vanessa church - speaking of ... church
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photo by steed media service
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Religion and Lifestyle Editor, The Windy City Word
Vanessa Church was a Muslim until 12 years ago. She now admits that she’s a “J.C. Fan,” which is short for “Jesus Christ Fanatic.” As a Christian, Church has dedicated her life to writing and Christian missionary service. She’s currently the religion and lifestyle editor for The Windy City Word, a Chicago weekly newspaper. She believes she’s been called to represent the interests of the voiceless women and vulnerable children in this world who live in poverty. And … her last name is Church — how appropriately ironic.
As a relief and development specialist for World Vision, “The Church Lady” Church traveled across the United States speaking at churches and conferences to raise awareness and to engage church members in the 30-Hour Famine, African Child Sponsorship. She helped the organization raise much-needed funds to be used to address issues of starvation, unclean water, HIV/AIDS and the plight of African orphans.
“What I have found to be true is that the black church community is very generous in donating to international relief once they’re made aware of the need,” Church explains. “It’s important and our responsibility that we, the indigenous Africans born here in America, stay abreast of what’s happening there on the African continent. Our roots are there; they are us and we are them.”
Since leaving World Vision, she’s using her talents as a writer for The Windy City Word, bringing awareness to various community issues on the local level — particularly the West Side of Chicago.
“There are a lot of West Side pastors and community leaders who are dedicated to advocating on behalf of the disenfranchised,” she reveals. “Their concern is infectious and it’s catching on like wildfire. As it unfolds, my pen and I will be there.”
-gavin philip godfrey
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