Did you know Evangelist Hope Church in Chicago wasn’t always a physical building? It began in September 2019 as a prayer meeting. Charles and Donna Butler Steve and Kerri Mason Kenny Damara and Scott and Aimee Lilly met to discuss starting a new congregation. They prayed for a meeting place and funds. Surprisingly God answered their prayers in a unique way.
Evangelist Hope Church found its home unexpectedly. While searching for a breakfast spot Charles and Kenny stumbled upon the Chicago Hope Cafe. The cafe’s profits supported Chicago Hope Academy. A meeting with the academy’s founder led to an offer to use the school’s space. Funds miraculously appeared soon after. Evangelist Hope Church was born.
Advent services began in December 2019. However the church faced an unforeseen challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020. Illinois’ governor shut down schools including Evangelist Hope Church’s meeting place. The church’s future looked bleak. But within the congregation were three tech-savvy men. Rick Bovell Arun Tikoo and Bryan Butler swiftly transitioned services to Zoom. Only one Sunday was missed. Evangelist Hope Church thrived online for 18 months.
In-person services resumed in 2021 on Labor Day weekend. Pastor Steve later moved on to Winnetka Bible Church in 2022. Scott and Aimee Lilly joined the ministry team that same year. Kenny Damara established Hope In Truth Ministries in India. Evangelist Hope Church continues under Pastor Charles’s leadership. It is a testament to faith adaptability and the power of prayer. Today Evangelist Hope Church stands as a beacon of hope in Chicago. It’s a story of unexpected beginnings unwavering faith and community resilience.