As we mentioned before, we are still working relentlessly to find a solution to homelessness in our area. We have been making phone calls and sending emails non-stop to make Momma’s Houses a reality.

In the meantime, though, we’re also trying to help with the (smaller) necessities. On New Year’s Eve, we delivered some handmade scarves, hats, and prayer pillows to the homeless shelter. As we carried the supplies in and talked with some of the people, we ran into a man we’ve talked to a few times before.

He is homeless. And he’s allowed us the opportunity to give him a voice. (Thank you, Kevin!) He wants to share his story with you….

This is Kevin 

My daughter talking to Kevin

Here is his story…

“I came from Oklahoma. I had lost my job. Me and my girlfriend moved to Arkansas. We split up and I ended up in Springfield looking for work. I haven’t found a job yet.”

Kevin is 50 years old.

He says: “I’m a diabetic, and I’m out of my medicine.”

When I asked him what his main goal for 2010 is, he replied (with hope): “I want to get a job, a home, and a vehicle. I want to rebuild my life.”

Kevin has mentioned to us (numerous times) that he has kept his driver’s license current. He even has a chauffer’s license!

He’s a multi-talented man. Some of his many skills include:

1. mechanic
2. grilling
3. construction
4. chauffer

And, of course, he has phenomenal survival skills as well.

He brought up the fact that a lot of people who are homeless die on the streets during the colder months because they don’t know how to survive.

“I know how to use cardboard,” he said, “to protect myself from the cold.” He is also a pro at finding a place to keep dry during storms.

Before we left, we asked him if there was anything else he wanted to share with you. There was….

Kevin’s message to the world is this:

“We (the homeless) are NOT all alcoholics, drug addicts, or mentally ill.

I am NOT a drug addict, alcoholic, or mentally ill – I just lost my job. ”

I asked Kevin as soon as we have a facility, a Momma’s House, to take him to, would he be willing to go? 

He said, “yes.”

“I can drive for you, help you remodel, or whatever you need.”

I told him as soon as we get him on his feet, get him a job, a house, and a vehicle, he will have his life restored, but he’ll never be out on his own.

“We’ll always be your family. You’ll be on a foundation.”

And if he ever ended up in a bad situation again, he would never be homeless. He could always come home.

That’s how you end homelessness – you create a universal family.

No, I am not so naive to think that we can accomplish this with everyone. There are those who choose drugs, choose alcohol, and choose the shelters. They make a career out of being fed, clothed, and living out of missions. But then there are others, like Kevin, who we will be able to take and transform.

Please, please, won’t you help us change one life at a time….

You can also write to us at the following address:

Highways and Byways Ministries

P.O. Box 115

Diggins, MO 65636

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