In the Beginning Was the Word, and the Word Was From A Book…
Here is a sampling of fun moments captured on the streets getting to know new faces. The following video is of my first friend, Taylor (Tye). He approached me while reading a book at Liberty Park and asked me what it was. Interesting, it was a book called, “How To Know A Person.” We spent the next 30 minutes getting to know each other. I asked him to share a personal message with my son in Oregon and this was his response. Then we went to Chuck-A-Rama and had an eating contest. I won.
This next video is of my friend, “Cowboy Kevin,” who has an amazing story to share. You’ll find a link to his audio interview we made over lunch. Even though he is homeless, he is very willing and anxious to help me in my outreach. He has helped me distribute resources on a number of occasions. As a former emergency room nurse, he understands the importance of kindness & compassion. I have had 2 other homeless friends also offer to help me distribute resources to other homeless people at Pioneer Park. On at least 4 occasions I have had people tell me that they would like to open a rehab clinic for homeless people when they get off the streets. There is a genuine goodness out there among so many.
“Cowboy” won this eating contest. He said it had been about 12 years since he had eaten a good meal like this. He has a good head and a good heart like so many out there.
My friends Braken & Melodee, helped me and “Cowboy” distribute resources (lunch & folding chairs) at Pioneer Park. Braken was formerly homeless himself and has made a 180* turn thanks to a loving support network and his faith & trust in God. Melodee is a genuine saint and always offering to make sandwiches, buy water and collect supplies for distribution. This synergistic relationship is necessary for long-term success—it’s people helping people in a common cause with each person contributing what they can.
Here is another homeless friend, “Tazz,” who had recently been released from prison and trying to make a go of it on the streets. He offered to help distribute resources to other people in the park with me & Melodee.
My friend, Christian Oct. 17, 2025 (Fast-forward exactly 2 months to December 17, 2025 to see what happens in “Interview With Sunny” below
These resources were provided by my friend, Brent, who made today’s outreach possible:
Here is my friend, Sylvester, who is currently displaced and trying to find housing himself and is dependent on free food distribution. He asked me to bring him here to receive his free box and decides he is going to donate it to someone else in need. Listen to his goodness:
After finding someone who needed the box of food, Silvester asked if I wanted to see what dinner was like in a homeless shelter. Here is the experience—the food—and 2 interviews I conducted—one with Junior at the table (audio), and then one outside with Sunny who sat down right across from me just as I was finishing my meal and leaving. I quickly said “hello” before I left and she looked up in tears. I asked what she needed and an entire unexpected sequence of events played out. Following the 2 audios, I include a personal audio summarizing my experiences after I got home. As you will see, there are divine elements at play behind the scenes that I didn’t fully realize until afterwards. God truly is in the details of EVERYONE’S lives whether we see it or not.
*Thank you to the amazing kind, generous, and saintly volunteers cooking & serving countless meals at St. Vincents without fanfare or recognition. This is MY public shout out to you good people and your inspired organization!—Truly a wonderful experience being there. THANK YOU!
(Right to left):
Sunny, Ashley, Junior
