Idene Wilkerson, known as Ma Siss.
A new church is planted in the United States every two hours. Some are founded by preachers, and some by missionaries. This one was founded by Ma Siss.
bonus video Leap for Joy -- the congregation sings
photos The Birth of a Church
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Holding hands and praying at Ma Siss's Place.
Aaron Graham was just 22 when he felt the call. The son of a Southern Baptist missionary, he left his belongings behind and moved north to Boston. Four months later, he met Ma Siss.
bonus video Leap for Joy -- the congregation sings
photos The Mission
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(Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff)Dora Vaughan received prayers after asking for forgiveness.
Dora Vaughan was a mainstay of the embryonic congregation. But if Dora's presence was vital, her absence could be devastating -- and would be in the crisis year ahead.
bonus video Leap for Joy -- the congregation sings
PHOTOS A flood of troubles
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(Globe Staff / Pat Greenhouse)Pastor Aaron Graham prepared a youth for a baptism. 
More than three years after Ma Siss and her neighbors optimistically named their prayer group the Quincy Street Missional Church, their hold on this shabby area near Upham's Corner remained fragile.
bonus video Leap for Joy -- the congregation sings
photos 'No turning back'
