Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America, (Paperback)

Mike and Sam, two young men, take a break from comfort and familiarity of upper-middle class collegiate life to live lives on the streets of big American cities. Why? Conviction from God, the state of the American Church and how we don't care for the unwanted like we should, and to grow in the Lord by giving up what they know to depend on Him. I would like to warn you that you should not read this book if your desire is to simply read a book about like on the streets. Mike and Sam start out in rescue missions in Denver, CO as a transition to street life. They quickly learn the magnitude of their decision, but they do not give up. Instead they trust God all the way (for five months) for provision. They did not do this for show or attention. Rather, their desire was to know God deeper. This played itself out on the hard streets of America. I had a hard time both putting the book down and reading it. It was such an interesting mix of emotions and reactions. They had me crying and laughing all at once. They raised questions in me that I knew I had to tackle, and that's why I wouldn't recommend this to a casual reader. Honestly, the whole purpose of the book would be wasted on you. Topics that aren't covered in the book, are covered on their website or in the Q&A at the end of the book. Mike wrapped things up and answered questions I had while I was reading. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who wants their sense of comfort, of faith, of life challenged. I woudn't recommend this book if you aren't willing to consider stepping outside of comfort (not necessarily choosing homelessness) and putting your faith into action. In fact, Mike states that doing what he and Sam did isn't the best way to reach and help those who are unwanted. It's asking yourself what you would do for God in your everyday life if you weren't concerned about what you were going to wear, what you were going to eat, or where you were going to sleep. Yes. Read this book and be challenged. Be changed. Grow in God and see the unwanted as images of the Almighty King. I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

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. Yankoski's 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 there 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 somebody's 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 author's 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.