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The Street Book
6 Years of Street Outreach
Discover the extraordinary journey of redemption, faith, and transformation in John Elving's six years of street ministry across Canada. A powerful testimony of hope and resilience, this book sheds light on the struggles of the marginalized and the redemptive power of faith.
Chapter Outline
Chapter 1: The Fall
Introduces John's life before addiction—a successful construction business owner with a family—and his descent into homelessness and despair, living on the street homeless.
Chapter 2: The Desperate Prayer
Chronicles a suicide attempt and the pivotal prayer that marked the beginning of his transformation.
Chapter 3: A New Beginning
Recounts his journey to Vancouver Island to reconnect with a friend who introduced him to street ministry in his twenties, leading to a season of healing and clarity.
Chapter 4: The Joy of Ministry
Reflects on early ministry efforts, including outreaches, and rediscovering purpose.
Chapter 5: The Call to Full-Time Ministry
Describes the moment of conviction to leave construction and dedicate his life to serving those on the streets.
Chapter 6: Radical Obedience
A supernatural physical healing. Shares the story of giving away all possessions to live among the homeless, inspired by Luke 9:3–6, and the following challenges.
Chapter 7: Rejection by the Church
Highlights painful encounters with church leadership, reflecting on systemic barriers faced by those in need. Confronting a Canadian prophet who used church money to buy street heroin.
Chapter 8: Encounters in the Streets
Recounts powerful moments of connection and transformation with people struggling with addiction, mental health issues, and homelessness.
Chapter 9: The Darkness of Addiction
Delves into the realities of the opioid crisis, with stories of friends lost and the hope shared with those at the brink.
Chapter 10: Wilderness Lessons
Details living in a tent for two years (2018–2020) and working in the full-time ministry to the homeless, surviving harsh Canadian winters, and learning to trust God’s provision.
Chapter 11: The Snowstorm
A gripping account of surviving a record-breaking blizzard in the wilderness, symbolizing resilience and faith under pressure.
Chapter 12: Life in Encampments
Explores the challenges and ministry opportunities in government-run homeless encampments during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chapter 13: Facing Violence with Love
Shares encounters with aggressive individuals and how love, faith, and wisdom defused volatile situations.
Chapter 14: A Pastor Among the Broken
Reflects on building trust and ministering in chaotic, high-risk environments while relying on God’s strength.
Chapter 15: Provision in the Wilderness
Highlights miraculous instances of God providing shelter, food, and tools for ministry in unexpected ways.
Chapter 16: Health Battles
Chronicles the struggle with undiagnosed illness, being housebound and sick for two years (2020–2022), the search for answers, and finding relief through reading the Bible.
Chapter 17: Advocacy and Action
Explains the transition from personal ministry to public advocacy, raising awareness for those on the margins.
Chapter 18: A New Season
Describes the shift to stable housing and the evolving nature of the ministry as it gains financial and community support.
Chapter 19: The Cost of the Call
Reflects on the personal sacrifices made for the ministry, including financial struggles, isolation, and criticism.
Chapter 20: Stories of Redemption
Shares testimonies of lives changed through the ministry, offering hope and inspiration to readers.
Chapter 21: A Call to Action
Invites readers to see the unseen, support the mission, and reflect on their own role in bringing Christ’s love to the lost.
Chapter 22: Conclusion – This Is More Than a Story
This book isn’t just a story—it’s a movement.
Synopsis
This book chronicles the extraordinary journey of John Elving's six years of street outreach in Canada. John lost everything—family, career, and dignity—to addiction and homelessness but found redemption and purpose through the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ our Lord.
This book sheds light on the struggles of the marginalized, the redemptive power of faith, and the transformative impact of street ministry.
It is a call to action for readers to see the world through the eyes of the forgotten, support local Christian ministries, and get involved in helping people in addition.
