Monday, May 10, 2010

Truth Gospel Church

Storefront churches have always intrigued me.  They are touching offerings of comfort, faith, and hope and are most often found in the hard scrabble neighborhoods of our city.  They express the calling and longing of those who build them and those who attend them.  This church at Foothill and about 15th Ave. is housed in what looks like a former garage or tiny store.  I wonder what the Chinese translation actually says?
Posted by Oakland Daily Photo at 1:22 PM
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8 comments:

  1. James MarkMay 10, 2010 at 1:38 PM

    Interesting shot and thoughtful remarks. I'm often struck by how unintelligible the names of some churches are to the outsider though I'm not sure I have a solution. In some circles over here it has become fashionable to go for something simple like "Christchurch" followed by the name of the location.

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  2. Leslie D.May 10, 2010 at 5:13 PM

    Fascinating. I guess it doesn't much matter except "Wherever two or more are gathered..."

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  3. MarkaMay 10, 2010 at 6:12 PM

    Very interesting. I'll have to keep an eye out for them whenever I'm in cities from now on. Thanks for sharing.

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  4. PaulaMay 10, 2010 at 6:58 PM

    It's so tiny, but with such a bold sign. Curious how more than one or two families could fit. Great find.

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  5. Louis la VacheMay 10, 2010 at 8:31 PM

    Despite Mme la Vache being from China originally, «Louis» is far from well-versed in the Chinese languages. With that caution in mind, it appears to «Louis» that the sign in fact does read "Truth Gospel Church" in the traditional Chinese character set still used on Taiwan as opposed to the simplified character set used by the Mandarin-speaking parts of mainland China.

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  6. TashMay 10, 2010 at 9:56 PM

    According to Translate Google (not to undermine the excellent knowledge of Mme la Vache...I looked it up before seeing Louis' entry) Truth Gospel Church = 真理福音教會 (traditional Chinese).
    I also think your remarks are very touching.

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  7. SenoritaMay 10, 2010 at 11:50 PM

    I love churches like this. I think that I should take some from San Jose.

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  8. Eleonora BaldwinMay 11, 2010 at 12:52 AM

    Amazing. I had never heard of storefront churches, I'm amazed that there even is a term defining them.

    This here is an image of hope and immense compassion, altruism, benevolence and love. I live in a city where churches are opulent, rich and many. But the modesty of this little shack with its bold painted sign in 2 languages is more powerful than many basilicas.

    I am so touched by this post and some of the comments.

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