September 2025 - Volume 37, Number 8 | Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only. (James 1.22)

Army Veteran Calls Wayside 'Very Christian Environment' That Saves Lives

Army Vet, Kayla, has found Wayside’s Christian atmosphere transformative.

Kayla spent seven years in the U.S. Army. She served our country in Bosnia and Hungary. But after leaving the military, she and her husband faced hard times.

Even with help from the government, they couldn’t afford a safe place to live in Louisville. They had to live in a dangerous area where "people are firing weapons all night."

In February, Kayla came to Wayside Christian Mission. She found more than just a place to sleep. She found a place filled with God’s love.

"Every time I walk inside this doorstep, the cross that you all have represents Jesus," she says. "I can feel the love of Christ in here." The Christian feeling at Wayside changed her life. The music in Cardinal Cafe lifts her spirits. Bible stories and verses are everywhere. The staff is kind and friendly. "This is a very Christian environment," Kayla explains.

Also, as a veteran, she got amazing help. "When I first arrived, I had a backpack. We didn't have much clothing or food." Wayside gave us everything we needed—hot meals, clothes, bedding, and caring counselors who "want Veterans helped."

Now preparing to move into permanent housing, Kayla has this message for struggling veterans: "When that help is needed, take it. Don't give up and say they can't help me. There's somebody that'll hook you up with a counselor."

Hotel Louisville’s cross represents Jesus, says Kayla.

DIRECTOR'S CORNER: Samaritan Patrol Helps Save a Life; Teaches the REAL Value of Volunteering

Recently, members of St. Michael’s Orthodox Church were volunteering for Wayside’s Good Samaritan Patrol, when they actually helped save a life!

David and his nephew, Joshua, were passing out supplies at the corner of Brook and Broadway. There was a man laying on the side of the road and Joshua checked on him. He was non-responsive. After asking around, one woman said she knew he was overdosing. Joshua immediately called EMS, which came and transported the man to the hospital.

The paramedic said the man wouldn’t have made it had they not gotten there. So, it was very fortunate David and Joshua were there. And that’s just one of the ways the Good Samaritan Patrol helps saves lives.

Molly was handing out cold water, sandwiches,

and UPS hygiene kits on a recent Samaritan Patrol.

Are you ready to help save lives?

“I feel like it’s paramount that we Christians start practicing this. And the only thing I can do is lead by example. That's what I'm trying to do. And you feel like what you're doing is making a difference in someone's life.”

Molly

David

“I've been donating money to causes for a long time, but to actually donate my time and energy, meet and talk with these folks, be around them, and let them know that there are people who care. That is far more than you'll ever feel writing a check!”

If you and/or your church can help with the

Good Samaritan Patrol, Call or Text 502-345-0081

HOLIDAY HELP NEEDED

This holiday season, let's join together to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Wayside is seeking your generous support to ensure that every person has a memorable Thanksgiving and Christmas. Look over our needs and call or follow the link below to sign up online NOW to book your help!

For THANKSGIVING:

Need servers, special projects (stamping mailers, decoration teams to put up Christmas trees on Thanksgiving Day)

For CHRISTMAS:

A. We need sponsors for families

• Choose a family (individuals help small families; groups help large families). Call 502-345-0081 and we'll provide you with a family in need, with info about their children's ages, and their interests.

• Shop & wrap: Next, you’ll purchase gifts tailored to their preferences and wrap them with care.

• Donate: Drop off your gifts by Dec.22 for our Christmas Eve party.

B. We need a church or a group to sponsor our Shelter Men’s Christmas Eve party - You’ll make gift bags, bake cookies, and hold a party at the Shelter with your own Santa; caroling would be a nice bonus!

C. We need volunteers for our free Christmas store - Whether you have a few hours or a whole day to spare, your time is invaluable. To signup to help us guide moms through the store to shop for their family, please call Carol at 502-419-2486.

Call or text today: 502-345-0081, or signup online here.

First Presbyterian Church members from Montana served meals at the Shelter.

Southeast Christian Bible Club members assisted in the kitchen.

Presbytery of the Western Reserve (OH) youths helped organize at the Shelter.

Noel Murray teaches clients how to quit smoking through hypnosis.

Miss Virginia held a fun dancing class for our Mission clients

Youth With A Mission (YWAM) returned to build crafts with our kids.

Kids Get an Ice Cream Social /
Back to School Party

Parents & kids enjoyed ice cream and back-to-school goodies.

Hurstbourne Christian Church members collaborated with Wayside to throw an Ice Cream and Back-to-School party at Hotel Louisville. The fun started with both kids and parents choosing their favorite ice cream bars. Then everyone moved through tables loaded with new backpacks and school supplies, plus underwear and socks for their children. It was a great way to start the new school year!

Fleur's Dream Amazes Us with Their Support!

Fleur’s Dream brought clothing, toiletries, plus food, water & more.

Fleur’s Dream consistently amazes us with their continued support of Wayside’s clients at the shelter. They recently brought a round of clothing, toiletries, food, water and more to the Shelter. Thank you for repeatedly bringing the love for Louisville’s homeless!

Donate Your Car or Truck to the Mission & Everyone Wins!

You’ll get a tax deduction while you’re supporting Louisville‘s homeless. Wayside accepts most vehicles, even if they’re not running. We offer convenient pickup.

Call or text: 502-836-7661.