To the north and west of the church, teens carrying cell phones and beepers stand on street corners to serve as lookouts for crack and marijuana dealers. It took the Rev. Virgil Jones Jr. a while to get used to the seediness. But just because I didn't grow up on the streets, doesn't mean I don't have anything to share. By 9 p.m., three of the groups are standing on sidewalks talking to women. While the words may vary, the message is always the same.
Some people end up refusing the money.
One man walks by and asks to pray with the men to get the money. They offer the prayer, but no money. As he turns the corner and approaches the parish driveway, he discovers a group of about 15 teens just outside the church. Pfleger is sure they're up to no good. That's what angers me' The teens scatter, and the police arrive minutes later.