SOMETIMES THE WORLD SEEMS LIKE A VERY DARK PLACE. In this angry world, I have seen a glimpse of light. I have seen kindness, love and hope at a homeless shelter. Siloam Mission is named after a pool where, in Biblical times, Jesus healed a blind man. In this tradition, the Mission has a medical clinic, and I have had the privilege of working there. The homeless men and women I have met at Siloam have taught me profound lessons about perseverance through suffering, expressing joy in dire circumstances, and the rewards of service to those in need. I want to share those lessons with you.
Homeless Joy: An exposé in poetry was conceived as a follow up to J.L. Wright's first book, Unadoptable Joy: A memoir in poetry and prose. As she wrote the honest journey of growing up in foster-care, Miss Wright looked deeper at her story - not knowing if her family and her home was permanent. She further explored her own experiences of living in a tent after graduating from college, while looking for work. Discovering that having a job doesn't mean one can afford safe consistent housing, she began to write. Motivated to address the issue of homelessness, J. L. began telling her own stories of homelessness. She shared the stories of others and looks at the issue of homelessness in more depth. The book Homeless Joy delves into several aspects of homelessness; including who, where, and why. Each aspect introduced with well researched prose, individual stories histories are developed in poetic verse. The tales of the homeless paint a rainbow of contradictions and complications, challenging the reader to grapple with their own personal beliefs and prejudices. This book captures the disconnect between the reality and fantasy of living on the edge; the chasm between questions, answers, and resolution and the ultimate decision to do something to change the future.
The starting and ending points for all outreach have to be love. The most effective way to reach people for Jesus is through kindness outreach—showing God’s love in practical ways. This type of outreach is what Jesus modeled, is culturally relevant, and values people. The goal should be to invite people to take the next step from where they are. Friendship Community Church, led by Pastor Todd Stevens, has experienced tremendous growth through acts of kindness. The church’s most radical kindness project is Nashville Strip Church, founded by Erin Stevens. Erin’s life changed when God told her to “go feed the strippers.” With home-cooked meals and gift bags, Erin shows dancers that God loves them. How to Pick Up a Stripper and Other Acts of Kindness includes the story of a dancer who has come to know Christ, left the strip club industry through Erin’s ministry, and is now serving with Erin to reach other strippers. From feeding the homeless, to Easter egg hunts for special needs children, to ministering in a strip club, How to Pick Up a Stripper and Other Acts of Kindness provides exciting ideas for showing God’s love in practical ways. Features include: Stories from kindness outreach events, including Strip Church Ideas for showing God’s love in practical ways Inspiration to step out of your comfort zone to serve people
"In the course of fund-raising for civilian victims of World War I, Edith Wharton assembled this monumental benefit volume by drawing upon her connections to the era's leading authors and artists. The unique compilation forms a 'Who's Who' of early 20th century culture, featuring poetry, stories, illustrations, music and other contributions from scores of luminaries. ... Much of the text is presented in both English and French. Includes an Introduction by former U. S. President Theodore Roosevelt."--
As one of our country's major social problems, homelessness is often in the news. The media tend to portray the homeless as drunk, stoned, crazy, or sick individuals—a portrayal that is only partly accurate and represents an obstacle to our understanding of the wider social implications of this complex issue. This edited collection examines the various ways—both verbal and visual—in which the homeless have been portrayed by the media from the 1980s to the present day. The contributors apply different frameworks, ranging from phenomenology to culture studies, to analyze the characteristics, implications, and consequences of the stories and images disseminated by the media.
This book continues where my first book left off—with forty photographs and stories of people experiencing homelessness. It is a part of my ongoing mission, begun with volume one, to change the general public’s perception of those experiencing homelessness. So often, as I stated in my first book, they are viewed as subhuman creatures, or a lower order of being than human. Through my photographs and stories I am trying to humanize them, to help the general public see that, apart from the unfortunate circumstances in which these people find themselves, they are no different than you and I. I am heartened that, judging from the comments that my first book has received from people around the world, my work seems to be having this effect. All royalties from this book will be given to Home Horizon: Transitional Support Program.
Jeremy Reynalds is an iconoclast who has combined a genuine passion for the hungry, homeless, abused, and addicted with a creative ministry model in New Mexico. His books give a face to what is often a faceless problem in today's society. This chronicle of his conversion, calling, and creation of an important agency of service-plus his guidelines for setting up a gospel rescue mission-is a valuable read for all who want to follow his lead and demonstrate their commitment to Jesus Christ in a practical manner. - John Ashmen, President, Association of Gospel Rescue Missions In this amazing story, author Jeremy Reynalds, who founded and runs New Mexico's largest emergency homeless shelter and was once homeless himself, shares how he rose from homelessness to the pinnacle of academia, earning a doctorate in intercultural education at Biola University in La Mirada, California. In addition, the book contains stories of precious souls who have fallen on hard times (many of whom we pass by daily often without a glance) and gotten back on their feet again with the help of the Lord at Joy Junction. Jeremy's story inspired and challenged me to pay more attention to the needy and oppressed among us. I pray that it will likewise encourage you. Dan Wooding, founder ASSIST MINISTRIES and ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net) Homelessness in our country is a story about tragedy and hope. Dr. Reynalds weaves together this story beautifully. The power of his words, however, can be found in his compassionate acts. Joel John Roberts, CEO of PATH Partners and Publisher of Inforumusa.org Jeremy Reynalds is truly 'the expert' on homelessness in America. He uniquely understands the issues of hopelessness and despair that drive many to live on the street. He also has learned how to break the homeless cycle and bring hope and healing to broken people and their families. Since his initial outreach to the homeless in a street-mission coffee house in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Jeremy has developed and expertise of helping the homeless that few possess today. His unique insights provide solutions to this growing problem in our society" Randy Wren, M. DIV. Hospital Chaplain Jeremy's call to homeless ministry came through his own life's journey of struggles and ultimate joy. Joy Junction, one of the Southwest's largest homeless shelters, is the result of one man's response to God's call, as he has witnessed God's leading through every step of his life. Ann Edenfield Sweet Wings Ministry Executive Director/Founder
Free of self-pity and pretension and bursting with meaning, this memoir of a resilient girl who went from "homeless to Harvard" is a masterwork of the genre.
A Cry for Help is a vivid and irrefutable picture of the homeless in America, told in their own words. Portraits by acclaimed photographer Mary Ellen Mark join an urgent introduction by Andrew Cuomo, Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, H.U.D. and founder of H.E.L.P. (Housing Enterprise for the Less Privileged). Noted child psychiatrist and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dr. Robert Coles offers a thoughtful preface about the painful effects of homelessness on a child's soul. In the tradition of classic works of advocacy like Let Us Now Praise Famous Men, this book speaks to our national moral conscience and offers an optimistic message that both personal and social change is possible.
Jeremy Reynalds is an iconoclast who has combined a genuine passion for the hungry, homeless, abused, and addicted with a creative ministry model in New Mexico. His books give a face to what is often a faceless problem in today's society. This chronicle of his conversion, calling, and creation of an important agency of serviceplus his guidelines for setting up a gospel rescue missionis a valuable read for all who want to follow his lead and demonstrate their commitment to Jesus Christ in a practical manner. - John Ashmen, President, Association of Gospel Rescue Missions In this amazing story, author Jeremy Reynalds, who founded and runs New Mexico's largest emergency homeless shelter and was once homeless himself, shares how he rose from homelessness to the pinnacle of academia, earning a doctorate in intercultural education at Biola University in La Mirada, California. In addition, the book contains stories of precious souls who have fallen on hard times (many of whom we pass by daily often without a glance) and gotten back on their feet again with the help of the Lord at Joy Junction. Jeremys story inspired and challenged me to pay more attention to the needy and oppressed among us. I pray that it will likewise encourage you. Dan Wooding, founder ASSIST MINISTRIES and ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net) Homelessness in our country is a story about tragedy and hope. Dr. Reynalds weaves together this story beautifully. The power of his words, however, can be found in his compassionate acts. Joel John Roberts, CEO of PATH Partners and Publisher of Inforumusa.org Jeremy Reynalds is truly the expert on homelessness in America. He uniquely understands the issues of hopelessness and despair that drive many to live on the street. He also has learned how to break the homeless cycle and bring hope and healing to broken people and their families. Since his initial outreach to the homeless in a street-mission coffee house in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Jeremy has developed and expertise of helping the homeless that few possess today. His unique insights provide solutions to this growing problem in our society Randy Wren, M. DIV. Hospital Chaplain Jeremys call to homeless ministry came through his own lifes journey of struggles and ultimate joy. Joy Junction, one of the Southwests largest homeless shelters, is the result of one mans response to Gods call, as he has witnessed Gods leading through every step of his life. Ann Edenfield Sweet Wings Ministry Executive Director/Founder
