Convicted?

“What’s your definition of a Christian? Is it broad enough to encompass the drug dealers, pimps, prostitutes and broken people of the world? Jesus said He came to heal the sick. Drug addicts are messed up just the same as liars are messed up, just the same as all humans are messed up. We all need Jesus. We all struggle with sin in our lives.” In Under the Overpass, author Mike Yankoski and buddy Sam Purvis enter the world of homelessness after Mike feels convicted of never having a moment where he fully needs to lean on Christ. He decides to follow the calling to step out of his comfortable, middle-class upbringing, and be content with nothing but God.

Their stories are ones I suspect many homeless people have but now are given a voice. They are hungry enough to eat out of trash cans, tired enough to sleep under an overpass in torrential rains, broke enough to panhandle for cash, but not downtrodden enough to see what Jesus puts before them. In each story is a glimmer of hope keeping them content on their journey. The people they encounter are in desperate situations but are in a place to teach Mike and Sam a view of the world they never encounter before. Through these relationships they see time and time again that God is faithful.

Mike and Sam learn following Jesus is hard. It is so much more than, “putting on a Christian acronym bracelet or a cross T-shirt.” You may not have the same calling as they do, but after reading this book you will have a different perspective on the plight of the homeless. You may choose to follow a different path of relying on God and reaching out to others. This book just may convict you. Are you willing to live your life abandoned to Him?

After reading this book several years ago my family has gotten involved feeding the homeless.  While there a many programs and groups that we could sign up with to help, we decided we would do it on our own as a family.  Every few months we gather supplies, pack lunches, and head downtown.  We spend the afternoon handing out things but more importantly, talking to folks.  It has been great for our kids to see that homeless people are PEOPLE.   And that even a few people can make a difference .  Last year our oldest daughter collected items for the homeless instead of gifts at her birthday party.  This is a lasting ministry for our family and am proud of our kids for making it their own ministry as well!

I received no compensation for this review.  I am also reviewing it over at Blogging for Books but did not receive the book from them.  You can find it at Amazon HERE or Barnes & Noble HERE.

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