It has no steeple, no pews, not even a parking lot. But this church has a destination. The Homeless Church Bus (left, as it is dedicated) wheels the gospel to the homeless of China Basin, a warehouse area just south of downtown San Francisco along the waterfront.

In 1994, April and Evan Prosser elected not only to minister to the homeless but to live on the move among them. They renovated a bus donated by City View Church (Assemblies of God) and began delivering worship and hope to the homeless of China Basin (right). After Sunday worship at 3 p.m., April fixes dinner for everyone. Monday through Saturday, the Prossers lead Bible studies at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Even in the bleak, industrial conditions of China Basin, the work of a pastor makes a difference.

Gospel itinerants
For twenty months, the Homeless Church Bus functioned as both parsonage and worship center. Since the acquisition of a second bus, April and Evan (left) now live in one and minister in the other. To avoid ordinance violations, the buses are moved every night.

An ex-con who spent most of eighteen years behind bars, Paul (right) found the Homeless Church Bus and then found Christ. He lives in a trailer with his four cats.

Bay burial and resurrection
In San Francisco Bay, Evan baptizes Jumpin' Johnny, a self-proclaimed hobo who, before settling in Frisco, jumped trains from city to city.

Jumpin' Johnny (right), now free from his alcohol addiction, recently moved from a low-income motel to a "fellowship house" with other believers.

Saint-making
Pregnant with her fifth child, Diane (left) has not used crack for four days. Her resolve paid off, resulting in a healthy newborn, Heather-Janelle, the first of Diane's five children to be born crack-free.

Mother and child (right) receive grace from the Homeless Church Bus staff.

The gospel at work in worship (left), making saints and raising up a community.

Originally published in Leadership journal, October 1, 1997.

Copyright © 1997 by the author or Christianity Today International/Leadership Journal.
For reprint information call 630-260-6200 or e-mail ljeditor@leadershipjournal.net.

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