Louie played alone in his neighborhood. 

His dad works 2 jobs and his mom is busy trying to keep everyone afloat. Louie didn’t have a lot of attention or support growing up in his South Chicago neighborhood. Someone would have given him attention, though. It may have seemed exactly what he was looking for, but it would have taken him down a painful, tragic path.

But Sergio found him.

Sergio oversees Safe Haven, a ministry to children in South Chicago through New Life Pilsen Church. Safe Haven provides a place after school or during the day in the summer for 40+ children to be part of a loving community in the midst of a neighborhood with a clear gang presence. 

A place for Louie.

My week with Adventures in Missions (AIM) Chicago was Louie’s first week. I came alongside him while he played video games or shared his desire to learn to skateboard. I had no idea it was Louie’s first week. It may have been the first time in a long time for Louie to share his life with someone – someone interested in who he is and willing to sit with him until he’s ready to share. Someone willing to play, encourage and put an arm around his shoulders. 

Someone to be like Jesus.

Louie doesn’t understand it all yet, but Sergio finding him is a visual illustration of Jesus seeking lost sheep. God saw Louie and sent Sergio. God saw Louie and gave me the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to this 8-year-old boy. 

God saw little Louie walking around in South Chicago.

And now Louie is not alone.