It’s Called ENDURANCE Ride
by Al Tauber, Stories from the Streets Co-Director It was a hard day. It started well enough. As the 6 am airhorn started the 14th Annual Endurance Ride, it was 63 degrees, with south winds at five miles an hour.…
Scars and Healing
by Joel Brown, Kaio Community Member Franklin was packing up his stuff to leave. “Well, I’m getting ready to swing on out,” he said in his usual cheerful way. But then he added something: “Hey, would you all pray for…
Something Unexpected
by Mary Mayberry, Kaio Community Member “You know what’s cool? When God speaks to you in unexpected ways.” While sipping his coffee at the Center, Franklin reflected on something strange that happened to him recently. “I had just bought drugs…
Prodigals on the Way to Emmaus
by Heather Truex, Kaio Community Member “Make good decisions!” These words used to echo through my middle school as the vice principal finished up the morning announcements on the PA system. Later, a friend in college repeated them jokingly as…
A Different Lens
by Mary Mayberry, Kaio Community Member “Do you care if I hang out with you tonight?” asked Steven. A Chicago native in his early twenties, Steven has become a tourist of sorts. He’s started visiting different bars in unfamiliar neighborhoods…
Seeing Through God’s Eyes
by Heather Truex, Kaio Community Member I get songs stuck in my head very easily. I almost always have a tune and lyrics running through my mind. This night on Outreach is no different. My partner is tired and conversation…
Breathe
by Al Tauber, Stories from the Streets Co-Director I’ve never tried scuba diving. Friends who do it say i would enjoy it, but the opportunity has never come up, and, you know – sharks. But lately an image of scuba…
Stuck Like Glue
by Heather Truex, Kaio Community MemberI’m sitting in a diner on the outskirts of Chicago’s south suburbs. Al and I made the 45-minute drive to visit “Gary,” who is in the booth across from me. He has a warm smile…
Food and Friendship
by Mary Mayberry, Kaio Community Member “I’m just so lonely!” Craig blurted out as he approached Andrew and me. We were on Outreach on a chilly Sunday evening. You try not to pick favorites, but Craig has endeared himself to…
The Path through the Pain
by Joel Brown, Kaio Community Member I was cooking in the Ministry Center when Emilio burst into the room and snatched his belongings out of the cupboard. “This place is no damn different,” he muttered under his breath. As I…