Chicago is notorious as one of the most crime-ridden cities in the USA, but in one area crime has reduced by 42 per cent due to one church.
New Life Covenant Church’s outreach activities have changed the community. The church has rescued 643 women from prostitution and set up a clinic.
The pastor, Wilfredo ‘Choco’ de Jesus, says his church has prioritised community outreach over the comfort of members, buying shops or offices and turning them into ministries before buying its own church building.
Referring to the American Church in general, he said: “We have lost our love for humanity… As you think about your value, your worth,… your job and my job is to seek and save that which is lost because our Father loves them. And we do it at all costs, right? Because there’s a cost for reconciliation.”