Personal Journeys: Finding Redemption

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Two men find salvation sheltering the homeless and serving the poor. Christian Boone tells the amazing story of Gene Beckstein and Thomas Ramirez.

Manager Thomas Ramirez (left) and founder Gene Beckstein watch people file in for a free lunch at the Good News at Noon ministry in Gainesville. Beckstein and his late wife, Margie, began feeding the hungry from their home 26 years ago. Now the ministry provides lunch seven days a week year round, provides shelter for 20 homeless men and runs an after-school program.

Guests bow their heads in prayer before receiving a handshake from Beckstein and a hot meal served by volunteers from area churches and service organizations. The ministry also distributes 100 boxes a week of food and other essentials to area families.

Diane and William Blum pack free boxes of food in their car after the family worship service at the Good News at Noon, a faith-based ministry. Attendees who can recite Gene Beckstein's sermon can get a box of free food.

Ramirez leads a house meeting of residents at the Good News at Noon homeless ministry. Those who stay overnight are expected to help out in exchange for a place to stay.

Frank Moore Jr. (left) belts out a gospel song into an unplugged microphone as Beckstein watches during a family worship service at the Good News at Noon ministry.

Echoing his years as an educator, Beckstein uses an overhead projector as he leads the family worship service at the Good News at Noon.

In recent years, 90-year-old Beckstein has suffered a heart attack and strokes, but he still comes to Good News at Noon every day and twice on Thursdays.

Richard Trotter (second from left, in blue), Sheila Nicholas and other Grace Episcopal Church members dish out food for the homeless at the Good News at Noon ministry. Fifty-five churches and other organizations take turns bringing in food to feed the homeless.

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Manager Thomas Ramirez (left) and founder Gene Beckstein watch people file in for a free lunch at the Good News at Noon ministry in Gainesville. Beckstein and his late wife, Margie, began feeding the hungry from their home 26 years ago. Now the ministry provides lunch seven days a week year round, provides shelter for 20 homeless men and runs an after-school program.

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