A Neighborhood Transformed

“The vision that God has given me for this space is that the people of our community deserve a quality building,” said Pastor A.L. Washington of Rock of Our Salvation Church. “I really want to create a space for our community where people can come in and experience the family of God, so they can have a relationship with our Daddy.”
It’s a vision that has captivated Pastor Washington for more than 18 years. And it’s one that has changed an entire neighborhood.

Faith and Works
Rock Church and its partner ministry, Circle Urban Ministries, are located in the Austin community on Chicago’s west side. Circle Urban began in 1971 with a small group of Christians who were concerned about issues of justice and poverty. Rock Church was planted in 1983, and the two have been joined in a faith and works partnership ever since.

A Neighborhood Devastated by Crime
The neighborhood where Rock Church and Circle Urban are located was once permeated with gangs and drugs. Nearly 50 buildings on the block stood vacant, and one—right across from where the ministries are now located—was known as the “murder building.” Rival gangs would fight, and almost every week someone would be killed. The murder building was where they would dump the bodies.
“Our neighborhood was really a scary place,” said Pastor Washington. “But what God has done is he’s given us a dedication to this block. An area that was once very unsafe is now a very safe place, for suburban folks as well.”
As part of their commitment to the neighborhood, Circle Urban has rehabbed nearly 300 units or properties. The changes have attracted new construction of single-family homes, and families that take pride in the neighborhood are moving in.
Now Rock Church and Circle Urban are ready to tackle the final phase of their own building.

A Landmark Building
In 1984, Circle Urban and Rock Church purchased a 150,000 square-foot facility that was once a stately Catholic girls’ school. The building had endured extensive vandalism and damage from the elements, and would need to be completely stripped and restored.
They purchased the building for a mere $80,000 and set to work. Their plan was divided into three phases, and with the help of hundreds of volunteers they soon completed phases one and two.
Finally, after more than 20 years, it’s time for phase three.

Blitz Build
As part of Willow Creek’s 2008 Blitz Build, 70 volunteers spent a total of more than 2,000 hours working on that final phase. They poured themselves into demolition, electrical work, framing, and drywall. Thanks to their efforts, 10 new classrooms on two floors are starting to take shape.
Beyond the physical labor, Blitz Build volunteers also served by praying. They prayed for locations throughout the neighborhood, and for the people God placed in their path.
One young man, just 16 years old, was asked, “If there was one thing we could pray about for you, what would that be?” Without hesitation he replied, “To not die today.” As a runner for a drug dealer, his life is constantly at risk. The team laid hands on him, praying that he would turn his life over to Christ and leave his dangerous lifestyle.

A Reason to Build
The classrooms that were started during Blitz Build will be used for a charter school which specializes in serving at-risk children. The school has already begun operating in phase two of the building, but will add a grade each year until they reach approximately 500 students in kindergarten through 8th grade.
Catalyst Charter School provides a values-based education, and their students’ test scores have proven to be among the best in the city. Rock Church then provides wrap-around services such as tutoring and after-school enrichment programs, where they can share the gospel. The school is funded by private donations as well as the city of Chicago, and pays Rock Church for the space they lease.
“It’s a perfect combination for our ministry, because our community needs education,” said Pastor Washington. “We were willing to provide the wrap-around services knowing that students will be here for about eight hours before their parents come to pick them up.”

A Vision for the Future
As they continue to work on phase three of their building, Pastor Washington is passionate about what this space can do for the community. In addition to the classrooms, plans call for renovating an 1,100 seat auditorium where Rock Church will eventually hold its services. The hope is to have everything completed by August 2009—though that goal is a real step of faith.
“I want this building to be a landmark in our city,” said Pastor Washington. “I want the people of our community to say, ‘Wow, this building looks like it should be downtown. What’s inside there? What are they doing in there?’”
“Inner city folks are looking for, in one way or another, a break,” he added. “Their homes may be oppressive, but when they go to church they can feel like they’ve been on vacation.”

Meeting a Range of Needs
While Rock Church focuses on meeting people’s spiritual needs, Circle Urban Ministries focuses on meeting physical needs. A wide range of services includes after-school programs, a food pantry, transitional housing, legal aid, a medical clinic, a mentoring program, and much more. Their service to thousands of people in the Austin community each year has earned them the respect of the neighborhood, and the right to be heard when they proclaim the message of Jesus Christ.

The Body of Christ
With their proximity to Oak Park and the western suburbs, Pastor Washington believes that an excellent building can also serve as a bridge between urban and suburban residents, removing some of the fear about the Austin neighborhood.
The ministry has always had a deep commitment to racial reconciliation, and Pastor Washington believes they’ve only just begun. He describes his view with an acronym of TRUST: True Religion is Urban and Suburban Together.
“I see racial reconciliation going to another level through this building,” he said. “Our ministry is not a white movement; it’s not a black movement. It’s truly about the body of Christ.”

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Volunteer with the Rock church Team

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