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As Jesus walked with two people on the road to Emmaus, listening to them and patiently explaining the Scriptures, so Emmaus Ministries walks with those involved in male prostitution in Chicago.

Founded by Wheaton (Illinois) College graduate John Green, Emmaus Ministries reaches out to the "night community" in a neighborhood known for its gay bars and clubs. Most of the prostitutes are young, homeless men addicted to alcohol or drugs. Despite their homosexual clientele, 75 percent of those involved in prostitution consider themselves heterosexual, Green says. Rather than steal to survive and/or feed their habit, they sell their bodies.

"Our goal is to make Jesus known to them and to give them a way out," Green told Christianity Today. He describes his work—as far as he knows, the only one of its kind in the country—as "helping prodigal sons come to their senses."

The MidAmerica Leadership Foundation, which helps develop Christian urban ministries in Chicago, assisted Green in starting the ministry in 1990. Three years later, Emmaus Ministries opened a drop-in center to serve as a place of hospitality, prayer, and Christian discipleship for men.

For many, the family atmosphere at the drop-in center—John's wife Carolyn and other staff minister along with him—is a blessing they've never experienced before. At the drop-in center, the men can get food, a shower, clothing, and referrals. Emmaus also recently opened a transitional residence for men waiting to enter longer-term rehabilitation or treatment programs.

Staff and volunteers make contacts with those on the street through male/female outreach pairs. To build relationships and invite men to the drop-in center, these teams visit the streets and bars frequented by male prostitutes. Step by step, Emmaus workers help meet their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

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