January 2026 - Volume 38, Number 1 | Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only. (James 1.22)

SAVING LIVES ON THE COLDEST NIGHTS

Handing out an extra blanket to a man who wishes to stay outside.

When winter temperatures drop dangerously low, Aaron Jones, a member of Wayside’s Good Samaritan Patrol, searches through Louisville's streets for homeless people who need help. Armed with warm blankets, he invites each person he finds to take refuge inside Wayside's shelter before the cold becomes life-threatening.

"Do you want to come inside Wayside tonight?" he asks people sleeping outside. "It's going to get really cold tonight. You could get frostbite or hypothermia." Some people say no. Others follow Aaron to safety.

During freezing nights, Wayside opens its doors to everyone through a special program called Operation White Flag. They add extra beds in TV rooms and put mats on floors. They even have spaces for pets so people don't have to leave their animals behind.

"When it gets this cold, we do everything possible to get people inside," says Nina Moseley, Wayside’s Chief Operating Officer. Our faith tells us to take action. Once inside, we give them three hot meals and help them get back on their feet."

Aaron, and other Samaritan Patrollers, will keep looking through the frozen nights—offering one blanket, having one conversation, and helping one person at a time.

Aaron often patrols for people fighting the freezing streets.

Wayside will put mats down to make extra room for people who want to come in during freezing weather.

Help them with your donation: Text/Call 664-7112 or CLICK HERE

Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs brought backpacks for vets.

Allied Universal volunteers helped with lunch and our Christmas mailing.

Dick & Ardi Wilson gave dozens of stuffed bears for moms & kids.

Wayside THANKS EVERYONE who answered Christ's call to serve "the least of these" with joy, fun, and dignity this holiday season.

Hwang's Martial Arts collected nearly 4,000 large cans of vegetables, which their students and staff delivered to the Mission. This incredible donation will help provide nutritious vegetables to clients well into 2026.

The Priory of the Holy Sepulchre donated an incredible 1134 pounds of turkey and 520 pounds of ham to help bring nutritious meals to our shelter clients.

The Mission was honored to have four U of L basketball greats--Wiley Brown, Robbie Valentine, Milt Wagner, and Chris West--help serve food to our guests.

The Kiwanis Club helped kids and parents enjoy Breakfast with Santa.

Kids on the Family floor enjoyed

pillow donations for Christmas.

See Wayside’s holiday TV coverage CLICK HERE

ESPN Radio’s ‘Cram the Van’ event at Kohl's raised money for kids' gifts at Wayside’s Christmas Store.

On Christmas Eve, Santa came to bring families stories of Jesus followed by many delightful gifts from Community Sponsors.

Hundreds of volunteers, donors, and Wayside staff made Christmas brighter by serving thousands of meals to our community.

Homeless folks on the street lined up for freshly grilled burgers, sides and more on Christmas day.

“They made a difference and they're still a child of God.”

Nina Moseley honored the homeless neighbors we lost in 2025.

Supporters gathered in the cold to remember their fallen friends.

Our community gathered on December 22nd to remember our homeless neighbors who died in 2025. Nina Moseley and Randall Webber of Wayside led the ceremony atop the courthouse steps.

"These are people, individuals just like the rest of us," Nina shared. "They had desires, hopes, and dreams. They're not just a statistic."

Each person remembered was someone's parent, child, brother, or sister. Some had stayed at Wayside Christian Mission. Others lived on the streets. All had stories before hardship changed their lives.

"Their demons may have overtaken them, but they made a difference and they're still a child of God," Nina said. "We want the world to know these people were important to us."

Randall shared a devotional message. Then, one by one, names were read aloud. A moment of silence followed.

Nina thanked Louisville's generous community. "We know you're there. We appreciate all the help you give."

The service ended with prayer and a simple request: show greater kindness to your neighbors. Whether volunteering, serving meals, or praying at home, everyone can help someone find hope.