The numbers donâ??t lie: Chicagoâ??s had a violent year. Last month, the Chicago Tribune reported that the cityâ??s 2016 death toll of 487 was already on the verge of eclipsing last yearâ??s, exceeding that of both New York and Los Angeles combined. In fact, August was the most violent month Chicago has seen in 20 years, marked by 78 homicides and more than 400 shootings.
But numbers donâ??t tell the whole truth, either. For many who live outside the affected neighborhoods, Chicagoâ??s troubles might be just another news story or political talking point. Those who live and do ministry in the city, though, can attest to the ways in which its peopleâ??and, of course, its churchesâ??are working to build relationships, uplift communities, and restore peace.
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