Evangel World Outreach Center on Chicago’s west side has set a goal to spread kindness throughout the city. Pastor Ray Berryhill launched “40 Days of Blessing,” urging his congregation and those of partnering churches to “bless someone with a random act of kindness” each day for 40 days. Pastor Berryhill says his mission is to bring people closer to Christ by having them do what Jesus did—show compassion and enrich others while expecting nothing in return. “40 Days of Blessing” will run through September 18th. In addition to blessings bestowed by individuals and small groups, the broader community will benefit from no string attached big blessings bestowed by Evangel World Outreach Center during weekly outreach events each Saturday and Sunday during the 40-day period. “Big Blessings” include such things as free gasoline for motorists, free CTA passes for commuters, free oil changes for single mothers and rent or utility payments for the rest of the year. The Big Blessings culminate in a drawing to win a new car at the 2-day “Bless Fest” which is expected to draw 10,000 people to Hanson Park, September 17th and 18th. Berryhill says “40 Days of Blessing” was inspired by his appreciation of the 2000 movie, “Pay It Forward,” in which a young boy creates “the domino effect” by encouraging charity and kindness through good deeds transferred from one person to the next. He says he chose the period of 40 days because 40 is a significant number to God. For more information or to view which congregation or alderman who is participating, visit www.40DaysofBlessing.org.