God in the Alley: Being and Seeing Jesus in a Broken World

by Greg Paul

“Greg Paul tells of whores and crazies, misfits and rejects that sound as if they stepped out from the pages of the Bible.” –Eugene Peterson

Sam has survived physical, sexual, and substance abuse, terrible violence, and life on the streets. Wendy lives for the next high on crack, oblivious to her boyfriend’s love. Neil is dying of AIDS.

These are the people of inner-city Toronto. Look into their distorted, obscure faces, their fractured lives, and catch a glimpse of the sublime. Greg Paul calls them tragic heroes–individuals who can offer a testament to God’s love and mercy.

With emotional depth and spiritual intensity, Greg’s compelling stories reveal that people with desperate lives have precious lessons to teach us about the character of God. God in the Alley offers a profound message of grace and calling that each one of us needs to hear.

“The experience of reading this book haunts, convicts, delights. But one thing is for you don’t want to miss it.”
–Mark Buchanan, author of The Holy Trusting God in Everything

“Greg Paul writes beautifully and welcomes us into the life he lives.… I am grateful to have read this book.”
–David Wilcox, musician, songwriter, and storyteller

“I dare you to read this book at more than one sitting. Each page is a seat belt that straps you in and the turning of the page pulls the straps tighter. When the ride is over, you’ll want to start again.”
–Leonard Sweet, author of numerous books including Soul Tsunami

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Christian Non Fiction

132 pages, Paperback

First published December 7, 2004

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book opened my eyes to a world that isn't black and white and the struggle with life choices and where they can lead

[Rebecca Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Anyone who works with city ministry or wants to should read this book. I didn't agree with every angle necessarily, but the core premise of entering into the humility of Jesus in order to both receive his presence and give his presence in the context of city outreach was powerful. This book felt reminiscent of the gospels, where the Son of God walked with the most outcast of society. We as followers of Christ could do much, much better at this than we normally do.
It also reminded me of a homeless community I have been at a few times, and the level of courage and grit displayed by both the people who live there and the people who work among them.

[Lil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this book is based on people in Toronto; I find most Christian books to come from the US. The harsh realities of the homeless will be in the back of my mind every time I am in downtown Toronto. It inspires me to want to do more for God's vulnerable people. The stories of the people in this book are heartbreaking and shocking to say the least. Even then, it's amazing to hear how the author sees the glory and love of Christ in them.
I highly recommend this book, especially for my fellow Canadians. =)

[Floyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was not what I expected which was stories of God transforming lives in the streets of Toronto. Lives were being transformed but at a mighty slow pace but I guess that is more realistic. Greg Paul is a good writer and has a needed focus on being and seeing Jesus in the broken lives of people he and his staff engage. It is a special calling to be there for people like this and I admire all Jesus followers serving him in this way!

[Vivian Bender · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! This is not a theoretical book with the author standing at a far distance from the reality the people it speaks of, street people in Toronto. These pages are filled with stories of real people that the author had real relationships with, and the impact those people had on his understanding of Jesus. The insights he draws from these relationships are faith changing and affirming. Great read, especially for any city dwelling Christians.

[Zolla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest, humble, real, and well written.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for A Way of Life (Journey) group. Good reminder that God often meets us more vividly in brokenness.

[Adam Loveridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great look into seeing Jesus in inner city ministry. As potent and humble as Nouwen. It's a quiet little book that gives me hope. Greg writes with honesty and vulnerability declaring his own brokenness through stories of broken people. While I was reading this in a park today a woman (who I judged to be a "trailer park" type) came up to me and offered some food, three packs of pretzels and cheese and a lemonade Capri Sun. I am sporting a rather "homeless" beard, but Jesus couldn't have picked something better to imprint the message of the book into my mind and heart. Greg says, "recognizing Jesus' presence is just as important as being his presence to other people." That "truly being Jesus and truly seeing him cannot be separated."

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been struck in the heart by this collection of stories. To have him open his heart and hands to those many of us don't even acknowledge with our eyes is wonderful. Hopefully for others, as I know it has for me, this book gives conviction to your life, walking with Jesus and God's children. He lives in us.

[Robert Irish · Rating 2 out of 5]

Greg Paul has been on the street working with those in need. That's clear from the stories he can tell. As a whole, the book doesn't really get very far. As soon as he tries to moralize or sermonize or whatever he's doing, the book falls apart. The stories redeem it part way.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to get a deeper understanding of society's neglected, and God's grace, you won't find a better book. I was truly moved.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

great book. great stories of life change.

[Bitterlysweete · Rating 4 out of 5]

learning to love all of God's people.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Explores the reality of living out Jesus and touching lives of the most desperate of people with His love.

[Clara Dearmore Strom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this little book the other day. I am so glad I did. It is about being Jesus and love to the world, but also seeing Jesus in the broken. This one is a keeper.

[Hannah Foulger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning look at homelessness and brokenness. Jesus meets us in our brokenness. Beautiful.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very thought provoking book.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author does a great job of bringing the reader right onto the street and the raw needs there through beautiful heart-wrenching stories of real people.

[Jamin Melanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent reminder of who Jesus came to redeem.

[Anna Whiteman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rather interesting. Makes you think. I wish I had read it sooner.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

[Haisley · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!!

i read it in a day

[Debs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this really quickly and want to do a slower read before I comment.

[Nadene · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was good