transformational Love of Jesus in the City so that we can change the World.
And the way we plan to do this is in a community called Soul City Church…in downtown Chicago.
Team Whittaker is moving with a few other amazing families to downtown Chicago to live, breathe, commune, fellowship, and take part in doing church 7 days a week in the city and I can’t wait.
I’ll post more tomorrow but I just wanted you guys to know the goods.
Love you guys!!!
Los
Oh. And welcome to the new blog. 
Your faith, zeal and passion is contagious Los. Thanks for following God’s call in your life! I will pray for you as you make this transition. I spent 12 years in the Chicago suburbs… love the place!
gracias amigo
1) love the new blog design
its a great place to be!
2) welcome to the midwest!
oh the heartache of being 2nd!
haha. 3rd. fail.
hahahahahahha
teehee.
exciting news dude…just brings you one step closer to us Ragamuffins in Indiana
but seriously…its incredible seeing you and your family continually follow Jesus and not your own ambition.
props to you man.
-eric
thanks man. let’s hang
Wow! That is awesome. I love it when stuff like this happens and people just grab a hold of God’s hand and say, “Let’s go.”
I’ll definitely be praying for you and the family.
Thanks Jay. A Lot
Awesome new blog layout bro! The wife and I will certainly keep you in our prayers, and the family too.
Keep on seeking God in all you do, you are a testimony of a man after God’s own heart. Keep seeking and loving Him!
Blessings.
Human3rror all the way!
Welcome to Chi-town! You are gonna love it here, but bring a heavy coat. =)
Can’t wait to hear how God uses Soul City Church to reach this area.
BTW – What city rhymes w/Salsa?????
He was lying!!!
WOW congrats!!! We’ll be praying as you move!
GRACIAS CHICA
Cool… great opportunities in a great city. I am 2 hours from Chi-town, but looking forward to another reason to make the trip!
Maybe I can actually meet you this time!
LET’s DO IT!!!
whoa…i am absolutely stunned and pleasantly surprised.Glad you are responding to God’s call and welcome to the city of Chicago.I cant believe i’ll get to do church with you soon,unreal…yeah SCC!!!
Yes sir. Thanks man. You live there?
yes i do!
Awesome. The vision of Soul City Church is just incredible.
Love to have that here…
Thanks DannyThanks Danny
Yes, I guessed it.
Very happy for you and your family man. Chicago is awesome and Jesus is going to use you and your team to do an amazing work there.
BG
psychic
Sweeeeeet! Stoked for u, bro! And I really really like ur new website!
So stinkin’ excited for you! Now I’m really gonna start working on our leadership to bring you in. My tiny rural Iowa town is only 4 hrs from Chicag-uh.
Praying for all the details to go smoothly and for you, Heather and the three little Whittakers to see God’s blessings around every corner.
Jen. Your prayers are appreciated.
You and ur family will be in my prayers. The ATL will miss u.
And the ATL will be missed.
You guys know that it snows there, right?
Joking aside, it is awesome that you’re running after Jesus regardless of where he takes you and I’ll definitely be praying! Oh, and the new blog design looks amazing!!
Thanks Alicia!!!
Carlos,
That’s so awesome! I’ve been reading your wife’s blog for the last year or so and just keeping up with you guys. I’ve seen you lead worship at BC a few times and at night of worship. I love your passion for worship and it is so contagious to those who are there with you. Keep doing what you were made to do! I will be praying for you guys as you prepare to move to the wish city. I’m
actually here in Chicago as I type this and it is a beautiful city. I love it here, but atlanta is great too!!!
What are you doing there?
always movin’ and shakin’…proud of you. i’ve never been to chic-ago…glad i’ll have a place to lay my head when i come visit!! love the whittaker clan. xoxo
ANYTIME
That is awesome news, my friend! I will pray that the transition for all is a smooth one.
I hope that I will be able to meet H and see you one last time before you leave A-town for Chi-town.
Let’s do it. I’ll be at Crossraods again this Sunday
sweet!! I’ll come to the later service. Have to teach my 3 year olds at my church @ 9am.
What a testimony to the rest of us in following God’s will for our lives. Been following the Soul City blog & can’t wait to see how He’s going to use you all in that city! So exciting! Much prayer & blessings to your fam.
Great new blog look too.
thanks girl!
oh and Human3rror….way to go!!
lovin’ the new ragamuffin digs….
He’s amazing
Awesome.
Welcome to the state.
Now we can actually hang
Incredible. I’m excited to read about what God does through you guys up there. I’ll be praying for you.
Thanks Andy!!!
I LOVE Chicago, great choice!
I’ve only been there once…
fan-freakin-tastic!!!
love it! love it all…the blog and the ministry opportunity. excited to hear more as your journey unfolds, whittaker family! and honored to pray with you as you take Jesus TO the people. awesome!
the hodge clan loves you guys…
And we love the Hodge Clan
When you stepped down at Buckhead I looked at my husband and said, “He is going to Chicago to help with Soul CIty Church.” I am very excited about this opportunity for you and your family. I have been following Soul City Church and am very excited about their vision. I almost wish I lived in Chicago so I could be involved. I am praying for Soul City Church and will be praying for you and your family.
Or you could just…move
don’t tempt us, lol. Maybe someday if God says move. I love the city! We took our youth group there on a mission trip and I fell in love with the city. I will definitely be coming to visit.
I really like the new look to your site!
It will be great to keep up with you guys on here while you venture to Chicago. Looking forward to updates.
Good luck man. The church looks great. And if I could move from Atlanta to Chicago I would do it in a SECOND. It’s a great city.
You guys are moving to my hometown!! You’ll love it there. The midwest is awesome. I’m actually going back to catch the Bears vs the Packers in 3 weeks.
Can’t wait to hear more about this new journey.
God Bless!
wow! exciting times, right? will be praying for all you guys…
Absolutely AWESOME! Can’t wait to hear more of the adventures of Soul City Church. I have been watching what’s been happening with them for a few months. The vision is intoxicating. Enjoy the ride!
Your faith and passion are both so contagious! It’s awesome to see people truly following a dream God has given them. I grew up in Chicago and it’s my favorite city. You will love it.
Chicago will be blessed by you, H and your family. Blessing to you for following God’s call on your life!
It will rock i am sure!!!
Appreciate your heart for ministry, and willingness to sacrifice. It’s tough relocating several states away. Fortunately for you, you have friends all over (thanks to your web 2.0 junkieness).
Killer new design on the blog, btw.
THAT is so exciting!
This is going to be a great adventure for your family and all the other families going as well.
I have been following Soul City’s website and I am so impressed with the work they have been doing so far.
In about a year my husband and I will be moving to Denver with a group of people to plant a church and do life together as well. I am so excited for what God has in store.
Congratulations on this decision and God bless you Whittakers. Both your blog and Heather’s are an inspiration and encouragement to me. I’ll be praying!
So glad we got a new blog design.
Human3rror rocking it again. I wish I could afford that guy.
Glad to hear that you are coming to my neck of the woods, well at least close to STL.
Excited to see what God does with Soul City and the community.
Just for the record, I knew it was Chicago as soon as you said you were moving. Double3 gave you away. You are soulmates
Yes. I LOVE your tweet
I love your tweet
Los,
Congrats man. You will LOVE Chicago! And like Eric said earlier, you are that much closer to us over here in Indiana.
Can’t wait to hear about how the city effect’s you and how you effect the city.
God Bless
-@braddoran
Awesome, I’m just amazed at how you roll! I’m in Springfield, would love to bring your crew to Abundant Faith for something real, real fresh. Hope to meet you in Chicago when the Bears are beatin the Falcons….. oops Falcons already beat the Bears ;-(
Peace, Prayer and Love
RWR
that’s awesome, friend. praying for you all as you dive into this. and hooray for having a friend in chicago i can visit/stay with/mooch off of. Chicago is my most favorite city in America.
oh, and i am really, really glad you decided to change the blog look….
Awesome. I am thrilled for you. There is nothing like being part of a church plant. I am sure your talents will be a huge asset to that church. Praying for you!
When do you move?? Can I come visit? I have a couple trips to Chicago planned in 2010 for a wedding in August
One of my best friends lives there. That’s such exciting news!!
Stoked for you guys!
Cubs or Whitesox?
Braves
I used to live in NW Indiana, and now live in Indy. Enjoy the snow… lots of it!.
Average Yearly Snowfall in Chicago: 38.2 inches
Average Yearly Snowfall in Atlanta: 2.0 inches
Ha…Illinois is a great state. Glad to have you join us. Look forward to hearing more about this!
(Source: http://www.met.utah.edu/jhorel/html/wx/climate/normsnow.html)
Very excited for you and the family as you start yet another great phase in your life! Chicago is a wonderful city, and I hope you enjoy living there! I grew up on the south side and miss it all the time.
That’s great news Carolos!! Welcome to Illinois. My family lives in Rockford which is 90 miles west of O’Hare. Maybe we can get together sometime ~ might even get a chance to see your mom and dad again. It’s been a long time!! Good luck to you on your move and with your ministry!!
first: love the new blog. did i mention i love it?
second: excited for your move. wow.
third: i’m going to see you guys tomorrow and look forward to hearing what 7 days a week church will be like.
love you guys.
Ah, great design. Like a breath of fresh air. Fits you well!
Carlos ………………….
The new site looks awesome
Chicago eh?Whoa, this is pretty exciting news
I trust that God will use you, your family & the new Church to rock the city in Jesus name
Look forward to hearing the journey as it happens
btw, I do dig your new blog design much better. I could never see your beautiful family off to the side anyway, on my mac laptop. Blessings as you move up to Chicago!
Dude! The fact that you would decide to ACT on what God said and MOVE is great. I’ll be praying 4 U and the fam. You’ll have to share about the process and decision.
Your family is amazing! I can’t wait to read your blogs & follow to what God is doing in your lives! You & Heather are an inspiration to so many!!
Blessings on your travels, your move, and your continued journey with Jesus. Your dedication to The Lord is inspiring us all.
Hope you have jackets. Winter has a “Slight” temperature difference between Hotlanta and the Windy City.
Do you know I have never been to Chicago?
And Human3rror is the Michael Jordan of blog design. That man is amazing.
Oh…and loving the TOMS shoes in the picture.
Rock on! Head on up to the MKE and I’ll treat to some Wheat Monkey.
We’ll be glad to have you and the fam in the great state of IL!
Exciting! Love the new blog design!
It seems like you just moved to Atlanta!! That’s a huge move.
PS. when you get to Chicago say hi to my friend Oprah.
H3 nailed the site design this time! Love it! The only thing is that you look like yer floating in air (which might be the point) and the line between the repeating bg img isn’t smooth.
Congrats on the upcoming move. It’s refreshing and inspiring to see a great example of someone/family who’s not afraid to leap in faith toward something you believe God is calling you and not letting the things of this world hold you back. Way to go!!!!
Unbelievable man! That’s amazing!
Now it gives us another reason to visit Chicago again.
And yes, the new blog design is pretty legit! That John is one amazing fella!
Will be praying for you and your family…exciting stuff! And I love the new blog design…can read everything with ease again
The new website looks awesome! Great work.
Pretty freakin exciting. Sounds completely awesome and wish I could join you in church 7 days a week!
peace.
I love the new site! I’m having a slight problem with it, though. When I try to use the archives drop-down it links to the advertising info site. I’m on Firefox (3.5.5).
On a positive, thanks much for all you do! I love the new songs, and am looking forward to them being available for purchase.
Laura
WOW! Didn’t expect that today.
I pray that God blesses you and your family as you follow Him. I’m in Indy so welcome to this part of the country! Make sure you have a good coat. 
That is so cool! You guys definitely are inspiring to just step out and do what God is calling you to. We’ll be praying for you as you make the transition.
Love the new blog look!
New website looks great. Moving again? Wow. I hope it goes great. I love how portable your ministry and family both seems to be. God bless.
The pizza clinched it for you didn’t it?
So a couple of things:
You do know Oprah is leaving(in 2 yrs) in case that changes anything.
Make sure you choose a home with enough room to access a Spring jacket, rain coat, Fall coat, Winter coat, snow gear and any number of hoodies at the same time. We experience any number of seasons in the same week around here. Sometimes in the same day.
Politics are a good time.
Very excited to have you up here. Excited for Soul City too. Looks like an amazing community ahead! All this to say, “woo hoooo”. When can you stop in at The Orchard?
Hey! I’ve followed your blog for a while, but never commented ’til now… I am so excited for your family to embark on this new adventure! My husband is a pastor in Fresno, but my baby brother (ok, he’s 20 y/o… but still my ‘baby’ bro) is a college student in Chicago. He’s been in love with the city since he first visited on a mission trip in high school, but somehow, in his love for the city and knowledge, he’s lost sight of his First Love, Christ. I’m praying he somehow connects with Soul City Church and rekindles the most important relationship in his life. So excited for ya’ll!
So proud of the Whitakers and the example they are leading for their kids..So you are moving to Chicago and oprah is leaving Chicago? Something else you want to tell us? haha
Go with God brother
Moving in right direction
(I’m from Wisconsin:)
You will love illinois just not the weather…..haha can’t wait to see how God’s going to use you there
Of course ya’ll are heading to Soul City…Heather gets to hang out with Jeanie Stevens! Been to her conferences at Youth Specialites a ton. Love her. I was selfishly hoping for Franklin so Molly and Losiah could see each other more than once a year but you HAVE to go to Chicago….None of this a suprise to God. Love how He moves us if we are obedient! Praying for you, H and the kiddos.
best wishes! You and your family will be in our prayers as you taken on your new journey!
I’m really excited for you and your family. I can’t wait to see what God has planned for you. Your thoughts inspire and challenge me…and I love that. If you find your self near South Bend,IN you will have to check out Granger Community Church (gccwired.com) Dinner is on me!
Peace,
B.Rad
that is rocksauce
Awesome. Outstanding next step in your walk with Christ. Excellent opportunity. Many many congrats from San Diego. Way to go., BTW I love the new look of your website.
Woot! Welcome to the windy city! You’re gonna love it.
Welcome to Chi-Town. Hopefully we will cross paths at some point.
bring the heat ’cause that world’s soooooooo cooooold!!
Praise GOD and I am always praising GOD for strengthening you and your family to obedient to His will for your life to glorify Him!!!
grace and peace
So excited for you!!!! Moving to my old stompin’ grounds…can’t wait to get back there some day…love it ’cause it will certainly love you! Bless you and the fam’ in your decision and on your path…so excited for you and the team there! Chicago is the best…not just because it’s my roots.
just meet up with the soul city team, they toured our building today. Excited to have you guys in the city!
I have already told one of my cousins who lives in Chicago about Soul City Church and you guys!
Just wanted to let ya know I’m praying for this transition and the start-up of this church! God’s going to do great things through this! I recommend eating at Portillos first for a GREAT hotdog!
Welcome to Chicago. Might want to keep a house in Atlanta for the winters.
I knew the Steven’s from my days at Willow and was stoked to find out about the plans for Chicago. Looking forward to being part of the Soul City Movement.