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A Thousand Screaming Mules: The Story of Stubborn Hope and One Dad's Dream to Transform Kids' Lives
As a father, Pastor Ty Schenzel believed that if he loved his kids deeply, crazily, and unconditionally that they would see life, God, and their futures with hope and expectation. His children grew up knowing that “a thousand screaming mules” could not keep their dad from being there when they needed him. He showed his children that they were his priority – more than anything else.
Outside of his world and particularly in the inner city, Ty grieved when he saw other children not feeling loved in the same way. He has always felt a father’s love for those kids, and has devoted his dreams to breaking their cycle of hopelessness through faith, education, employment, and collaboration – all leading to the creation of the Hope Center for Kids.
Ty began by building a foundation of trust in the North Omaha community. He worked to help youth from across the city understand each others’ cultures better, and the Lord began to draw the groups together in a mighty way. In 1998, the former Gene Eppley Boys Club in North Omaha became home to the Hope Center, and Ty’s incredible vision became a reality.
Outside of his world and particularly in the inner city, Ty grieved when he saw other children not feeling loved in the same way. He has always felt a father’s love for those kids, and has devoted his dreams to breaking their cycle of hopelessness through faith, education, employment, and collaboration – all leading to the creation of the Hope Center for Kids.
Ty began by building a foundation of trust in the North Omaha community. He worked to help youth from across the city understand each others’ cultures better, and the Lord began to draw the groups together in a mighty way. In 1998, the former Gene Eppley Boys Club in North Omaha became home to the Hope Center, and Ty’s incredible vision became a reality.
208 pages, Paperback
Published October 11, 2011
3 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 5, 2015
Rarely have I read a book that absolutely captured the author's voice as this one. For those who weren't able to talk to or get to know Pastor Ty, this book is written exactly as he was in life - a mile of minute and full of big ideas. He wore his heart on his sleeve and his love for the kids of North Omaha is evident in pretty much every page.
My only criticisms are that - much like Pastor Ty - the narrative jumps from point to point and back and forth through time, so even as you are reading a story about the Hope Center or his ministry, you are never sure when the events are happening. Also, having had multiple conversations with Pastor Ty on this subject before his untimely passing earlier this year, I'll just warn the reader that he was an adamant believer in the "white guilt" theory.
Omaha lost a great resource when we lost Ty and Terri. This was a bittersweet read.
My only criticisms are that - much like Pastor Ty - the narrative jumps from point to point and back and forth through time, so even as you are reading a story about the Hope Center or his ministry, you are never sure when the events are happening. Also, having had multiple conversations with Pastor Ty on this subject before his untimely passing earlier this year, I'll just warn the reader that he was an adamant believer in the "white guilt" theory.
Omaha lost a great resource when we lost Ty and Terri. This was a bittersweet read.
April 23, 2020
I have the fondest memories growing up at Trinity and always loving the Sunday’s when Pastor Ty spoke the most. Witnessing someone so entrenched in their vision, purpose and calling is incredible inspiring. I can hear Pastor Ty on every page of this book. Simple, direct, full of heart and hope. I love all of his one-liners.
January 2, 2021
A great book about the power of on Dad's Dream to transform kids lives while taken great care of his own.
November 16, 2012
Memoirs of the founder of the Hope Center for Kids in North Omaha. I'm a huge fan of the Hope Center and of the author, but the book--not so much. The book presents some perspective which is interesting to those of us who are associated with the Hope Center. Even with my high level of interest in the subject, the book was barely readable due to lack of organization and continuity. The structure of the book could have been improved and a few mistakes (e.g., "trooper" instead of "trouper") would have been caught if a professional editor had been utilized.
July 16, 2015
This book was a fantastic read. It was made even better by the fact that it's a true story.
It made me realize that maybe the vision I have for my life and my calling is much smaller than what God has in store for me.
I'm grateful Ty shared his story, and has shown an example of the extraordinary impact an ordinary person with a lot of love and a big vision can accomplish.
It made me realize that maybe the vision I have for my life and my calling is much smaller than what God has in store for me.
I'm grateful Ty shared his story, and has shown an example of the extraordinary impact an ordinary person with a lot of love and a big vision can accomplish.
October 21, 2015
I often use the excuse that one person cannot make a difference but this book proves me wrong. This man's life had a huge impact on the world of many children and I am sure, on their children. Giving low income inner city kids a meal, helping with homework, giving them a safe place to play, and most importantly, hope, changed their lives. He made a huge difference.
January 29, 2018
Hope is contagious once you've read this book. Pastor Ty had a huge heart & is an inspiration to do more for those less fortunate in your community.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews