Dianne S. (Lavendergrey) reviewed Under the Overpass : A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America on + 20 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
This book is excellent...insights that grabbed my conscience and gave me much food for thought. Being a Christian, I was also convicted of how I unconsciously avoid those who may not be as well off as I am, or seem like they are very different. Also that before I can change that, I need to change my heart and my way of relating to people...through prayer and listening to God. Reading it also made me cringe with shame at how the majority of Christians in this country would rather ignore, or even berate, the homeless and needy. Regardless of how they became homeless or needy, the Christian community needs to be more giving and caring of these people.
Really...anyone would benefit from reading this book. I highly recommend it.
Really...anyone would benefit from reading this book. I highly recommend it.
Lesa C. (4fabfelines) reviewed Under the Overpass : A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America on + 112 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Mike is a christian, and like most went to school, church and his day to day activities thinking everything was good..or good enough.
One day, at a church sermon, The Holy Spirit works on Mike's heart.
What if: I really believed God for my day to day needs, next to those who don't have anything at all? Would God still be God in my life?
So begins a journey with Mike and a friend named Sam.
They take a backpack, a bed roll and set off to 5 pre determined locations.
They have a safety net of advisors and elders that they can call on if they need to, but they are living on blind faith.
Along the way their faith does get stirred, and both men gain a deep appreciation for the small things in life.
They meet some real characters and some that challenge what a christian is: is it the suit and tie guy that refused the homeless enter the church grounds, or the homeless drug addict that loves God and Jesus Christ but cannot break free of his addiction.
Rats, storms, cockroaches, police, distain, hunger and heat... they have it all and learn alot along the way.
This is a real thought provoking book and not for the "religous" set in their ways. This is the real Jesus walking among us with skin on..In the homeless and churched alike..PS It looks like love.
One day, at a church sermon, The Holy Spirit works on Mike's heart.
What if: I really believed God for my day to day needs, next to those who don't have anything at all? Would God still be God in my life?
So begins a journey with Mike and a friend named Sam.
They take a backpack, a bed roll and set off to 5 pre determined locations.
They have a safety net of advisors and elders that they can call on if they need to, but they are living on blind faith.
Along the way their faith does get stirred, and both men gain a deep appreciation for the small things in life.
They meet some real characters and some that challenge what a christian is: is it the suit and tie guy that refused the homeless enter the church grounds, or the homeless drug addict that loves God and Jesus Christ but cannot break free of his addiction.
Rats, storms, cockroaches, police, distain, hunger and heat... they have it all and learn alot along the way.
This is a real thought provoking book and not for the "religous" set in their ways. This is the real Jesus walking among us with skin on..In the homeless and churched alike..PS It looks like love.
N R. (Moonpie) reviewed Under the Overpass : A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America on + 1175 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I was very excited to read this book and definitely was not disappointed. Two young men after hearing a convicting sermon decide to test their Christianity and see if they could be true Christians without all their physical blessings.
They choose to live homeless on the streets with no help and no contact with their families for 5 months. I have always had compassion toward the homeless but this book was a real eye opener. Even with Mr. Yankoskis detailed account I still cannot imagine the horrors and suffering these people face in their daily existence, many for decades. I was shocked and irritated at the heartlessness and lack of love shown by professing Christians and worse yet churches!
Some have put themselves in this position by their choices as drug addicts and alcoholics, but they still deserve to see the love of Christ and the milk of human kindness. Some are their because of hardship, bad health and mental illness. No matter what their condition, they are still people and souls that hurt and have needs. They are somebodys child, sibling or parent.
This book also brought to light how these people are hurting so badly and fixing them with hard preaching about "Fire & Brimstone" when they are already suffering: is not what they need. Yes they need to hear the gospel but they need to see His love in action and find hope.
This book has given me a great desire to reach out to the homeless and never forget they are someone Christ died for. It may not be pleasant or comfortable but it needs to be done. I appreciate the authors cautions of not going alone and not giving them money. He suggests many ways to help. An excellent book!
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
They choose to live homeless on the streets with no help and no contact with their families for 5 months. I have always had compassion toward the homeless but this book was a real eye opener. Even with Mr. Yankoskis detailed account I still cannot imagine the horrors and suffering these people face in their daily existence, many for decades. I was shocked and irritated at the heartlessness and lack of love shown by professing Christians and worse yet churches!
Some have put themselves in this position by their choices as drug addicts and alcoholics, but they still deserve to see the love of Christ and the milk of human kindness. Some are their because of hardship, bad health and mental illness. No matter what their condition, they are still people and souls that hurt and have needs. They are somebodys child, sibling or parent.
This book also brought to light how these people are hurting so badly and fixing them with hard preaching about "Fire & Brimstone" when they are already suffering: is not what they need. Yes they need to hear the gospel but they need to see His love in action and find hope.
This book has given me a great desire to reach out to the homeless and never forget they are someone Christ died for. It may not be pleasant or comfortable but it needs to be done. I appreciate the authors cautions of not going alone and not giving them money. He suggests many ways to help. An excellent book!
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
Donna E. (impossible) reviewed Under the Overpass : A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America on + 3352 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Quite an adventure for the author - and for the reader. Don't expect nice sweet Christianity - this hits us church people below the belt - and is very good for us.
Helpful Score: 1
An engaging, encouraging book. I couldn't put it down! Thought-provoking without being "preachy". Gave so much insight that I feel like I can actually DO something for the homeless now. Loved it!!
