Life in the Cross Ministries Serves as a Hospital to the Spiritually Hurt

A few years back when the local business His Store closed, residents in the surrounding area wondered what would replace walls full of Jesus paintings, statues, rosaries and more.

Little did anyone know, but a church moved in, bringing "His Word."

Pastor David Fosco, who has been in ministry since 1984, said he felt a calling to bring the lifesaving words of Jesus Christ to the community. Fosco's wife Jodi said the ministry brings in a certain type of person.

"The Lord showed me, the Bible study we had started, it would be a hospital of those coming out of churches where they had been hurt or abused by pastors, pastors wives and other members," Jodi said.

"So many people have been hurt, including us," she continued. "We've gone through churches that really hurt us in deep ways but I wouldn't take back any of it. The Lord showed us that we are to minister to those, because we've been there, we know. So we say, here we are Lord, we'll be that hospital, we'll be your hands and feet extended."

Recently, the church held Vacation Bible School, where Patch stopped in to see how things were going. Children became cowboys in Chicago Heights as the church was turned into the Old West. 

Patch: How long have you been in Chicago Heights? 

Fosco: Personally I've  lived in Chicago Heights since 1984. We started this church in our house in Chicago Heights about 6 years ago. We went through the State of Illinois, became incorporated and now we're a church. We've been at Dino's Plaza for about 1 1/2 years.

What is your church known for?

I'm not sure. I'd like the community to know about us. We are a church called Life In The Cross. What makes us different from a lot of evangelical churches is that we believe that when Jesus died on the cross, it was finished. Everything that we need including the power to live this without doing it in our own strength.

A lot of churches tell their congregation, they have to go through a 12-step program or 40 days in a book or enter into a six-week fast. It puts all the emphasis on what we do. We are a church that believes when he said "It is finished," it was. He supplied everything that we need, through the cross, through His death. We don't believe you can work your way into being good.

The Bible says there is none good, no not me. In reality when you were born again you are baptized in the body of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Who are some notable members of your congregation? 

Donna Fanning, who works for State Rep. Anthony DeLuca. She knows a lot about the communities and is in touch with a lot of people. Joe Faso, he's not a member but has come by to our service a few times. 

Any future plans for the church? 

We just want God to reach the community. The only hope is in Jesus. A lot of people think born again Christians were born that way. The Lord changed our lives, he brought hope, peace and life to us. The world is lost and they don't know it. They're walking in darkness. We want to see people in the light and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Any final comments?  

When people come out of the typical evangelical church, they come out with a lot of guilt and a lot of condemnation. They are told the struggles in their life are their problems, that they have to pray harder or read harder or that something is lacking with their walk with the Lord.

We have consistently taught our congregation Romans chapter 6. When they get a revelation of the work of the cross and what Jesus supplies and put our faith in the finished work of the cross. The bible says everything you need that pertains to life and Godliness has been given to you. We have people coming in that are getting a revelation, taking the condemnation off of them. The guilt and the shame off of them setting them free. Know it's not about their works, it's about trusting in His work and in His working by the Holy Spirit that now lives in us changes people.

We preach: It's not shame on you, it's shame off you.

Life in the Cross Church is located at 425 Ashland Ave in Dino's Plaza in Chicago Heights. Service is on Sunday at 10 a.m., which includes worship and a children's church service is at the same time. Bible study is on Thursdays at 7 p.m..