When cold weather arrives in Chicago, it leaves those sleeping outside with little choice but to seek shelter from the elements. With the frigid temperatures come many people who usually wouldn’t come to us for help, and because of this they are able to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. While not everyone who hears the Word of God preached may join the Bible program or become saved, we rest assured knowing the seed of faith has been planted and God can work in their lives in time.

In this month’s issue, we hear from Steve, who came to PGM to escape the cold. Steve found much more here than warmth and food; he encountered God’s love. There are many stories like Steve’s here, and their stories wouldn’t have been possible without your help.

Steve

“Hi, my name is Steve and I am from Chicago. I am 66 years old. I grew up on the north side. My father had four bars and two car dealerships. I have been working all my life, but I became an alcoholic. I did drugs like cocaine and marijuana, and I had a major gambling problem. What brought me to Pacific Garden Mission is that I was at the end of my wits. I had lost my kid brother, Tommy, who died of fentanyl two years ago. I lost most of my friends. I am the only one left. I have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and other health issues.

“The bottom line is: I was homeless. I moved out because the place I was living was rat-infested and had bedbugs, mold, and water coming through the walls. It just got too bad and I couldn’t stay there anymore, so I lived in my car. Then my car broke down and that is how I ended up being homeless. I had never been homeless in my life. I worked hard all my life but would spend it as soon as I got it.

“I was almost suicidal and was asking why I was here and did God have a plan for me? Something made me come here.”

“It was cold out and it was November. I was sick and a friend of mine told me about PGM. He said ‘You know the ‘Jesus Saves’ sign? Go there.’ Something kept driving me to come to PGM. It was in my brain because I was at my wit’s end. I was almost suicidal and was asking why I was here and did God have a plan for me? Something made me come here. I walked for miles three days in a row to get in here. I had even gone to the police station, but they told me I couldn’t stay there and threw me out. I was at the end of my rope; I came here, and they took me in, and I appreciate it.

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15 KJV

“I feel God inside me. PGM has made me aware of how God and Jesus work. It is a feeling I have never had before. My mother was religious. She was a Catholic who went to church all the time. She always wanted me to follow in her footsteps, but I never did. I even went to Catholic school, but it was like you never learn anything. I was at the end of my rope, so maybe that is why I am doing what I am doing now.

“I thank God for this place because it saved my life. I was desperate. I had no clothes and everything I needed or wished for in my head came. I could see the change in people here and I was starting to feel something. I am brand new to it, but I know something is going on. I have to keep with it because it is making me stronger and I am glad to share my story because it is true and I am blessed. I am currently working on getting a place in Galena, IL.

“I feel the Holy Spirit. I used to need six to ten beers each day, and now I don’t even desire it. It is almost like it is automatically happening to me. I still need to learn a lot. I have been to 14 hospitals since November but still have that drive and pray to God every day. I love going to church and hearing people’s stories. I am shy but now I am learning to open up.

“When I got here, I was scared, and it took me a while to adjust but after about a week, I started to adapt to it. The place is clean. You have beds and showers, and the food is good. The church and learning about God five times a day doesn’t bother me, and in fact, it helps me. I am glad they do it and thank God this place is here. I ask the guys who come here and complain about it where can you go where you get showers and clothes, and where you pay no rent. Pacific Garden Mission has saved my life. I was at the end of my rope until I came here, and I appreciate everything you guys do for me.”

As Steve shared in his story, he was at his wit’s end after losing everything. Facing health and housing issues, Steve felt led to come to PGM for help and has found not only physical help but also spiritual help. There are many at PGM, like Steve, who may not join the Bible program or confess Christ as their Savior. Still, they are able to witness the positive effects of a relationship with God in others and themselves, which can often grow into something much more. Thank you for helping us care for people like Steve and hundreds of others each day, sharing the love of God and His Gospel with them.