I haven’t seen anything like this before. It’s like being on a mini-campus where all the buildings on the block leading up to the main building are owned and affiliated with this institution.

There’s a building called Hope House. One called Perkins Center. There’s a learning center, a health center, an agape chapel, a fitness center. Even the indie coffee shop on the corner might also be part of this impressive collection of buildings.

When I arrived, the building - an old-school gymnasium with wood beam rafters - has a comfortable and low-key vibe. This is a come-as-you-are kind of place. No one here is wearing a suit. There are no expensive cars parked in front of the entrance.

As I watch more people enter the building, it’s obvious that these people know each other. They are not simply co-located in this space, they are communing with one another. Fittingly, today the speaker had chosen to talk about the concept of love.

The journey continues in the Lawndale neighborhood on the west side, and the corner of Ogden & Avers.

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

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

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