My friend Leanne

By Leanne

Hi, I’m Leanne. I’ve known John for about three, maybe going on four years now. I first met him when I was living in a tent in the park—out in the snow, in some of the hardest times of my life. My partner at the time, Samuel, was still alive then. He passed away over a year ago now, and I miss him so much. He and John were really close—they were good buds.

John would come by often when we were out there. He’d bring us sandwiches, coffee, and just sit and talk with us. He never looked down on us. He never rushed us. He just showed up with kindness and love, again and again. That meant the world to us.

Now I’m housed,

Even now, John still shows up. He’s brought me groceries, dinners, spaghetti meals, juice, chips—whatever he could. Sometimes when I’ve had nothing, he’s been there to help. It’s not just about the food though—it’s knowing someone actually cares. That someone sees you. That you’re not invisible.

John’s ministry has helped me more than I can say. He’s touched a lot of people out here. I’ve seen it. I’ve lived it. And I’m grateful.

(And no, I’m not charging him $150 for this post—just kidding! 😂)

Thank you for reading my story. And thank you to everyone who supports John’s ministry. Your help makes a real difference.

May 19/ 2025

Remembering Samuel, I’ve carried a deep grief for my friend Samuel. He was one of my closest friends during my years doing ministry on the street. When he passed away, it hit me harder than I expected—or maybe harder than I knew how to express at the time.

It happened during a difficult month. My father passed away almost at the same time, and several young men in our local area also died from overdoses around then. It felt like wave after wave of loss. But Samuel’s death cut especially deep. I had spent years with him, walking with him, praying with him, encouraging him. He was a good man. A man of faith. He loved the Lord and had been baptized right here in our local community.

I still think about him often. I miss his presence, his strength, his heart. In honour of his life, I talked with his family. His ashes were laid to rest at his mother’s gravesite.

Samuel was more than a friend. He was a brother in Christ, and his memory is always with me. I pray for his family.

One day I will meet him again. God bless you.

Brother John Elving