Can you tell me where we are?

We are in the sanctuary of Lilliedel I Baptist Church.

It's a modest sanctuary, but we try to keep it up.

Thank you.

Lilliedel I Baptist Church is in the Roseland area on the far south side of Chicago.

Reverend Alvin Love has been the pastor there for over 30 years.

What was the church like in 1985?

It was quite a bit different than it is today.

There was a lot of crime.

People would break in.

We could not keep a PA system in this church, and we could not keep silverware in the kitchen.

In 1985, Love was a relatively young pastor with an aging congregation, struggling to get people involved in the community.

One day, this new, frustrated Reverend is sitting in the church all by himself.

Two different people had come to the door, rang the bell, asking for money to get something to eat.

And I gave it to them.

After the second one left, my office is all windows to the street.

And so I see this skinny guy coming up.

And the first thing came in my head was, no, no, not another one.

The young man's clothes and shoes were a little worn, but he had his sleeves rolled up, like he was ready to get to work.

And he didn't ask for money.

He just wanted 15 minutes with Reverend Love to talk about the community.

I'm just, oh, great. Come on, let's go.

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