A Gritty Journey of Tex-Mex Theology with Alan Graham, Founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes
Home in Christ and Home at the Village, with my Neighbor Jeff
On this episode of the Gospel Con Carne podcast, Alan sits down with our neighbor and friend, Jeff. Raised in a strict military household and serving in the Navy himself, Jeff’s life was marked by both discipline and deep loss, including the passing of his parents and two siblings. For 30 years he battled addiction, but it was during a season of homelessness in Austin while living under a bridge that he encountered God in a life-changing way.
With the support of many who believed in him, Jeff eventually moved to Community First! Village in June of 2020. He now serves as a neighbor leader, a role selected by staff to help welcome and encourage his fellow neighbors. He also plays drums with Home Street Music and finds joy in reading faith-based books. For Jeff, life is no longer about survival—rather, it’s about surrender. He says he has learned he can’t take a single breath without God and regularly clings to the truth that through Christ, everyone can be made new.
From Bridges to Building Dreams, with my Neighbor Jim
Join Alan on this episode of the Gospel Con Carne podcast as he sits down with our friend and neighbor, Jim. Life for Jim has been marked by its share of highs and lows. He has experienced the joy of being a father, and has also experienced deep loss after losing his wife to cancer. In 2017, Jim faced another battle when a life-threatening illness left doctors uncertain if he would make it. Miraculously, he survived and ended up moving to Austin from Kansas in search of a fresh start.
Unfortunately, a plumbing job that Jim had lined up fell through and he found himself homeless, living under a bridge for four years. Even then, Jim says he avoided the traps of addiction and leaned on his faith, finding hope through Mosaic Church and later moving to Community First! Village in December of 2022.
Today, Jim treasures the dignity of having his own front door and the stability of home. Close with several of his neighbors, he uses the Village as a foundation to keep moving forward. His next dream? Starting a construction business with his son. Through it all, Jim has held onto one belief: something better is always around the corner and having a goal is the key to finding your way.
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About the Podcast
Each of us has a story to tell about who we are and how we got to where we are in life, and the element of community, whether you realize it or not, has played a vital part.
You alone have not just pulled yourself up by your bootstraps. Your path in life—your story—has been molded by other individuals along the way.
Hosted by Alan Graham, founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes, the ‘Gospel Con Carne’ podcast explores the woundedness of society through the untold stories of individuals who have encountered homelessness. You’ll hear from men and women who lived on the streets for years or even decades, and other guests who, though never homeless, understand the profound impact of family and community on their lives.
Join Alan as he takes you on a gritty journey of Tex-Mex theology while unpacking poignant stories from the streets of life that will leave you with a new understanding of the significance of community and home.
Alan Graham is one of the country’s leading visionaries on issues involving homelessness. He’s also a pretty cool dude. Meet Your Host >
