Chapter Twenty-nine (ePub)

From a naïve youngster growing up in a Christian home in Ohio, David Bordenkircher rose "through the ranks" of life to become Eastern Regional Director of the Volunteers of America, and an ordained Christian minister. Before arriving in New Orleans, LA to oversee that organization, Bordenkircher made stops in the US Navy, and then in California as a policeman. During those two latter experiences, and especially in the policeman's uniform, David's eyes began to open to what life in America really was.

Chapter Twenty-Nine points out very vividly that there are two Americas within our borders: one, the idealistic just America where everyone can do well with a little effort and the "right" attitude; the other, located on the other side of the tracks in skid row all over America where few "non-residents" care to visit.

The author did more than visit the other side. He made it his life's work, learning the ins and outs of skid row as few outsiders have. Although the living conditions and personal conditions of the skid row residents often repulsed him, he neither turned his back on needy people nor gave up on the derelict whom he attempted to rehabilitate.

Bordenkircher uses two main characters from skid row to teach him, and now us, what goes on in the minds of the down-and-outers, and why they are there. The author uses a great deal of dialogue to allow the characters to share their stories, often with humor, but more often with seriousness. While "listening" to these men, the reader will begin to understand that these people possess real personalities, intelligence, and the capacity to care for others.

There are many heartaches in skid row. There are untimely deaths. There are residents of the VOA's residential center who return to the flop houses to go on extended drunks after showing great promise to reform. Even so, they are not written off by those who care.

While it might not be the intention of Chapter Twenty-Nine to do so, it might convict Christians, and non-Christians alike who remain safely in comfortable homes and neighborhoods. David Bordenkircher had to go to the skid rowers. He had no choice. Perhaps the writing of this book is one reason for his tenure in New Orleans.