Real Hope in Chicago

I just found out about this church a few months ago. I just bought this book, used, about a week ago. I read the whole thing last night. I am so impressed that there is at least ONE church like this. I've become so tired of most of the churches that I've been to. The exceptions are Lawndale and the Marietta Vineyard church in Atlanta. Lawndale's story is truly remarkable, and inspiring. If you have ANY sense that acquiring as many things as possible is not your purpose in life, I highly recommend reading this book, and then doing something about it.

This is an inspiring true story about hope, challenge, and faith. Young Wayne Gordon describes moving from Iowa to teach, coach, and live in Chicago's inner city. He soon began teaching bible study, and then decided to start a church in the North Lawndale community. As a young white minister living and working in that troubled and mostly black neighborhood, Gordon needed strength, vision, faith, and a willingness to learn from his mistakes. Readers see how Gordon stuck it out, finding allies and leaders from both outside and within the community. Over a period of years the Lawndale Community Church expanded and added a health clinic and housing ministry. Gordon's church and ministry did not win every struggle, but they made a difference for many. Some readers may find the author's religious commitment stifling, and cynics will note that North Lawndale remains a troubled area. Still, this is an inspiring story and a possible blue print for those hoping to follow in Gordon's footsteps.

I read this book and wanted to cry. I asked the Lord where is this kind of true, loving, caring ministry today? Whatever the Lord has sent me to read, he will use. My husband and I are now in a one-year old ministry. I hope to use this book as a model of love and caring for the people of God. I have done much reading on what goes on in ministry for those who name the name of Jesus Christ and I have come away sorely discouraged and disappointed. I have given this work to our ministry leaders and asked them to read it! The comments from those who read it were truly blessed by this man's work and obedience to God. To think that his work started with a "washing machine"; just meeting the needs of God's people, opened a great door of ministry in Chicago. I truly love this work! I have never met the author, but his work has greatly influenced what we will do in our ministry for God. He that has begun a good work... I tell our leaders that this is the spirit we are endeavoring to have in our minstry at Christ's Church. Thank you for sharing his story and carrying this resource.

How can a white man go into an all black neighborhood and change the community? Wayne Gordon felt the calling of God to leave his comfort zone and step out into a community with little hope. He dared to break the wall of racial prejudice and strife in one of the toughest inner-city areas of the nation. It is a story of hope that will motivate you to accomplish the seemingly impossible and to trust in the God who can make it happen. Simply amazing!

The narratives in this book will tug at your heart and inspire action in a time of easy inertia. Wayne Gordon has created a special community by developing leadership from within, supporting basic needs within his neighborhood and valuing each individual for who he or she is. The various profiles are moving and show clearly that there is "real hope" not only for Chicago, but for the rest of our nation as well.