The Gap Toledo

04/22/2024

Giving my testimony at St Paul’s United Methodist church tonight was especially thought provoking and emotional as it’s based in the epicenter of a population I was a part of not so long ago. Speaking a word of hope and perseverance to a marginalized community is at the very heart of the mission. It reminds me in the midst of my own struggles in life, there’s no place for self pity and it’s never too late to turn it all around.

04/12/2024

01/18/2024

Had the pleasure to tell my new story and answer questions tonight at the 5th edition in a series of informal discussions. Rough topics in safe spaces. Thank you to everyone who came out including my mom?! Special thanks to Larry and Jane Schaffer for the invitation and more importantly for the space they provide for those struggling or their families in need of support. Larry and Jane built a dog park dedicated to their son Jake who passed away due to overdose. Another beautiful example of beauty out of ashes. It’s not about what happens to us, it’s about how we handle it ❤️

10/30/2023

C’mon

10/23/2023

“Excuse me sir, can you help me find a shelter?” Says the man standing at my car window , at a gas station I never stop at. This young man stranded in my city, all the way from Florida. I’m between sniffles, he tells me of an arduous but familiar story. I mostly listen. Took him to the mission initially, but, it being late and cold, there were no beds available. Our, gap crisis beds were in use too but we made it work. We ALWAYS make it work. We are beholden to no man except the big man upstairs and the little man who lives between our ears. That’s all I need. If someone is willing to do what it takes, we will too. Happy to report this young man is in our care and we will map out a strategy to either get home or get him standing on his own 2 feet again cuz that’s what we do. I was on my way to meet some friends and see band I haven’t seen in a decade when this man’s life collided with my own. Didn’t get to see the show tonight or meet w my friends but I definitely got to show up for someone for in need and I absolutely made a new friend. That IS show. That’s the main stage, baby. We’re the headliners on the stage of life. When them lights go up, well , I Never had choice

10/12/2023

Shared my story w several classes at Ottawa Hills high School. Shared about my life long battle w adversity and triumph through struggle . We are so much more than mere cautionary tales. We have overcome incredible odds and we continue to daily. If your alive, you can get better. I’m getting better everyday. Special thanks to Stacy Richards and the awesome kids at OHHS. Great bunch of kids. The future is bright!

10/05/2023

Getting kicked out of treatment that doubles as your home is never a good day let alone when you traveled hundreds of miles to attend that treatment center. We all make mistakes. God knows I’ve made more than a little bit. I believe in second chances. I believe in do overs. So grateful that when calls like this come through we are able to mind the gap. In this case it was another treatment center to continue his journey. Not sure how or where this young man’s story ends, but it won’t end on the streets tonight. He will live to fight another day.

09/30/2023

Good morning! As promised, a little insight on a problem solved. Im still deciding if I want to do a deep dive into what really happened here over the past year. You will have to let me know. Besides a completely illegal and laughable eviction “process”, this particular ministry that I’m referring to in this content has literally made a joke out of these women’s pain. Laughing at them when asked if they would be willing to provide resources for them. Completely ignoring any pleas for communication, let alone assistance. I’m a solution oriented man. No use in getting bogged down in a problem when WE have the ability to solve it. Wanted to share exciting news with you all that I’ve opened a space for females. If you would like more information about this particular subject, how YOU can help us or how WE can help you, feel free to to hit me up on direct messenger or you can always call the the Gap line at 419-740-0481 or my personal line, if you already have it. We’re back. Have a beautiful day! #👊🏻💪❤️😎

09/29/2023

To my fellow warriors and supporters in this fight, which make no mistake, it is a fight, check out The Gap Toledo fb page, Saturday morning to be informed of a sickening and infuriating situation that’s unfolding right under your nose here in OUR city. Our movement was a reaction birthed out of social responsibility. Being solution based, we have picked up the slack, once again, BUT we will NO LONGER do it quietly 💪 👊🏻 😎

09/26/2023

It’s been a year since I’ve posted any type of video content. When I started to film content it was essentially a tool to push forward my mission but over time it did become a form of expression. I have the word “please understand “ tattooed on the front of my neck and it refers to what I believe is the most basic needs of being a human being, to be understood. Hopefully I’m understood and through this content I can give you all some understanding and share the amazing things that are happening in our mission. A year ago it felt like I was loosing everything but time gives us the benefit of perspective. I wasn’t loosing at all, God was removing all things and people that served no purpose or place in my life. He kicked away the snakes and cleared the weeds. Now Chris can breathe 😎

09/24/2023

Some people go to church Sunday, to his is how we get closer to God. Taking a downtrodden member of our community to detox. A listening ear and positive word, that’s how we commune w the spirit. We all play our part. Some sing hyms, some engage in corporate prayer. Concrete connections is how we worship. It’s a beautiful day to plant a seed. 🙏

09/16/2023

Got this DM at 12:40am last night…this is why…We play the long game. We plant seeds. Messages like these keeps me going because it’s easy to feel like the juice isn’t worth the squeeze, some days. This juice quenched my spirit. Gods always working in our lives even when there is silence. Be grateful for things he’s doing in your life, today that will be revealed in his time. Keep on truckin’, fam 👊🏻