The Chicago Project

Chicago Trip

Page 7

Discussion with Pastor Nelson

After our “mountain top” experience at the high school, we stopped by the Greater Open Door Church for an engaging discussion with Reverend Nelson (who is also a Marshall graduate).  His questioning style was direct and at times confrontational, causing us to really think about our perceptions of this community.  He asked us about topics ranging from our motivations for coming to North Lawndale, inter-racial dating, and the status of race relations in the United States.  Most of all he really made us think about how we will see things differently once we leave this place.

"This trip, The Chicago Project, is like a time bomb.  You do not think you are affected by it until you are back home doing your own thing, when suddenly you realize, you don’t see things the same way anymore.”

Pastor Richard Nelson, D. Min

Ira Rogers

He was a touring performer with his partner Inman in the 1960’s. They toured around the country performing gospel music, field songs, and other musical styles reflecting the African American experience. Through his discussion and performance this evening, he gave us a different perspective of American History.  He challenged us to think not just as American, but as global citizens.  Not just as consumers, but as spiritual beings.  He encouraged us to look deeper than just the surface of things and see things as they truly are.  He showed us a couple of activities to use to do this with our fellow students.

“The song about the slave auction was really deep and made me think about how bad slaves really had it.”

Brian Talty, 2008

“The world ain’t going to change if we don’t change.”

Natasha Smith, 2008

“I do dream for the day we are all equal and human not different races, colors, and etc. The power we have and the eye activity really made me want to help change the world.”

Robbie Binder, 2008

Greater Open Door Church and Pastor Nelson

Sunday morning, we attended Greater Open Door Community Baptist Church, Reverend Nelson head pastor.   As we entered the sanctuary, we were greeted by the inspiring music of the choir.  Most people in the group were thinking that we were going to be in church for no more than an hour, like their churches back home.  To their surprise, church lasted for almost three hours!  It was a moment of sanctuary and closure for us after our five days of studying and experiencing urban poverty.  At the end of the service, the pastor invited anyone to come forward who wanted to make a significant change in their life.  To the surprise of all of us, six students, half the class, walked forward and in front of all the strangers made a commitment to life change.  It was an inspirational ending to an educational experience.

Thanks to all who donated time and money to make this a great trip and year!  Your contributions help to make this trip possible.