Emmaus founder, Deacon John Green

Dear Friends,

I write you from my boyhood home of Silver Lake, Ohio. As you may be aware, my family and I moved here in the summer of 2009 for a sabbatical to care for my ailing parents. We were able to be with my father before he passed away in October of 2009, and we continue to care for my mother as she faces serious health issues.

My time away from Chicago has given me a new perspective on Emmaus Ministries. Over the past two years I have seen the incredible dynamism and wonderful opportunity for growth that Emmaus Ministries has under the leadership of Jonathan Hancock (Executive Director since 2009 and a founding Board Member). Last year we celebrated our 20th anniversary. Due to Jonathan’s steady hand and the generosity of donors like you who remain committed to this good work, we are financially stable. In the midst of the worst recession in a generation, the ministry has continued to stand firm and even increased the scope of its outreach. We have seen an increase in men selling themselves on the streets, but we have also experienced God’s blessings as we care for them and lead them to lives of faith, hope, and wholeness. I remain in awe of the way God has His hand on this ministry.

I am writing this to share some important news with you. After much prayer and discernment this past winter, my wife Carolyn and I realized that God has called us to remain in Ohio for the foreseeable future. My desire to care for my mother during her final years has only strengthened during our time with her. Carolyn and our four children have been blessed by the opportunity to live with and serve her in this simple manner. In addition, God has clearly opened doors of growth for me here, and I am thrilled to walk in the paths He continues to lay out for Carolyn and me.

This calling requires me to transition into an active but “emeritus” role at Emmaus. As of January 1, 2012 I will resign my employment with Emmaus but will continue as Counsel to the Board of Directors. I can assure you that my commitment and love for this mission remains strong. I will continue to promote my book, Streetwalking with Jesus, and connect with our supporters around the country for the rest of 2011, and I look forward to promoting and encouraging the life-changing work of Emmaus however I can in 2012 and beyond.

I certainly feel a lot of emotion regarding this transition. Above all, I am thankful to God for the opportunity to have started this vital work and for the wonderful people He’s called to work alongside me over the years. I take immense joy in my ability to stand back as a proud “parent” and celebrate what God has done through Emmaus, and that it continues to flourish as a strong, healthy, and vibrant ministry today.

We have weathered three tough years and are on a strong and growing financial footing. Our Board of Directors (led by Board President and regular Ministry Center volunteer Paul Horcher) cares deeply for the men on the streets and continues to guide the long-term plans for the ministry’s future. In the capable hands of Jonathan Hancock—as well as those of the caring, committed, and dedicated staff on the streets, in the Ministry Center, and running the office—the mission and work of Emmaus Ministries remain secure. We steadfastly affirm our identity as an evangelical ministry of Roman Catholic and Protestant Christians committed to making Jesus known on the streets among men involved in sexual exploitation. We clearly uphold our values of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, relationship as the basis for ministry, and uniting the body of Christ through ministry to those most wounded on the streets.

Finally, I am thankful to you for your amazing support over the years. Without your gifts and prayers, we would not be able to carry out the mission God has given us. Please pray for all of us during this time of transition. We will, as always, continue to pray for you.

In His Grip,

Deacon John Green
Founder, Emmaus Ministries