Nestled between several car repair shops, two-story brick flats, and some industrial-looking buildings; this is a low-key and relatively quiet set of blocks in the middle of the west side. So as I approached my destination and walked up the ramp that led to the front door, I wasn’t expecting what I saw next.

I stood inside the open and sun-lit lobby and looked to my left. There was a small internet cafe with three computer monitors on a skinny table against the far wall, a few small tables, and a coffee barista booth. To my right, through the opened double doors, was a freshly-painted basketball half-court with a fiberglass backboard rim.

I continued forward into the auditorium as a gospel song played through the speakers. A skylight in the center of the auditorium and allowed sunlight to pour in, and softened the concrete floor.

Later on, the speaker asked the audience if anyone had any noteworthy events that the group could pray about or celebrate. And for the next five minutes, the speaker listened to announcements of birthdays, upcoming overseas vacations, family gatherings, and the deaths of close family members.

The speaker seemed to know many of the audience members - young and old - by name. I haven’t seen anything quite like it on my journey so far.

The journey continues in the Humboldt Park neighborhood on the west side, at the corner of Grand Avenue and Hamlin.

Intro Theme Music: Victory Lap by QSTN ft. Mecca:83
Background Music: www.bensound.com/

Pick up your copy of the companion book at https://godinchicago.com/

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