Though the name is Latin, the church is located on the primarily hispanic East Side.  SDG is led by veteran Church Planter David Avila, who grew up in the same lower income neighborhood.  Being at SDG was a great reminder of the important things in life, and what really makes up a church.

The small sanctuary had about 50 people of every ethnic stripe.  The music was simple and heartfelt hymns and praise choruses.  The sermon came from another church planter, that SDG is sending across town.  (NOTE: For all you church leaders out there afraid you’re just not big enough to send out people and resources to plant, SDG would disagree with you.)  After an hour of going verse by verse through the last chapter of James, the official service ended and transformed into an hour of mingling among old friends.

I was able to spend the afternoon with David and his extended familia, which makes up a good chunk of the growing church.  They greeted me with open arms and pizza, and I soaked up many lessons about life on the East Side.  Visiting SDG was a reminder of the power of the Kingdom of God, in its simplicity and diversity.  I don’t know if I could ever reach the east side, and I don’t think I’m called to do so.  But I’m so glad for people like David who are, and I’m excited to see what comes to pass.