A special group of four or five misfits started coming to church. They were invited by Deacon Watts, who met them at Sunday breakfast and welcomed them into her Sunday school class.

The group’s leader, Clifton, wears an eye patch and is quick to hand out flyers for neighborhood events. They stay in group homes and shelters but come daily for our meal programs. What stands out most is how much they support one another and have each other’s backs. Being homeless in Chicago is dangerous, and trust is rare. Most are loners, constantly on guard, but Clifton and his group share resources and information, looking after one another.

One day Clifton told me that Jeff, a group member, had received a warrant for his arrest and decided to stop running from the law. Talking with the group gave Jeff the strength to face his fear. We prayed together, and we all went with Jeff to the police station so that he could turn himself in. It was bittersweet and a reminder that doing the right thing can often be the hardest.

On the way back, as we rode in the church van, Clifton said, “He came here all alone, and he left with a family.” By God’s Spirit and grace, all of us broken misfits can be transformed into a family.